U.S. Forest Service Honors Volusia County Fire Rescue for Training Partnership

Posted On: November 2, 2023

Marking a milestone in collaborative firefighting and emergency response training, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recently honored Volusia County Fire Rescue (VCFR) for a decade-long partnership that has significantly advanced firefighting skills and preparedness across the nation. During a joint training event held Oct. 23-27, the USFS celebrated this enduring alliance, underscoring the pivotal role of VCFR's cutting-edge facility in training firefighters from various agencies.

“This facility is beautiful and hosts a structure fire school here for Daytona State College,” said USFS Lead Instructor Alan Kirby. “They have multiple classrooms adjacent to woodlands, convenient for indoor workshops and outdoor exercises for a balanced learning environment.”

The fundamental tenet underscoring this recognition is that partnership is imperative not just during training exercises but also in responding to live emergencies. Over the course of the week, firefighters engaged in a variety of tabletop exercises and were introduced to hands-on demonstrations involving new equipment and simulated scenarios, further enhancing their preparedness and response capabilities.

"This accolade is a testament to the dedication and excellence of Volusia County," stated Battalion Chief Scott Smoak. "Having a state-of-the-art facility where firefighters nationwide come to hone their skills underscores the top-tier training our own firefighters undergo to safeguard our community."

The USFS and VCFR jointly express their appreciation for the continued trust and commitment to excellence. Staff from both agencies look forward to continuing this enduring partnership, ensuring their firefighters are best prepared for future fire challenges that extend beyond incident command and zip code.

To learn more about VCFR, including the training facility, visit www.volusia.org/fire or call 386-239-6427.