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ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE Serve - Sharpen - Succeed

AUGUST 2026

Recognizing the signs of an active drowning victim, Thomas and Gibbons immediately responded. Using their training and proper water-entry techniques, both instructors entered the water and rapidly swam toward the man.

At the July 2026 Quarterly Work Session and Meeting, the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards & Education Commission recognized Instructors Zach Thomas and Zach Gibbons for their life-saving response of a coordinated water rescue of a civilian while instructing a Surface Water Rescue class in June 2026.

AFC Instructors rescue civilian during class On June 11, 2026, Alabama Fire College instructors Zach Thomas, (Engingeer, Guntersville Fire Rescue), and Zach Gibbons (Captain, Prattville Fire Department), were conducting a Surface Water Rescue course at Wind Creek State Park. The course was hosted by the Alexander City Fire Department and attended by personnel from Alexander City Fire Department, Dadeville Fire Department, Opelika Fire Department, and Phenix City Fire/Rescue. The class had just completed a practical evolution involving leaping water entries at a dock area across the road from the primary training location. Following the exercise, the instructors and students returned to the main training area adjacent to the beach for a scheduled hydration break. While on break, the instructors and students continued to observe activity on the lake and surrounding beach area. During this time, they noticed a middle-aged man in distress approximately 50 yards offshore. The man was visibly struggling to remain afloat, splashing in the water, making gurgling sounds, and intermittently calling for help. He was observed repeatedly bobbing beneath the surface and having significant difficulty keeping his head above the waterline.

Upon reaching him, they found that he was extremely fatigued and barely able to remain above the surface. The instructors secured the man under the arm and across the chest while maintaining his airway above the water. Thomas was equipped with a rescue tube, which was positioned around the man to provide flotation support. The man was instructed to maintain contact with the device while slowing and controlling his breathing. Thomas then used the tethered rescue tube to move the man toward shore while Gibbons remained alongside him, maintaining physical contact and providing reassurance and verbal direction to keep him calm. Through the coordinated efforts of Thomas and Gibbons and the students participating in the Surface Water Rescue course, the man was safely brought to shore and assisted onto land. Once ashore, he was placed in a flat position and assessed. The man repeatedly expressed his gratitude and explained that he had entered the water to retrieve his son’s ball. He stated that he had not realized how far he had traveled from shore and had underestimated the physical effort required to return. He became exhausted and was unable to keep himself safely above the water. The Alabama Fire College recognizes Zach Thomas and Zach Gibbons for their rapid identification of a lifethreatening emergency, immediate response, and professional execution of a coordinated water rescue. Their actions, supported by the students participating in the course, resulted in the successful rescue of the man and likely prevented a drowning.

AAFC names Fire Chiefs of the Year at summer conference

At the 2026 Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Summer Conference, Chief Tim Love, ret., was named as the Career Department Fire Chief of the Year. Chief Love recently retired from Alabaster Fire Department. Chief Jonathan Adams of Heflin Fire-Rescue was named as the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. This award is sponsored by NAFECO. Congratulations to the AAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award recipients!

Cave Rescue subject matter experts meet to review program The success of the Alabama Fire College’s certification and training programs depends heavily on the knowledge and experience of the men and women who work in the trenches, practicing, teaching, and performing these skills every day. Without the involvement of these subject matter experts, our programs simply would not be as strong or as relevant to the fire and emergency services we serve. Members of the Huntsville Cave Rescue Unit, Inc., Carrie “CJ” Jones, Andrew Sheaff, and Neil Sherer, participated in the Alabama Fire College’s Technical Review Committee meeting for the Technical Rescue Personnel: Cave Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician programs on August 4-5 at the Fire College. We were honored to have these three highly experienced Subject Matter Experts assist with the review of our certification requirements and curriculum. Their practical experience, technical knowledge, and willingness to share their expertise help ensure that AFC programs remain current, credible, and focused on the real-world skills rescuers need in the field. We sincerely appreciate CJ, Andrew, Neil, and the Huntsville Cave Rescue Unit for their continued support of the Alabama Fire College and Alabama’s emergency response community.

