[slideshow_deploy id=’73158′]
The Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy visited Stoney Point Fire Department on Friday to use the training tower to learn skills such as rappelling. Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Training Officers Gary Turlington and Barry Pait led the class.
“Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker supports community outreach efforts that show our youth that the men and women in uniform are about much more than just law enforcement. This is a partnership among numerous entities to reach out into a community of youth that otherwise we would not have an opportunity to interact with,” said Turlington.
Turlington added that Sheriff McVicker believes in fostering working relationships among the community and all first responders.
“Sgt. Barry Pait and I arranged for the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy to visit the Stoney Point Fire Department in Fayetteville to use the training tower. The Cadets were taught the importance of teamwork and belief in one’s own ability. It is not inherently natural to walk off of a 50 foot tower. Through teamwork and leadership, the Cadets worked collectively to accomplish these tasks fundamental to the Academy’s mantra, ‘Leadership, Responsibility, and Integrity’,” said Turlington.
While the Cadets were descending the tower, Sgt. Pait worked as tower safety officer while Sgt. Kellem of the PBLA coached and Sgt. Turlington performed the “ground belay position” to prevent falls. The ground belay position keeps the tension on the ropes for the person rappelling down the tower.
Support for the class was provided by the Stony Point Fire Department under the direction of Chief Johnson and his staff.
About Author
