Despite inclement weather, twenty-four individuals participated in the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course [EVOC] earlier last month.

The two day training program began with eight hours of classroom presentation, followed by an entire day spent driving emergency vehicles through a road-course set up in a parking lot at the Wytheville Community College.

The Wythe County Board of Supervisors sponsored program was instructed by the county’s emergency management team through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads.

In addition to the sixteen hours of training time logged, students participating in the certification program were required to complete a written examination and practical skills test.

Through the training exercise, emergency responders learned safe driving techniques for operating a wide variety of emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks.

In spite of heavy rains, class instructors continued with the hands-on-driving portion of the program, “We respond in all types of weather, including the rain, so we didn’t stop the course when the weather started getting ugly,” said Ikey Davidson, Wythe County’s Director of Emergency Management.

The safety training included participants from multiple departments, as well as several neighboring localities.

Through training exercises such as these, government officials hope to enhance public safety by ensuring emergency personnel and volunteers are prepared to meet the challenges associated with driving emergency vehicles.

Special thanks to Wythe County Rescue Squad for providing accompanying photos.