Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Gary Job Corps Center served as a training site for first responders from across the Hays County area as multiple public safety agencies came together for hands-on Confined Space Rescue training Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Personnel from the San Marcos Fire Department, San Marcos Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Buda Police Department, Kyle Police Department and South Hays Fire Department participated in the training held on the Gary Job Corps campus in San Marcos.
Led by training captain Brad Elkins, the training provided participating first responders an opportunity to practice specialized techniques used when responding to emergencies in confined spaces. These types of environments can present unique challenges for emergency personnel because of restricted entry and exit points and other potential hazards, according to a press release.
The multi-agency training also gave participating departments an opportunity to work alongside one another and strengthen the coordination and teamwork that can be critical when several agencies respond to the same emergency.
Eugene Edokpa, construction rehabilitation administrator at Gary Job Corps Center, coordinated the use of the center’s Confined Space training prop and helped arrange for the agencies to conduct the training on campus.
“We are always pleased when Gary Job Corps can serve as a resource for our community and our local first responders,” Edokpa said. “Having these agencies train together on our campus is a great example of community partnership and the importance of sharing resources that can ultimately help keep our communities safe.”
The Confined Space Rescue training is conducted on a recurring basis and allows area first responders to maintain and strengthen the specialized skills required for these types of emergency situations.
For Gary Job Corps Center, hosting the training also provided another opportunity to strengthen relationships with public safety agencies throughout San Marcos, Kyle, Buda and the greater Hays County community.
Gary Job Corps Center is a residential career training facility in San Marcos serving young adults ages 16–24 and providing career technical training, education and workforce preparation designed to help students successfully transition into employment, apprenticeship, military service or continued education.
