MURFREESBORO, Tenn (WMOT) -- Members of the Murfreesboro Fire Department will train this week at Smyrna Airport on how to handle aircraft emergencies.
The three day course includes training in aviation fire suppression, general airfield safety, airport terminology, and search procedures for locating downed aircraft.
Department spokesperson Ashley McDonald says changes at the Murfeesboro airport, and courses at Middle Tennessee State University, prompted Chief Cumbey Gaines to send his firefighters for the training in Smyrna.
“The approaching expansion (at the Murfreesboro airport) was a big part of the decision for us to participate in this class, but also the importance of MTSU’s Aerospace and Engineering programs was a big factor as well.”
Smyrna Airport Fire Chief Joe Johnson is conducting the training. He notes that, just like automobiles, aircraft are constantly changing and firefighters need to keep up with those changes to handle emergencies safely.
The training concludes on Wednesday.