Class of 2026 Paramedic Program graduation held August 14

Paramedic Program Class of 2025-2026 graduated on August 14. In addition to the AFC campus, five fire departments hosted sattelite locations: Albertville, Chelsea, Helena, Madison, and Prattville.

The Alabama Fire College Paramedic Program prepares emergency medical professionals for the advanced responsibilities of paramediclevel care. For the 2025-2026 program, training was offered at the main Alabama Fire College campus and five satellite locations, hosted by: Albertville Fire Department, Chelsea Fire & Rescue, Helena Fire Department, Madison Fire & Rescue, and Prattville Fire Department. Students were required to complete 10 classes, maintain an average of 80 or above, and meet all required academic and clinical standards before graduation. The Class of 2025-2026 answered more than 13,000 questions, including approximately 800-900 questions on their final examination. Students also completed almost 500 clinical hours in hospitals, ambulances, and other patient-care settings while meeting minimum standards for required skills and patient encounters. Collectively, the Class of 2026 performed around 4,000 documented IV placements on actual patients, providing extensive hands-on experience in advanced emergency medical care across the state. The program’s results demonstrate the level of preparation students receive before entering the profession. Of the 29 graduates, 27 passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination on their first attempt. Through rigorous academics, clinical experience, and hands-on patient care, the Alabama Fire College Paramedic Program prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide high-quality emergency medical care.

Are you ready to answer the call and serve your community? Visit www.alabamafirecollege.org/ems.

Class of 2026 Christopher Barnes John Bigham Shamyn Brown Felicity Carney Dakota Cartee Peter Escarment Clinton Feemster Joshua Gates Nathan Givens Samuel Gray Molly Hamilton John Hines, Jr. Jasmine Kiker Elam Kinard‌ Willver Lopez Daniel Mink Chad Parsons Jon Parsons Jake Robbins Dylan Romo Stephan Saint Douglas Stephens William Strength Dylan Taylor Dalton Trucks‌ Ashlynne Vaughan Dalton Yarroch Noah Yarroch Colby Yessick

Specialized training helps fire departments respond to traffic incidents more safely

Traffic Incident Management is a planned and coordinated program process to detect, respond to, and remove traffic incidents and restore traffic capacity as safely and quickly as possible. This coordinated process involves a number of public and private sector partners.

Traffic crashes, vehicle fires, spilled loads, hazardous materials incidents, and stalled vehicles all require fire departments to manage emergencies on active roadways while protecting responders, patients, and motorists. Alabama’s Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) helps make that work safer and more coordinated by bringing fire departments together with law enforcement, EMS, towing and recovery companies, HAZMAT teams, and Alabama Department of Transportation crews. For fire departments, TIMS supports a coordinated approach to roadway incidents involving vehicle extrication, fire suppression, patient care, hazardous-material response, scene protection, and traffic control. The goal is to create a safer incident scene, improve communication, and reduce unnecessary exposure to moving traffic. Effective TIMS practices can help fire departments: Improve responder safety on highways and busy roadways. Coordinate apparatus placement, traffic control, and scene protection. Establish clear roles and responsibilities among responding agencies. Improve communication between fire, EMS, law enforcement, towing, and transportation personnel. Support safe, quick roadway clearance. Reduce the risk of secondary crashes. Restore normal traffic flow safely and efficiently. ALDOT’s Traffic Incident Management Program is centered on three national priorities: responder safety, safe and quick clearance, and prompt, reliable incident communications. For Alabama fire departments, TIMS can strengthen interagency partnerships, improve roadway-response procedures, and provide practical tools for working safely in one of the most hazardous environments responders face.

