Murfreesboro, TN - If you’ve driven past the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility at the corner of New Salem Highway and Bridge Avenue, you may have spotted something unusual—firefighters suspended mid-air, ropes taut, carefully lowering a stokes basket, the metal unit used to carry injured individuals. It’s not a dramatic rescue in progress, but a routine part of Murfreesboro Fire-Rescue Department’s high-angle training.

These drills aren’t just for show. They’re part of a rigorous, ongoing effort to ensure that MFRD personnel are ready to respond to emergencies in the most challenging environments—whether it’s a stranded hiker on the rocky ledges of Snail Shell Cave, a child stuck high in a tree, or a construction worker injured several stories up.

Fire Chief Mark McCluskey, a familiar voice on WGNS Radio, shared his appreciation for the department’s dedication: “Thank you to all of our dedicated personnel who train tirelessly to be ready for any emergency. Your commitment, skill, and readiness save lives and bring peace of mind to us all. We deeply appreciate your service.”

The training focuses on mastering the art of safely raising and lowering victims from hard-to-reach places. Firefighters repeat the process until it becomes second nature, ensuring that when real lives are on the line, their response is swift, precise, and effective.

Murfreesboro Fire-Rescue’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its ISO Class 1/1X rating—the highest possible classification from the Insurance Services Office. It’s a mark of distinction that speaks volumes about the department’s preparedness, professionalism, and public safety standards.

So next time you pass the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility and see ropes swinging and baskets descending, know that it’s more than a drill—it’s Murfreesboro’s finest preparing to save lives.