Members of the North Okaloosa Fire District and the Crestview Fire Department finished a 40-hour course on vehicle and machine rescue operations during the third week of May.

According to officials, the training concentrated on rescue operations involving complicated machinery events, stabilizing measures, and vehicle extrication. In order to improve their capacity to securely access, stabilize, and remove individuals stuck in vehicles or equipment, students took part in practical exercises.

The seminar helps improve the Crestview Fire agency's technical rescue capabilities and is a part of the agency's growing special operations program, according to department commanders.