ALTIMS First Responder Fundamentals Montgomery: August 27 Huntsville: August 29 Scottsboro: September 9 Tuscaloosa: September 10 Huntsville: September 28 Guntersville: October 6 Tuscumbia: October 7

ALTIMS Command-Level Training (Train-the-Trainer)

Cullman: October 14–15

The Hidden Dangers of Hoarding: What Lies Behind Closed Doors

Hoarding is a behavior pattern that puts the safety of citizens and first responders equally at stake. Limited visibility, restricted movement, unstable stacks of possessions, and blocked escape routes increase the likelihood of injuries.

by Captain David Brasher | Irondale Fire Department For more than two decades serving my community as a firefighter, I have responded to homes of every size, style, and condition. Many have incredible curb appeal, from beautifully landscaped yards and stunning architectural details to elegant stonework and inviting front porches. From the outside, they appear to be safe, welcoming homes. However, appearances can be deceiving. Some of the greatest dangers I have encountered were hidden just beyond the front door. Behind those beautiful exteriors can be conditions that transform an emergency into a life-ordeath situation not only for the residents and their pets, but also for the firefighters who risk their lives to protect them. One of the most significant and often overlooked hazards is hoarding. Hoarding is more than excessive clutter. It is a complex condition that results in the accumulation of large amounts of belongings, often blocking exits,‌ hallways, stairways, and essential living spaces. While these conditions can severely impact the quality of life for those living in the home, they also create life-threatening hazards during emergencies. For firefighters, hoarding environments are among the most dangerous scenes they encounter. Every extra item inside a home becomes additional fu‌el f‌or a fire, allowing flames to spread more rapidly while producing intense heat and toxic smoke. Narrow pathways and unstable piles of belongings make it difficult to advance hose lines, search for occupants, o‌r reach the seat of the fire. Floors may be weakened by excessive weight, increas‌ing the risk of collapse, while hidden hazards su‌ch as extension cords, overloaded electrical outlets, and blocked utilities further complicate emergency operations. Fire suppression is only one part of the challenge. Firefighters are also committed to rescuing pets and family members trapped inside. Unfortunately, hoarding conditions

often make locating animals nearly impossible. Pets may hide deep within piles of clutter, become trapped behind debris, or be overcome by smoke before rescuers can safely reach them. Every second spent navigating obstructed rooms reduces the chances of a successful rescue. The safety of firefighters is equally at stake. Limited visibility, restricted movement, unstable stacks of possessions, and blocked escape routes increase the likelihood of injuries. Something as simple as a shifting pile of boxes can trap or disorient a firefighter in an already hazardous environment. These dangerous conditions can quickly turn a routine emergency response into a life-threatening situation for both residents and first responders. The good news is that these risks can often be reduced. Seeking assistance early, maintaining clear exits, keeping heating equipment and electrical panels accessible, and reducing combustible clutter can significantly improve fire safety. Families, friends, and community organizations can also play an important role by offering support with compassion and understanding. A home’s beauty should never be judged solely by its exterior. Behind every door should be a safe environment where families, pets, and firefighters have the best chance of surviving an emergency. Recognizing the hidden dangers of hoarding is the first step toward creating safer homes, protecting loved ones, and ensuring that those who answer the call for help can return home safely themselves.

Find resources for your department and your citizens:

NFPA

USFA

NFPA Public Education News The 2026 edition of the NFPA Educational Messages is here! Updated. Reviewed. Ready to use. The newest edition of the NFPA Desk Reference for the Fire Service and Fire and Life Safety Educators is now available. Whether you are creating handouts, teaching a class, or planning community outreach, this resource provides trusted messaging to support your fire and life safety education efforts. Download: www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/educational-messaging.

Would you like to receive this info directly? Email the NFPA CRR team at CRR@nfpa.org to be added to the invitation & updates list.

