FOLEY, AL – Foley firefighter David Snyder recently completed the Alabama Smoke Diver training course, which places him among an elite group of firefighters.
The advanced course teaches firefighter survival and rescue skills in order for a firefighter to be able to perform victim rescues, firefighter rescues and self-rescues in extreme fire conditions.
According to Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby, “The Alabama Smoke Divers who successfully complete this course are an elite group, and David trained and prepared for months in order to accomplish this goal. We are proud of his efforts and appreciate how he represented our department and the City of Foley.”
Snyder has been a member of the Foley Fire Department since December 2015. Snyder previously worked for the Anniston Fire Department and moved to Foley to join the FFD. Snyder joins Orie Hamilton, who joined the Foley department in April, 2022, as the two Foley firefighters who have completed the Alabama Smoke Diver training.
According to Snyder, “For me, it was the toughest class I’ve ever taken. It was the best class I’ve ever taken. I had a lot of support from the others on the shift. They helped me get to this point.”
The Alabama Smoke Diver course is designed for firefighters who are willing to go a step above to sharpen their skills with realistic training to acquire new skills and techniques that will assist them throughout their careers. Drill field scenarios include heat, smoke and live fire training.
The Foley Fire Department has three stations, and a combined staff of 50 firefighters.