Southwest Tech hosted an Electric Vehicle Safety Training class on Dec 8. for local emergency responders. In attendance was Altus Fire Department, Altus Air Force Fire Department, Altus Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sherriff Department, Jackson County Emergency Medical Services along with area volunteer firefighters and wrecker services. OSU Fire Service Training and Haines and Son Wrecker Services conducted the Electric Vehicle Safety Training, which provided firefighters, first responders and wrecker services with the information and materials necessary to respond to emergency situations involving electric vehicles. The goal of the training was to provide comprehensive awareness and emergency response training to fire fighters and other emergency responders to prepare them for widespread implementation of advanced electric drive vehicles, including battery electric, hybrid electric, and certain fuel-cell electric vehicles. The objectives of the program include enhancing general awareness training, emergency response tactical training, and establishment of a centralized resource for nationwide ongoing technology transfer. With 75 first responders and wrecker services in attendance, Altus Fire Chief Joe Buchanan stated, “By attending this training today WE SAVED SOMEONE’S LIFE!” A special thanks to Wilmes Ford and Cooter’s Towing for providing training materials for the class.