Emergency responders need to be able to focus on assisting people in distress without worrying about traffic dangers. The Hovland Fire Department and STOP team is offering training in incident traffic control on Saturday, April 12. Community members can take the training to learn how to help manage traffic at accidents, helping to make sure that everyone makes it home safe.
Have you ever wondered how to help your local fire department and First Responders, but don’t know how? The Hovland Fire Department and Safety Team Operational Patrol (STOP) team is offering a training opportunity that could help you become part of the emergency services team as a traffic control incident manager.
Keck Melby of the Hovland Fire Department and coordinator of the department’s STOP team said his department has seen firsthand how effective traffic control protects all responders and victims. Melby said, “First Responders could use your help to make sure everyone gets home safe.”
Melby said it is especially important to establish STOP teams in other areas of Cook County and encourages community members to join the Hovland Fire Department for the day to complete the training to become a traffic control incident manager and certified Minnesota flagger.
Attendees do not need prior experience as firefighters, First Responders or with law enforcement, but that experience does not disqualify them. The training is available to anyone who would like to help their local department or First Responders. It is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for Traffic Control Incident Management Professional Qualifications.
The training will start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the Hovland Town Hall with classroom and desktop exercises, followed by a practice roadside scene. Lunch will be provided, as well as a barbecue at the end of the day.
For more information or to signup for the training, call (218) 475-2766.
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