On Oct. 1, about 30 first responders from the Memphis, TN, area learned new rescue skills, vehicle cutting techniques and approaches to EVs, all as part of a program that saves critical minutes and lives in rescue situations.
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue accident victims from late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles.
Pinnacle Financial Partners hosted first responders from Memphis-area fire departments for the program. Allstate and Farmers donated the vehicles, Copart provided the towing, HURST Jaws of Life and MES provided the tools and education, and Lucid Motors showcased an EV for a virtual extrication demonstration.
“This kind of training on today’s advanced vehicles isn’t widely available and it is critical to how we can serve drivers and our community,” said Piperton Fire Chief Reed Bollack. “Learning how to navigate and cut these advanced cars helps ensure we provide the best care for our patients and protect our first responders.”
One of Bollack’s first responders was honored as the 6,000th first responder to participate in the program. Derek Farris, a full-time firefighter/EMT and “B” shift lead with the Piperton Fire Department, recently celebrated his four-year work anniversary. He is also an active volunteer member of the Gilt Edge, TN, Volunteer Fire Department, where he also lives with his wife and child. He has been a volunteer there for six years.
Prior to joining the Piperton Fire Department, Farris worked for the Tennessee Air National Guard, and he was also in the U.S. Army National Guard for six years with an MOS of 13 Bravo.
“It’s really a surprise and an honor to receive this,” said Farris. “I just want to do my job and take care of my family and my community.”
The first responder education event is part of Pinnacle’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the regions where it does business.
“We’re very proud to bring this program to Memphis to help prepare our first responders to rescue area drivers in accident situations,” said Phillip May, Memphis president for Pinnacle Financial Partners. “We are focused on serving the residents of the Memphis area, and providing the NABC F.R.E.E. program helps ensure they are safer on the road.”
