The Reinhardt campus hosted members of Waleska’s Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Technical Rescue 12 and Cherokee County Search and Rescue Team volunteers on November 22, 2025. The joint training exercise provided a variety of challenging scenarios to simulate search and rescue situations.
Participants practiced search planning, team communication, clue identification, victim assessment, safe extraction procedures, and rescue techniques. The drills took place around buildings, athletic fields, trails, and bodies of water.
“Participants reported that the joint training improved their ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies,” stated Cherokee Fire Battalion Chief Michael Sims. “The exercise fostered teamwork, clarified roles, and built mutual trust among the fire department technical rescue unit and search and rescue volunteers.”
Collaborative training sessions are essential for ensuring public safety and preparedness in Cherokee County. This partnership underscores the University’s commitment to supporting county emergency services while preparing the Reinhardt campus for potential emergency response.
– By Suzy Alstrin
