Dedication, discipline, and a shared commitment to life safety defined a full weekend of intensive firefighter training as firefighters from across Sebastian and Crawford counties came together to sharpen their skills and strengthen their readiness to serve.
The training was led by Arkansas Fire Academy Adjunct II Instructor Todd Johnson and Adjunct I Instructor Jason Teague, supported by seasoned fire service professionals Chief James McCutcheon and Andrew Johnson of the Hackett Fire Department and Joe Garretson of the Lavaca Fire Department. Drawing heavily from real-world experience, the instructors focused on the realities of the fireground and the critical importance of disciplined, ongoing training.
“Train like your life depends on it… because it does,” Johnson stressed to students. Teague echoed that message throughout the weekend, reminding firefighters, “If you hear nothing else today, hear this—life safety is the number one priority.” Classroom instruction laid the foundation for hands-on sessions that followed, including personal protective equipment (PPE) operations and a smoke-house rescue obstacle course designed to replicate real emergency conditions. The weekend served as a powerful reminder that dedicated firefighters continue to show up, train hard, and return to their home departments better prepared to serve their communities.
The training brought together 30 firefighters representing departments from Mulberry, White Bluff, Midland, Greenwood Rural, Lavaca, Barling, and Hackett. Participants completed 16 hours of instruction, along with an additional obstacle course featuring simulated smoke-house conditions and search-and-rescue scenarios meant to mirror real-life emergencies.
Beyond skill development, the weekend highlighted the camaraderie that defines the fire service. Instructors and firefighters alike committed their entire weekend—many giving up Valentine’s Day—to sharpen their skills and support one another. Organizers expressed appreciation to both seasoned and new instructors who shared invaluable knowledge, and to every firefighter who answered the call to train.
“This was the most fun I have had in a long time,” said Mark Garretson of the Lavaca Fire Department. Garretson trained alongside both his mother and father, with all three successfully completing the classroom and practical portions together. Known for his dedication, Garretson continues to work tirelessly toward his goal of becoming a career firefighter.
Another fire family, the Morales family of Hackett, also trained together, joined by their young son—already showing early signs of a future in the fire service.
From classroom learning to hands-on drills, the weekend showcased the true spirit of firemanship across miles and departments, as firefighters trained, learned, and pushed one another forward—together.
(A special thanks is extended to Hackett Fire’s Joey Bolin for utilizing his time and talent to capture the day of drills.)
(Photos courtesy of Joey Bolin Photography)
(Photos courtesy of Joey Bolin Photography)
(Photos courtesy of Joey Bolin Photography)
