Decatur Fire and Rescue chief addresses concerns over recruiting video
Decatur Fire and Rescue chief Tracy Thornton released a statement on Tuesday to address a video that has been circulating connected to the training of recruits.
By WAFF 48 Digital Staff
Published: Oct. 1, 2024 at 6:01 PM CDT|Updated: Oct. 2, 2024 at 10:43 AM CDT
DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - Decatur Fire and Rescue chief Tracy Thornton released a statement on Tuesday to address a video connected to the training of recruits.
On Friday, recruits were abruptly sent home from the Decatur Fire and Rescue training classes, after the Alabama Fire College informed Thornton that allegations had surfaced about the training.
Thornton released a statement about the video on Tuesday. The video shows trainees and supervisors role-playing a rescue in a bathroom during a staged drill.
Thornton says the video was taken earlier this year and is not the current recruiting class that was sent home on Friday.
The chief said the video was taken during a drill to show recruits that they have to respond to emergency calls with odd circumstances.
Thornton said while the intent to train recruits for the unexpected is “good in theory” this particular situation was “completely wrong.”
Thornton said the Alabama Fire College’s investigation is still ongoing. Many of the recruits were questioned individually on Monday and Tuesday. Staff members of Decatur Fire and Rescue were questioned by the Alabama Fire College.
Thornton said at the time he was not aware of the specifics of the allegations.
The full statement from Thornton can be read below:
