Shoals Today

On Saturday, February 12, 2023, our dispatch center received a call for a structure fire at an apartment complex in Tuscumbia.   Tuscumbia Fire was immediately dispatched and upon arrival found a large, working fire.   Entry teams accessed the structure to begin fire suppression activities.  Within minutes, a MAYDAY call was put out by the units at the scene.   Our hearts sank, but at the same time, our hands went into action.   

In November, our administrative and training staff worked with the 3 Municipal Fire Departments to develop an updated Mayday SOP.   This SOP detailed each action that dispatchers needed to perform without Incident Command having to ask.  

When the Mayday was issued this weekend, our Telecommunicators went to work and followed the new SOP.   This immediate action resulted in multiple surrounding departments being dispatched and within minutes there was dozens of extra personnel at the scene.  Luckily, the 3 men who were trapped in the structure were able to make their way out a window to safety and all suffered minor injuries.  

Today, those 3 gentlemen came to dispatch to thank the Telecommunicators for their swift actions.   It was a humbling sight to see the discussion, thanks, and hugs that were exchanged.    We are blessed to be served by such angels on both sides of the radio.  

Thank you Alex Polasky, Jakobe Fields, and Landon Beard!  And thank you Tammy McAnally, Sandra Stowe, Edie Myrick, and Katrina Jajko!

Not pictured, but someone who was there and just as important to recognize is TFD Lt. Chris Ezekiel, and Telecommunicator Sarah Kimbrough.

Original source can be found here.