‘Foam is more of a mop up tool to keep a fire from starting back up-‘ LFD Training Officer Joey Gilbert

TOP PHOTO: LFD Firefighter Gage Jones takes his turn manning the foam hose in the parking lot beside Fire Station 1.

Left to right are Fire Chief Jimmy Pack, Firefighters Dylan Goins and Ryan Wagner, Captain Andrew Carroll and Firefighter Gage Jones.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- It’s been a week of classroom and in-field training for firefighters with the La Follette Fire Department. “We’re training 23 firefighters, all three of our shifts, Monday through Wednesday on how to use foam,” said LFD Chief Jimmy Pack. LFD’s “B” Shift, led by Captain Andrew Carroll, went through the training session on Tuesday in the classroom and then in the field which was the city parking lot near the Beech Street Bridge.

LFD Training Officer Joey Gilbert (left) motions for Gage Jones to come take his turn with the foam hose after Dylan Goins.

“We use foam for two purposes, to battle non-combustibles and flammable liquids. Foam penetrates wood, and it will reduce vapors. Then we use it as more of a mop up tool to keep a fire from rekindling,” said Firefighter Joey Gilbert, LFD’s Training Officer.

Left to right Captain Andrew Carroll, Firefighter Ryan Wagner and Training Officer Joey Gilbert. Gilbert is switching foam into the hose.

Gilbert notes that LFD’s initial attack will continue to be water, because there is so much heat. “We must get the heat knocked down before we can turn to foam,” said Gilbert.

LFD Firefighter Dylan Goins was first on Monday morning to train with the foam hose.

“It’s a combination of firefighters that are inexperienced with foam, especially this type, and many who are quite experienced in using it,” said Chief Pack. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/05/2025-6AM)

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