COMMISSIONER NEWMAN TO DELIVER COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Bell Buckle, TN –      State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman will deliver the commencement address to the recruit firefighter class at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM.

Located on 330 acres in northern Bedford County, this state-of-the-art training facility has been a “home away from home” for the recruits during this 8 week class.

Comprised of 22 students from 13 fire departments across the state, recruits perform a variety of training exercises.  From victim rescue, to hazardous fuel spills and a live fire, recruits are presented with a variety of life and death scenarios.

"I am very proud to deliver the commencement address to these brave firefighters who protect the lives of Tennessee citizens”, said Commissioner Newman. "I am confident that the life saving training these students have received will be of great value to the citizens they are sworn to protect."

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy offers a unique dual curriculum.  The Academy provides nearly 500 courses to fire departments, codes professionals and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

For more information about the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, visit www.tennessee.gov/commerce or call toll free 1-800-747-8868 or 931-294-4111.

Recruit / Firefighter I Participating Fire Departments:

Dickson Fire Department             Fall Creek Falls Fire Department

Franklin Fire Department             Hendersonville Fire Department

Hillsboro Fire Department            Lascassas Volunteer Fire Dept.                 

Loudon County Fire and Rescue   Maury County Rural Fire Department      

Paris Fire Department                Rockvale Volunteer Fire Department

Rutherford County Volunteer       Shelbyville Fire Department

Smyrna Fire Department