The Hackett Fire Department recently completed specialized training in fire overhaul under the instruction of Todd Johnson. According to guidance from the Arkansas Fire Academy, overhaul refers to the crucial phase after a fire is knocked down, when firefighters search for hidden hot spots, remove burned materials, and protect a property from rekindling. It also includes salvaging belongings whenever possible—an often overlooked but deeply meaningful part of the job.
“It’s often one of the most overlooked yet vitally important parts of what we can do for a property owner,” said Hackett Fire Training Officer Todd Johnson. “It may be an old photo or a special item we can retrieve for them that means so much. I know a lot of departments may not do it, but if we are the primary department, we will be performing overhaul.”
The 16 hour training course ensures that Hackett firefighters are prepared not only to extinguish fires safely and effectively, but also to help homeowners preserve what they can during some of their most challenging moments.
