Oconee Fire Rescue and Air Life Georgia Hold Leadership Training Course

The following is a news release from Mark Melvin, deputy fire chief of the Oconee County Fire Rescue:

On March 18-19, and Air Life Georgia hosted a leadership training course at the .

The course was developed and funded by the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. It was led by Fire Chief Greg Render, Signal Hill Illinois Fire Department and Fire Commissioner John Brady of the . The course was entitled “Beyond Hoses and Helmets – Strategy and Tactics of Leading a Volunteer and Combination Fire/Rescue organization.”

The leadership course allowed discussion of numerous current issues within the fire rescue services that included problem solving, marketing, recruitment and retention, leadership, team building and conflict resolution. Fifteen fire and rescue departments were represented during the class, including 29 members of
Oconee County Fire Rescue.

“Having this many volunteers attending a Friday evening and Saturday training course says a lot about the dedication of the members of Oconee County Volunteer Fire and Rescue,” Chief Bruce Thaxton stated, adding that “all participants have a better understanding of what is needed to be a successful Fire Rescue leader and
how to provide outstanding emergency service to the community they live and work in."

Air Life Georgia Business Manager Russell Wise co-host of the training session said, “It is inspiring to see Oconee County Fire Rescue identify and then apply a key fundamental of the 'Beyond Hoses and Helmets' course by acting as a host training site."

If you are interested in volunteering for Oconee County Fire Rescue, please contact Chief Thaxton’s office at 706-769-5175 for details.