Whitfield County Fire Explorers Win 4 Awards Nationally

Eight students from Whitfield County Fire Explorer Post 5900 won four awards at the Boy Scouts of America's Winterfest national competition in early February, including first place in the Anchor Dive event.

Natalie Edds earned first place in Anchor Dive. The team also placed first in Advanced Medical, second in Advanced Trauma, and second in the Z-Drag competition, which tests rope rescue skills using a 3:1 mechanical advantage system.

Whitfield County competed for the first time against 14 teams from multiple states. Students from Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy represented the county in the skills-based fire and emergency services competitions.

The competing students were Natalie Edds, Trent Ledford, Ty Smith, Amos Heard, Gavin Robinson, Everett Williams, Ann Grammar, and Madison Bryant. Four Whitfield County firefighters mentored the group: Josh Robinson, Chris Stanley, Chase West, and Charles Heard.

"I am extremely proud of these students and the hard work they put in to prepare for this competition," said Josh Robinson, training captain with the Whitfield County Fire Department. "Their determination and the commitment from our advisors made a difference."

The Fire Explorer program operates through NWGCCA's pathway program. Information about the program is available at https://nwgcca.wcsga.net/academics/programs-of-study.