With the Barren Fork River running through the city, river-related activities are on the rise in McMinnville.
“There are a lot of people enjoying spending time on the river,” said McMinnville Fire Chief Kendall Mayfield. “At some point, we are going to have an emergency situation. I hope we don’t, but I want my guys to be prepared just in case we do.”
Mayfield has had firefighters, who are also first-responders, practicing water rescue exercises at Gilley Pool last week. They will return again for more training this week.
“We can’t have all the guys training at once,” said Mayfield. “In case of emergency, we can’t have all the guys in the water. This way, every shift gets to practice.”
Pepper Branch Park attracts considerable attention. The park offers access to the water for fishing and swimming, as well as canoeing, tubing and kayaking. Individuals can float down the river to Sally’s Alley, Rocket Park or, for those wanting a longer stay on the river, the ramp at VFW.
Among the exercises is how to safely place someone on a stretcher and pull them from the water, as well as rescue them using a kayak. With the increase in individuals using the river and access to them during an emergency creating a problem for the department, Mayfield wants to purchase two kayaks for that very reason.
“I would like to purchase two kayaks for the department,” said Mayfield. “For training, we are going to use the kayaks Parks and Recreation has already, but we are getting quotes on two kayaks. Kayaks would be the best way to get to someone who’s on the river. This is all about being prepared.”
The funds for two kayaks will be included in the McMinnville Fire Department’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2015-16. Officials have yet to approve the budget.