Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) is proud to announce the successful completion of an intensive Swift Water Rescue class by several of our dedicated members. The training, generously sponsored by Cartersville Fire Department, brought together emergency response personnel from across the region to develop and refine critical rescue skills in swift water environments.
The following members from CCFES participated in the training:
Jacob Chaffee
Greg Sullivan
Steven Barrett
Tim Vickery
Olivia Hinesley
Bryce Sanders
Robert Steuer
Dalton Hamby
Robert Romao
Instruction was led by experienced trainers from Cherokee County, including:
Drew Champion
Chad Wigington
Nick Woodall
In addition to CCFES and Cartersville Fire, various other departments from the region were also in attendance, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared learning.
Throughout the course, participants engaged in hands-on training and practical scenarios that focused on the following key areas:
Water Dynamics – Understanding how water flows, river classifications, and hydrology fundamentals.
Hazard Recognition – Identifying dangers such as strainers, low-head dams, and other risks inherent to swift water environments.
Personal Safety – Mastering self-rescue techniques and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Rope Skills – Practicing knots, mechanical advantage systems, and setting up anchors for technical rescue operations.
Rescue Techniques – Conducting shore-based, boat-based, and in-water rescues including tethered swims, foot entrapment releases, and managing combative patients.
Scene Management – Enhancing capabilities in incident command, risk assessment, and coordinating rescue operations.
“We are incredibly proud of our members for their commitment to professional development and to the safety of our community,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “We are also thankful for the continued partnership with Cartersville Fire Department, whose support and leadership make training opportunities like this possible.”
This advanced training not only strengthens the skills of individual firefighters but also enhances regional preparedness for water-related emergencies.
