New Training Grant Program for Emergency Workers
August 21, 2024
By Joyce Weinsheimer
Central Crossing Fire Protection District Firefighter Scott Robertshaw recently attended Search Dog National Training in California with his dog, Loki. Contributed photo
Firefighters and EMS providers in the Central Crossing Fire Protection District (CCFPD) now have access to a new mini-grant program that contributes financial support for specialized training that goes beyond what the district currently offers.
Recently Scott Robertshaw, first CCFPD mini-grant recipient, used the funds to travel to The Search Dog National Training Center in California with his dog, Loki. Together, Scott and Loki participated in two weeks of training for work as a search and rescue team. Practice sites included wilderness ravines, collapsed structures, and piles of rubble.
“Loki and I experienced a variety of challenging scenarios,” says Robertshaw. “The goal of this national training program is to turn dogs and firefighters into rescue teams. What I’ve learned in this training will help me provide better service to the community. In addition, I hope to share my new expertise with others in the district and region so that we can all provide better support for the rescue needs we encounter.”
CCFPD Professional Development Mini-Grants are funded by donations from the community and coordinated by the Central Crossing Fireballs’ Auxiliary. Join your neighbors for the next fundraiser this Saturday, August 24, from 7:30 am to 10:00 am. There will be pancakes at the Headquarters Building, north of Shell Knob on Rt. 39, and kids of all ages can “Touch a Truck,” tour the fire station, and spray a real fire hose. Donations for the Professional Development Mini-Grants can also be sent to Central Crossing, FPD, P.O. Box 86, Shell Knob, MO 65747.
Recently Scott Robertshaw, first CCFPD mini-grant recipient, used the funds to travel to The Search Dog National Training Center in California with his dog, Loki. Together, Scott and Loki participated in two weeks of training for work as a search and rescue team. Practice sites included wilderness ravines, collapsed structures, and piles of rubble.
“Loki and I experienced a variety of challenging scenarios,” says Robertshaw. “The goal of this national training program is to turn dogs and firefighters into rescue teams. What I’ve learned in this training will help me provide better service to the community. In addition, I hope to share my new expertise with others in the district and region so that we can all provide better support for the rescue needs we encounter.”
CCFPD Professional Development Mini-Grants are funded by donations from the community and coordinated by the Central Crossing Fireballs’ Auxiliary. Join your neighbors for the next fundraiser this Saturday, August 24, from 7:30 am to 10:00 am. There will be pancakes at the Headquarters Building, north of Shell Knob on Rt. 39, and kids of all ages can “Touch a Truck,” tour the fire station, and spray a real fire hose. Donations for the Professional Development Mini-Grants can also be sent to Central Crossing, FPD, P.O. Box 86, Shell Knob, MO 65747.
