Georgia Public Safety Training Center Opens Registration For Fire Inspector Course

The Georgia Public Safety Training Center is now accepting registrations for a two-week Fire Inspector course scheduled for September 14 through September 25, 2026.

The course is being offered through the Fire and Emergency Services Section, and successful completion will result in NPQ Fire Inspector certification.

GPSTC says prerequisite courses are being waived for this offering because the National Fire Academy’s online platform is not currently operational.

Students are encouraged to have completed a Life Safety Code class, although it is not required to attend the course.

For those seeking state certification as a Fire Inspector, Hazardous Materials Awareness is required under the applicable NFPA standard. However, GPSTC says that certification is not required simply to attend this class.

The September course will also mark the final offering of the curriculum developed under NFPA 1031. GPSTC says it is awaiting finalization of a new curriculum based on the revised NFPA 1030 standard.

Registration is now open through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s student access portal.

Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11

The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.

Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.

The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.

Fire under Investigation at Sloppy Floyd Lake Road Residence

Firefighters responded Monday to a structure fire at 251 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. Summerville, Hays Correctional and Gore fire departments all responded to the scene.

Fire officials told WZQZ News the fire is believed to have started at the front of the residence, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Firefighters say suppression efforts were complicated by a large amount of material in and around the front of the home, which added fuel to the fire.

Officials said this was the second structure fire reported on the property this year.

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.

The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.

First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.

Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.

All first responders are welcome to attend.