DALLAS, GA — February 14th — Four personnel of Paulding County Fire/Rescue have successfully finished the Georgia Public Safety Training Center's Structural Collapse Technician course. Operators of fire apparatus Firefighter Hunter Rakestraw, Laura Easterwood, Jessica North, and Ben Clark finished the eight-day advanced rescue operations course.

Breaching, shoring, search, heavy lifting, victim stabilization, and team coordination during complicated incidents were all covered in the course. According to officials, this certification enhances the department's technical rescue skills and facilitates the response to regional mutual help. Additionally, the training equips firemen to work safely in high-risk situations, like building collapses and disaster sites. According to leaders, ongoing professional development enhances service delivery, safety, and preparedness. Crews are more equipped to handle situations in the community thanks to these certifications.