|
Message from Jim Cobb
Having served as a member of emergency response teams my entire career in power production with T.V.A., I am acutely aware of the importance of highly professional community emergency response units. One such unit is the Rhea County Rescue Squad. The team consists of volunteers who are driven by a commitment to provide the quickest and best service to their community... Over the years they have succesfully responded to fires, hazardous material containment situation, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and search and rescue/recovery missions -- all with a limited amount of equipment, people and training. Eventually this team will likely be called on to respond to a situation at the local nuclear power plant when 'on site' response is inadequate for the challenge. These brave men and women will respond without hesitation, just as they always have. We in the community, much of the time, take their services for granted -- until we need them. We as a community should do more to ensure these protectors have the highest level of training available, the latest in high quality turnout gear, and the resources to keep response vehicles available and functional when needed. As your state representative, I am committed to support the local services such as our Rescue Squad through grants, fundraises, and community recognition for outstanding service. May we never lose one of our own because we in any level of government didn't do our part to ensure these rescuers have the best available resources for the worst possible event. Jim Cobb, |