The Ledger

By Becky Holland

COCHRAN — Cochran Fire and Emergency Services responded to 138 calls for service during the month of June, with medical emergencies accounting for more than two-thirds of the department’s workload, according to its monthly activity report.

The department answered 93 medical calls, 14 motor vehicle crashes, five fire or fire alarm incidents, and 26 calls classified as other during the month.

In addition to emergency response, firefighters continued work aimed at improving public safety and maintaining the department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. June activities included completing business inspections and pre-fire plans, maintaining fully staffed shifts with four firefighters and painting fire hydrants throughout the city.

The department also reported several operational updates during the month. Dayton Yarborough joined Cochran Fire and Emergency Services as a new college firefighter, while Citizens Bank of Cochran donated $10,000 to help purchase needed equipment.

Fire Chief Brock Wilcher said the department has also been working with the city’s engineer to discuss design ideas and options for a future fire station. During June, firefighters also successfully rescued an animal from a house fire on Palm Street.

Community outreach remained an important part of the department’s mission. Firefighters participated in the Juneteenth Festival Fire Safety House and the Dre Day event, where they interacted with more than 50 children and 80 adults, providing fire safety education and answering questions from residents.

Training continued throughout the month, with firefighters completing instruction in pump operations, driver training, fast attack versus establish tactics, mayday procedures, due regard, deploying attack lines, thermal imaging camera operations, gas monitor operations, aerial operations, building construction, chainsaw operations and maintenance, vehicle stabilization, apparatus placement, firefighter self-rescue in water, water can use, after-action review and Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service.

Wilcher also reminded residents to take precautions while grilling during the summer months.

“I’d like to remind everyone to keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or a bucket of water nearby whenever you are grilling,” Wilcher said.

The June report highlights the department’s ongoing commitment to emergency response, firefighter training, public education and planning for future improvements while serving the Cochran community.