Chattanooga Fire Department Launches SNAP Training

  • Wednesday, January 18, 2017

For years local Chattanooga law enforcement departments have benefited from specialized Crisis Intervention Team training. This training provides guidance and direction to police officials in methods, strategies and techniques in interacting with marginalized populations, including: people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The program has been successful and has resulted in improved outcomes for both the police officers and individuals with disabilities, said officials. 

The need for a similar training curriculum for first responders has been both recognized and instituted. Thanks to Captain Skyler Phillips of the Chattanooga Fire Department this training program is now a reality. Captain Phillips is both a firefighter and a paramedic; in addition, he is the father of a son with autism. It is because of this unique perspective that Captain Phillips created a curriculum that addresses some of the needed insights, knowledge, and best practices first responders should be equipped with in encountering citizens with special needs. 

The Special Needs Awareness Program incorporates insights about cognitive, sensory, behavioral, physical, medical, and communication challenges that often exist in emergent situations involving individuals with special needs. 

Orange Grove Center's Director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center Dr. Rick Rader has been tapped to be SNAP's special consultant in helping to contribute to the content of the course.  Part of the program includes familiarization visits to group homes. This will allow first responders to get a better understanding of the layout of group homes and to better prepare them for the eventuality of being called to assist with a variety of emergencies.

The first installment of the SNAP training was conducted in Chattanooga on Jan. 9 and the reception from the attending of fire fighters was incredibly reaffirming, said officials.

Happenings
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
  • 3/18/2024

Collegedale officers responded to Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove on Sept. 21, 2023, after receiving a report of a missing elderly resident with dementia. The patient had left the facility approximately ... more

New Hamilton County Marriage Licenses
  • 3/18/2024

Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office: SCOTT EDWARD KELLEY JAIMIE LYNN PASTORI 2205 JAMES AVE 4203 TENNESSEE AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374156511 CHATTANOOGA, ... more

Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
  • 3/18/2024

Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR had their March meeting on the 13th, and the meeting theme was Women’s History Month. Officials said, "Chapter member, Kay Sencabaugh, presented an entertaining ... more