It’s the 95th year for the annual Volunteer Firemen’s Convention and it almost didn’t happen.

 

No one signed up to host this convention, so the Patton Volunteer Fire Department decided to take it over.  They only had nine months to plan for it instead of the usual two years.

 

This is a big fundraiser for the volunteer firefighters.  The Patton Volunteer Company tells WTAJ that more often you’re starting to see these small volunteer departments become regional departments.  

 

They say it’s difficult to keep up with volunteers and a fire engine alone can cost up to a half a million dollars.

 

Patton is inviting folks out to their convention to help raise money for the department so that they can keep serving the community.

 

There’s a lot of food options and activities for the people to get involved in at the convention, but it’s also a chance for volunteer firefighters to get some extra training.

Friday afternoon there will be an extrication demonstration.  Volunteer firefighters will learn more about techniques on how to deal with car accidents that deal with newer cars.

Members of the Patton Volunteer Fire Company tell WTAJ that these cars have more safety features in them that help to protect the driver and passengers, but can also be a danger to the firefighters that are responding.

 

These safety features can actually make it more difficult to get to the person in the car.

 

They will also have a seminar for firefighters on the proper way to deal with public officials.  This includes state and local officials.  They say in Patton they usually let the officials know how they are doing, so that they can assist the volunteers in getting grants.

 

For a complete schedule CLICK HERE.