The wait is over. Introducing this year's Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) theme: Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. FPW™ 2026, October 4-10, is all about charging safely. Every day, we rely on rechargeable devices to stay connected, informed, and entertained. This year's campaign will help people of all ages learn simple charging habits that can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Watch the video and get ready to power up your fire safety knowledge at fpw.org. Fire Prevention Week 2026 resources are now available on Sparky School House. You'll find free lesson plans, videos, classroom activities, and other tools to support your school visits and community outreach. The new Design a Superhero printable, available exclusively on Sparky.org, is a great take-home activity for kids. Pair it with the Safe Charging Tip Sheet to reinforce safe charging messages with parents and caregivers at home. September is Campus Fire Safety Month. Boxes? Bedding? Snacks? September is Campus Fire Safety Month. Before campus life gets into full swing, add safety to the move-in checklist for the students in your community. NFPA's free campus safety resources cover cooking safety and the safe use, storage, and charging of lithium-ion batteries to help students start the semester with smart habits. Find these and other campus fire safety tips at: nfpa.org/campussafety Fall Prevention Awareness Week is September 21-25, 2026. Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign observed on the first day of fall to increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention. Get ideas to raise awareness in your community by showcasing the many ways Steps to Safety™ can reduce fall risks.

FIRE & LIFE SAFETY SUMMIT Sponsored by NFPA & State Farm Insurance

www.alabamaﬁrecollege.org/summit

SEPTEMBER 10 ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE

2026 ALABAMA

Fire & Life Safety Awards Nominations are now open until Aug. 28 to recognize Alabama's fire & life safety education champions! Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year Award Community Impact Award Chief Advocate for Prevention Award

scan to learn more and nominate someone!

Published AUG 2026

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE

Regional Services

www.alabamafirecollege.org/regional It’s our goal to extend training opportunities into every county in Alabama. To accomplish this objective, we have a network of regional coordinators to facilitate training at the local level. The regional staff is available to answer questions, set up training, and respond to the needs of fire service across the state.

REGION 1: Danny Southard dsouthard@alabamafirecollege.org (256)434-0459 REGION 2: Mike Hill mhill@alabamafirecollege.org (256)590-6647 REGION 3: Skip Kittrell skittrell@alabamafirecollege.org (205)960-2793 REGION 4: Rudy Rooks rrooks@alabamafirecollege.org (256)463-8469 REGION 5: Jeff Roberts jroberts@alabamafirecollege.org (205)292-5531 REGION 6: Dwayne Yelder dyelder@alabamafirecollege.org (334)549-3692 REGION 7: Jeff Ludlam jludlam@alabamafirecollege.org (251)680-7883 Reid Vaughan Section Chief of Regional Services rvaughan@alabamafirecollege.org w (205)343-7414 c (205)499-6905 fax (205)291-2757 Jennifer Gonzales Career-Tech Education Training Specialist jgonzales@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege.org/careertech w (205)391-3755 c (205)365-1192 Jonathan Ledbetter Smoke Alarm Program Manager smokealarms@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege.org/smokealarms

REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER

Kelli Southard Distance Learning Coordinator ksouthard@alabamafirecollege.org (256)431-3519

Course Vacancies Course

Date

Location

SEP 14-18

AFC

NOV 9-13

Anniston RTC

Airport Fire Fighter

NOV 30-DEC 4

Muscle Shoals RTC

Alabama Fire & Life Safety Summit

SEP 10

AFC

Fire & Life Safety Educator I

OCT 28-30

AFC

Fire & Life Safety Educator II

NOV 2-4

AFC

SEP 7-11

Eufaula Fire & Rescue

OCT 5-9

AFC

NOV 16-20

AFC

SEP 14-18

Anniston RTC

OCT 12-16

AFC

NOV 30-DEC 4

AFC

OCT 24-25

Ft. Rucker RTC

DEC 5-6

Muscle Shoals RTC

SEP 12-19

Joppa VFD

SEP 19-26

West Chilton VFD

SEP 28-29

AFC

DEC 7-11

Eufaula Fire & Rescue

FAO: Pumper

OCT 3-17

McCollum-Midway VFD

FDSO: Health and Safety Officer

SEP 14-18

AFC

SEP 7-NOV 13

Anniston RTC

SEP 7-NOV 13

Muscle Shoals RTC

OCT 12-16

AFC

NOV 30-DEC 4

AFC

SEP 21-25

Gadsden FD

OCT 5-9

Anniston RTC

NOV 16-20

Orange Beach RTC

DEC 7-11

AFC

SEP 2-17

East Chilton VFD

SEP 21-25

Lincoln FD

SEP 21-25

Dothan FD

SEP 21-25

Sheffield F&R

OCT 5-9

AFC (pilot)

