FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2008

RURAL/METRO HONORS GRADUATES OF ACCELERATED FIRE ACADEMY

The latest graduates from Rural/Metro’s Fire Academy have the added distinction of completing their training in less time than any other class before them.

This year’s group went through the accelerated version of the academy training. That means they completed 16 weeks of classroom and field work as well as physical conditioning in only seven weeks. To accomplish that, the cadets had to train six days a week, often for nine or ten hours a day.

“The demand for trained firefighters and emergency personnel is growing along with the population,” said Fire Chief Jerry Harnish. “The dedication of this cadet class is extraordinary.”

This is the 21st graduating class from the academy and includes nine firefighters and three paramedics. The graduates will be assigned to stations across Knox County.

Rural/Metro’s fire service area includes all of Knox County with the exception of the city of Knoxville.

Rural/Metro Fire Department is the third largest in the state and has provided fire protection for Knox County since 1977.

Rural/Metro of Tennessee is the largest emergency service provider in East Tennessee, with a combined work force of more than 500 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, telecommunicators and other support personnel. Rural/Metro Ambulance Service is the only accredited provider in the state, with contracts for 911 service in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Franklin counties. Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 22 states and approximately 365 communities throughout the United States.

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