Sandwich shop gives communications system to Tenn. firefighters

By Mike Blackerby
The News Sentinel

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jeff Nichols well remembers the chaos caused by the wildfire that scorched The Villages of Cobbly Nob community in Sevier County in 2009.

About 100 firefighters from East Tennessee answered the call to fight the blaze, which destroyed two cabins, damaged several others and burned almost 100 acres off U.S. Highway 321 between Gatlinburg and Cosby.

"There were some miscommunications," said Nichols." There were departments from all over helping, and there was so much noise going on it was hard to hear."

Specifically, Nichols said it was difficult to hear the antiquated radios in his department's fire-response vehicles.

"When the dispatcher talked to you, it was really hard to hear the radio," he said.

Miscommunication appears to be a thing of the past.

Thanks to the Firehouse Subs' Public Safety Foundation — with the help of Firehouse Subs in Sevierville — Pittman Center firefighters have been outfitted with an $8,399 state-of-the-art communications system.

The Fire Com Headset Communication System not only provides hearing protection and enhanced communication between 911 dispatchers and firefighters, it allows for communication between firefighters.

"It's a headphone system that ties into the truck radio," explained Nichols, who directs the 17-member all-volunteer fire department.

He said the system has already been installed in the headsets of firefighters and four fire-response vehicles.

"The first time out it worked great. I was operating the truck and a pump, and I could hear crystal clear."

The donation was marked in a ceremony last week at the Firehouse Subs shop in Sevierville.

"We greatly appreciated FirehouseSubs,"said Nichols. "This will definitely help the community and the county."

Mike Blackerby is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

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