Jonesboro Fire Department graduates first Citizens Fire Academy class

The inaugural Citizens Fire Academy graduated its first class Monday night, May 6, at the Fire Training Academy off Stadium Boulevard. Eleven people completed the nine-week course, Jonesboro Fire Chief Marty Hamrick said. “We’re trying to get citizens informed about what we do,” he said. “They’re learning a lot of things they didn’t realize what we do.” The course included a history of JFD, requirements of firefighters, protective equipment, fire and life safety, vehicle extrication, physical fitness and other criteria. The sessions were held at various fire stations in Jonesboro and included nine instructors from the department, Hamrick said. “It’s been a pretty positive response with the instructors and the people taking the class,” he said.
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Bentonville Fire Department rescues 5 men who got stuck in high water

VIDEO: The Bentonville Fire Department rescued five men who got stuck in high water driving on Gooseberry Road Tuesday. Batallion Chief Matt Perkins said six inches is more than enough water to sweep away your vehicle and two feet covered the bridge on Gooseberry Road. Perkins said the water had stopped rising which made the situation a little less dangerous. "We were able to tie off a rope to the truck," Perkins said. "We were able to walk those people across." People living in the area said this isn't a first and likely won't be the last. "The biggest problem is when people come from out of town," said Emily Petrick, who lives nearby. "They're not familiar with the bridge and flooding so they're not sure how deep the water actually is." The department is now urging people to use caution when driving.
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