The Mississippi State Fire Academy recently hosted a “Fire Academy for Elected and Public Officials” in Jackson.

Participants included mayors, aldermen, supervisors and fire officials from across Mississippi.

Representing the city of Brookhaven and participating in the activities were Alderman Fletcher Grice, Alderman-at-Large Karen L. Sullivan and Fire Chief Tony Weeks.

Representing the village of Beauregard and participating in the activities were Mayor Linda F. Harris, Alderwoman Natalie L. Miller, Alderwoman Barbara Motley and Alderwoman Ira T. Motley.

Classroom lectures provided insight concerning fire service issues such as fire department organization, firefighting strategies and incident command systems.

Outside activities included nozzle reaction and hose handling, structural fire attack and viewing other fire scenario components. A tour of the academy’s new fire research building concluded the day’s activities.

Reggie Bell, executive director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy explained, “This unique presentation gives elected and public officials an opportunity to see the essential functions of how their fire departments operate on a day to day basis.”

Director Bell also said that “this experience demonstrates the risks and hazards that firefighters face during emergency response.”