By Becky Holland
COCHRAN, Ga. — Cochran Fire and Emergency Services responded to 161 calls during October while also recording a busy month of fire safety education, community outreach and firefighter training.
According to the department’s October 2026 monthly report, medical emergencies accounted for the largest share of calls, with 97 responses. Firefighters also responded to 21 motor vehicle crashes, 11 fire or fire alarm calls and 32 incidents classified as other.
October was particularly active for community outreach, with the department reporting a record 20 fire safety events. Firefighters interacted with more than 3,235 children and 2,794 adults through educational programs and community activities.
Among the activities were the Pumpkin Festival, four Trunk or Treat events, two fall festivals, three station tours and eight fire safety events. The department also provided medical standby coverage at two Bleckley County football games.
Fire safety education extended beyond Cochran, with the department taking its fire safety house to the Dodge County Festival and an inflatable house to a family event in Wilkinson County.
In addition to emergency responses and community activities, firefighters completed 65 hours of training during October. Training covered a variety of emergency response skills, including search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials awareness and emergency communications.
The department also reported receiving $16,903.96 in reimbursement for its response to the Brantley County wildfires.
Other departmental updates included approximately $8,000 in repairs and maintenance to the pump panel control system on Engine 11, a 2008 apparatus.
The department reported that 50 smoke detectors were scheduled to arrive Nov. 11 for distribution to the public.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Fire Chief Wilcher reminds residents to practice fire safety, particularly in the kitchen.
Residents are encouraged never to leave cooking unattended and to keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
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