Annual conference draws first responders to Hardin County
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — First responders from all across West Tennessee gathered for a special conference in Hardin County.
The 22nd Annual West TN Local Emergency Planning Committee kicked off Tuesday at Pickwick Landing State Park.
First responders from over 21 counties were in attendance for a full day of events.
“We bring in about 150, 160 first responders from all over West Tennessee,” said LaRae Sliger, EMA Director for Hardin County. “We do have some that have come over from Middle, but I think we have Milan Fire Department, Decatur County EMA, Madison County EMA, Benton County EMA, of course Hardin County EMA here.”
The LEPC conference is an educational and affordable networking opportunity for local first responders.
“You get together with a lot of your first responders across West Tennessee that you may not get to see on the daily, but we can talk about different events that happened in our area, so we can learn from each other,” Sliger said. “And to also come and get the continuing education credits.”
“The way we grow and the way we learn to better protect the public is by learning and working with our peers, so we can expand our knowledge, learn different techniques, things along those lines. We have some vendors here who can show us new technology,” Sliger said.
There was a variety of vendors present showcasing new technology, from gear to field-tested communications devices.
“The keynote [speaker] is Commander Byrd from the Nashville Police Department, and he’s talking about the Covenant School shooting and not really from the response at the time, but more of the command and control of handling that large of an incident,” said Sliger.
Attendees can also receive medical and HAZMAT continuing education credits.
“I hope somebody leaves from here at least learning one new thing and meeting one new person. That’s the goal,” Sliger said.
After a full day of learning and networking, first responders also enjoyed a cookout on the hill.
The conference continues Wednesday with a special keynote speaker from the Nashville Fire Department that will cover the Nashville Christmas Day bombing.
For more local news, click here.
