Having a regional training facility is a concept that the Alabama Fire College has had in the works over the past three years. Having facilities in each region makes training more convenient and less expensive for fire departments all over the state. This is the same training that a firefighter would receive at the Alabama Fire College; the difference being that travel time and expenses can be kept to a minimum.

The Prattville Fire Department Training Division is the first to sign a regional training contract with the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. There are other regional facilities in the works, but PFD holds the distinction as the first official Alabama Fire College Regional Training Facility. Although classes are offered regionally, they are available to firefighters statewide. In other words, if Prattville is holding a class a fire professional needs, it doesn't matter if their department is in our region, the class is available to them. This is extremely important, especially when a firefighter is in need of additional education to be considered for a promotion or technical rescue classes to meet the educational requirements of a State Mutual Aid Team.

Prior to the completion of this contract, the Prattville Fire Department training facility was named as the exclusive location in the state for water rescue training. This designation was made due to the Fire Department's proximity to the Coosa River and availability of qualified instructors. The Department maintains the Fire College's trailer and equipment necessary to conduct the Water Rescue classes.

Chief Brown stated that this endeavor will save his department money on their training budget, which in turn will allow the department to keep up with the latest training methods.

"This is great news for the City of Prattville," stated Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. "Class participants will stay in our hotels and patronize our businesses. The impact of this designation is farther reaching than just budget savings for our training line item. It's an economical boost for our community. I'm very proud of the work our Fire Department has done to make this happen. I know that their professionalism and expertise will make this endeavor a huge success."

Alabama Fire College Regional Divisions