SEP 12-30

Central Madison Co. VFD

SEP 21-25

Athens F&R

OCT 12-16

AFC

NOV 16-20

AFC

Advanced Fire Investigator

Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II

Fire & Emergency Services Instructor III

FAO: Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting

FAO: Mobile Water Supply

COURSE VACANCIES Fire Fighter I/II Fire Inspector

Fire Investigator

Fire Officer I

Fire Officer II

Course Vacancies Course

Fire Officer III

Date

Location

AUG 24-28

Opelika RTC

SEP 21-25

Anniston RTC

OCT 19-23

AFC (pilot)

OCT 26-30

Orange Beach RTC

NOV 30-DEC 4

AFC

SEP 14-18

Mobile RTC

SEP 28-OCT 2

Anniston RTC

OCT 26-30

AFC (pilot)

NOV 2-6

Orange Beach RTC

DEC 7-11

AFC

SEP 1-3

Gulf Shores F&R

SEP 28-30

Athens F&R

OCT 5-7

Oxford FD

OCT 7-9

AFC

NOV 18-20

AFC

OCT 26-30

AFC

SEP 14-18

Huntsville RTC

SEP 21-25

Anniston FD

OCT 26-30

AFC

Marine Fire Fighter

OCT 5-9

Orange Beach RTC

Public Safety Telecommunicator I/II

NOV 2-4

AFC

TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

NOV 16-20

OTM RTC

DEC 7-11

Tallassee RTC

TRP: Confined Space Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

SEP 14-18

AFC

OCT 19-23

Dothan RTC

AUG 22-30

Monrovia VFR

OCT 12-16

Florence RTC

OCT 19-23

AFC

NOV 9-13

Oxford FD

AUG 24-28

AFC

AUG 24-28

Ft. Payne RTC

SEP 14-18

Trussville F&R

OCT 26-30

AFC

OCT 26-30

Dothan RTC

NOVE 16-20

Anniston RTC

TRP: Trench Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

SEP 28-OCT 2

AFC

TRP: Wilderness Search & Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

DEC 7-11

Oneonta FRS

Fire Officer IV

First Responder Inspector

Hazardous Materials/WMD - Incident Commander Hazardous Materials/WMD - Technician

TRP: Rope Rescue Awareness & Operations

TRP: Rope Rescue Technician

Free Physician-Led Continuing Education Opportunities for EMS Providers, Sponsored by the Alabama Fire College

AUGUST 26 | TUSCALOOSA Tuscaloosa River Market 1900 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa 35401

Lectures @ 9am Pragmatic 12-Leads w/ Dr. Ferguson Sepsis w/ Dr. Millard

Attend the lectures in-person or via Microsoft Teams for the same credit. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_ZjI4Mzc0YTUtY2VmYS00MWQxL WEzOTItYjljMjI4YWEwZTRk%40thread.v2/0? context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22eef12639-b2ba-4510985a6b9ef747076c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e89d76451eb7-4b53-b4d0-8095919ef19c%22%7d

Lunch will be provided before the Skills Lab @ 12pm: Advanced airway, OHCA, & mega-code scenarios

JOINTLY SPONSORED: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint partnership of The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (UABSOM), Alabama EMS Challenge, Alabama Fire College, and Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System. The UABSOM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. UABSOM designates this regularly scheduled series for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. UABSOM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

FREE PHYSICIAN-LED CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMS PROVIDERS