Cherokee Firefighter Gains Smoke Diver Designation

CANTON, GA -- A Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services employee has completed the Georgia Smoke Diver Program.

Sgt. Justin Gilleland successfully completed the recent Smoke Diver Course, which was held earlier this month, and has been officially designated as Georgia Smoke Diver #986. He was also presented a letter of commendation from Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather for his accomplishment.

The Georgia Smoke Diver course is a six-day, 60 hour program designed for the experienced firefighter who desires realistic training in self-survival, firefighter rescue, advanced search and rescue, thermal imaging, emergency procedures, teamwork, discipline, team leadership, situational awareness and decision making as well as how to function within the elements of the incident command system.

The program condenses and replicates the extreme demands that may be placed on firefighters at any incident. The course is physically demanding and mentally challenging, and allows each candidate to understand and manage their physical and mental limitations under safe, but stressful and realistic conditions.

About 30 Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services employees have gained the designation, the agency told Patch.

Photo: Sgt. Justin Gilleland, left, with Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather. Credit: CCFES