First responders learn how to stay safe when dealing with downed lines, electricity

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A recent training for area law enforcement and first responders might save a life.

And it comes just weeks after a loss of life occurred involving the very samwe topic.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office offered a thank you on its Facebook page for the recent training session to Adam Lock, Safety and Risk Management Instructor, with Indiana Electric Cooperative and Andrew Hortsman and Fred McGlothin Jr. with Fulton County REMC for presenting power line safety training for first responders. The interactive and in-depth training provided first responders information for dealing with downed lines and electricity at emergency scenes. Approximately 40 first responders from all over Fulton County attended including state and local law enforcement, fire personnel, and EMA staff.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriff's Facebook page

“Over 17 years of responding to these types of emergencies, I was surprised as to how little I knew about electricity and power line safety. Unfortunately, a mistake around downed power lines will usually prove fatal and does not discriminate," stated Sheriff Travis Heishman.

Back in April, a Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputy died after coming into contact with downed power lines at the scene of a single-vehicle crash. Deputy Fred Fislar was killed while responding to the accident scene.