Walker State Prison Firefighters Work With Dade Departments

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

Through the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Firefighter Program, several of Dade County’s fire departments have found extra hands to help with tasks. This month, inmate firefighters from Walker State Prison in Rock Spring joined the North Dade Fire Department as they undertook the annual task of checking all hoses.

The GDC operates 25 fire stations across the state in both state and county prisons. The department reports, “Many communities throughout Georgia do not have paid firefighters…the Inmate Firefighters are a no-cost, highly skilled firefighting team…The team also serves as emergency medical responders and augment single, small, or limited community fire stations and services.”

Inmate firefighters must meet several criteria, including work detail criteria, minimum/medium security, no arson or sexual offense convictions, and already have or be working toward a GED/high school diploma.

Once released, inmate firefighters are ready for a firefighting career after earning certifications through the program. They take Introduction to Fire Science, Fire Fighting, Strategy and Tactics, Fire Prevention and Inspection, EMT/Emergency Medical Responder, Safety and Loss Control, and Hazardous Materials.

The program started in 1963 at Lee Arrendale State Prison with eight inmate firefighters. In 2021, the program responded to a total of 5,184 calls. With Walker State Prison’s Station No. 9 being the closest to Dade, we have benefitted from that station’s firefighters.

The GDC reports that Station No. 9 opened at the end of 1992, and now, they respond to an average of 150 calls each year.

Chris Lowrance (fire chief at North Dade) reported that this is the second year the inmate firefighters have helped the department with the hose testing, making the substantial task more manageable. Lowrance and the North Dade department responded to a trailer fire in mid-September, and the inmates were able to help respond to the call.

Matt Hill (fire chief at South Dade) reported that the inmates were also beneficial to his department when they completed this year’s hose testing which ensures all hoses are working properly and earns Insurance Services Office points. The New Salem Fire Department has also had help from the inmates.

Lowrance said, “They test hoses for Rossville, Walker County, Lookout Mountain, and even the Tennessee side of the mountain. They help test hydrants, they run calls, and they’re part of the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association.”

Lamar Lowery (Dade County commissioner for District 1) noticed how engaged the firefighters were in their work and also their sense of pride in being able to aid communities and build a career.

Lowery would love to see a similar program implemented through the Dade County Jail to further support our volunteer fire departments. Currently, this is just an idea, with feasibility and next steps unknown.