Hardeman County students from area schools attended the First Responder Career Day, which was held at Bolivar Central High School on Friday, September 14. Seventh graders through high school seniors attended the event to learn about careers in the public safety, emergency, and healthcare fields.
Expecting participation from many service departments, the Bolivar Fire Rescue Department shared a public service announcement on its Facebook page that there was no emergency at the school. In attendance for the day were representatives from the Bolivar Fire Department, Bolivar Energy Authority, Bolivar Police Department, Hardeman County Emergency Medical Services, Hospital Wing, West Tennessee Healthcare, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Army National Guard, Tennessee Division of Forestry, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Bolivar Fire Rescue Department last held a First Responder Career Day in September 2024 at Bolivar Middle School. The event was so well received by the students as well as the service personnel sharing career information. Bolivar Fire Chief Lynn Price again put the wheels in motion with planning and coordinating the event for this year.
Although the focus of the day was educational, it also included fun. The National Guard set up an inflatable obstacle course, which was busy and a tremendous hit!
“The event highlighted the collaboration and coordination required among agencies throughout the public safety community,” said Chief Price who shared more about how departments work together. “For example, many people may not realize that Bolivar Energy Authority frequently responds alongside Bolivar Fire to incidents involving transformer fires, downed power lines, and structure fires. Their expertise and assistance are essential to ensuring these emergencies are handled safely and effectively. Likewise, we work closely with local law enforcement, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, EMS, hospital nurses, and numerous other partners during motor vehicle crashes and other emergencies. The Tennessee Division of Forestry responds with us on wildland fire incidents. They also are integral to protecting our community by deploying their equipment to contain fires and build fire breaks.”
The event was geared toward seventh and eighth grade students and high school students in Future Ready, Career Ready, Medical, and Criminal Justice classes. Students from Bolivar Central High School, Middleton High School, Whiteville Elementary School, Bolivar Middle School, Toone Elementary School, and Hornsby Elementary School were in attendance.
“Effective public safety depends on strong partnerships. Each agency brings unique skills and resources to the response, and by working together in a coordinated effort, we can accomplish our shared goal of protecting and serving the community. Our focus today was to introduce students to the many and varied careers in the public safety community,” said Chief Price. “We would like to thank Director of Schools Mrs. Christy Smith and Principal Avent for their tremendous support of the career fair. Mrs. Dwana Cranford was instrumental in scheduling the schools in for their various blocks of time and keeping everything on track. Finally, we would like to thank Communities in Schools and School Board Member Mr. Anthony Ford for providing lunch for all of the first responders today.”
Drone photos courtesy of Captain Brian Vandiver.
