Commission approves sending firefighters to national academy

By Charlene Sims, info@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commission on Monday, Nov. 18, approved a request by Linn County Fire Chief Randy Hegwald to send six firefighters to the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Md., for training.

Hegwald told the commissioner that the training was free, and the travel would be paid for by Linn County and then reimbursed by the academy. The main costs would be the meal ticket for the six firefighters, which would be about $500 because it is dormitory-style lodging, and the pay for the firefighters’ time.

Commissioner Jason Hightower asked if they would be able to bring this training back to the county. Hegwald answered they could, but it depends on what classes they take. If they already have the Firefighter 1 Certification, they can take the training class. But even if they didn’t take the training class, they can bring the knowledge they have obtained back to the other firefighters. 

Commissioner Jim Johnson asked what the daily pay would be for the firefighters. Hegwald said the regular $10 per hour for an 8-hour day and most classes last six days. 

Johnson asked what the benefits were for the training that the firefighters could not receive here. Hegwald said that the training there far exceeded what they could get in Kansas because there would be top-notch instructors from across the country and even the world.

Johnson and Commissioner Jason Hightower agreed that Hegwald could go ahead and schedule firefighters for the training. Commissioner Danny McCullough could not attend the meeting.

Hegwald also told the commissioners that the had already had an inquiry about purchasing the tender truck that the newly purchased truck was replacing from a city in southeast Kansas. City officials told him they get back with him on Tuesday after they hold their city council meeting.  Hegwald also said that the website where the county purchased their tender from is also interested in the county’s old tender.