The Mississippi State Fire Academy recently hosted a “Fire Academy for Elected and Public Officials” in Jackson.  Participants included mayors, commissioners, aldermen and councilmen, as well as fire officials, from across Mississippi. 

Representatives from the City of Olive Branch who participated in the activities were alderwoman Pat B. Hamilton, alderwoman Susan V. Johnson, alderman Don K. Tullos and training officer Ken Givens.

Classroom lectures included insight concerning fire service issues such as fire department organization, firefighting strategies and incident command systems (ICS).  Outside activities included operating fire apparatus, structural fire attack and viewing other fire scenario components. 

A tour of the academy’s new fire research building concluded the day’s activities.

“This unique presentation gives elected and public officials an opportunity to see the essential functions of how their fire departments operate on a day to day basis,”   Reggie Bell, executive director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy said. “This experience demonstrates the risks and hazards that firefighters face during emergency response.”

(Courtesy photos)