Captain Jeff Fortenberry Completes Specialized Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning Training

Blairsville, GA — The Union County Fire Department is proud to announce that Captain Jeff Fortenberry has successfully completed the 24-hour Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC).

This intensive training, offered through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), equips emergency responders and planners with the skills needed to develop and implement effective hazardous materials emergency response plans. Participants learn to identify potential hazmat risks in their communities, coordinate multi-agency responses at the local, state, and federal levels, and create strategies to protect both first responders and the public during incidents.

Key topics covered in the course included:

• Emergency planning requirements

• Resource management

• Incident coordination

• Strategies for handling chemical spills, transportation accidents, and other hazardous materials emergencies

“Proper planning is essential when dealing with hazardous materials incidents,” said Fire Chief David Dyer. “Captain Fortenberry's completion of this course enhances our department's preparedness and strengthens our ability to protect the citizens of Union County during complex emergency situations.”

By completing this training, Captain Fortenberry has further strengthened the Union County Fire Department’s capabilities in emergency management and hazardous materials response, ensuring the department remains well-prepared for a wide range of incidents.

The Union County Fire Department congratulates Captain Fortenberry on this significant accomplishment and thanks him for his continued dedication to professional development and public safety.