Emergency responders gathered Oct. 3-4 for two days of training hosted by the Whitewood Volunteer Fire Department, practicing the skills needed to reach people trapped inside wrecked vehicles.
The vehicle extrication course combined classroom instruction with hands-on exercises. Instructors from Oakwood Fire and Rescue led the training, with members of Cleveland Rescue, Whitewood Fire and Blacksburg Rescue attending.
Participants practiced stabilizing vehicles, removing doors and roofs, and performing dash rolls—techniques used to create space and access occupants after a crash.
LJ Recycling provided vehicles and made its lot available for the exercises, allowing responders to practice on damaged vehicles in a controlled setting. Organizers thanked the business for helping make the training possible.
Among those participating was Whitewood member Bryce Hurley, whose dedication to the department reflects his commitment to giving back to the community.
Hurley was paralyzed at age 19 and uses a wheelchair. He remains active with the department, contributing wherever he can and working alongside his fellow members.
During the training weekend, Hurley joined other responders at the site as they practiced the skills needed to help others in an emergency.
For the departments involved, the course offered time to learn together, practice rescue techniques and prepare for the calls their communities depend on them to answer.
