January 30, 2017 –The National Auto Body Council’s four-hour course incorporated classroom and hands-on instruction, while demonstrating vehicle cutting and techniques.

From January 26-28 in Tifton, Georgia, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) took the lead in sponsoring an onsite training class to lessen the amount of time it takes to extract an occupant from their vehicle in an accident. Called the First Responders Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program, the course was created after much research by NABC, including multiple interviews with first responder personnel for whom the class is intended.

“When a firefighter thanks you for providing the training that makes their jobs easier it’s incredibly moving. First responders such as firemen require the most current vehicle information to be effective and save lives at the scene of an accident,” states Barry Barbee, Executive Director of AR Direct and a National Auto Body Council Board Member. “The course we delivered helps keep these individuals up to date, which is more important than ever given the rapid onslaught of advancements in vehicle design. ”

“Three days of absolutely some of the best training we have done. Thanks to Georgia Extrication and the National Auto Body Council for making this happen. Tifton Fire Department had 32 firefighters participating and several received Instructor status,” said Bobby Bennett, Captain at the Tifton Fire Department. What a great week at the Tifton Fire Department! I looking forward to many more events like this one.”

In attendance along with Barry Barbee and AR Direct’s Director of Operations, Dustin Wheeler, was Darby and Chance Veazey with State Farm, Interim Tifton City Manager Hunter Walker, Tifton City Manager Pete Pyrzenski, Barry Hopper with Hurst Jaws of Life Inc, Chief of Tifton Fire Department Mike Coleman who stated that it was “the most extensive and comprehensive training ever taught in extrication at the Tifton Fire Department.” Brandon Fletcher and Brock Archer with Georgia Extrication lead the training during the event.

“At AR Direct we are committed to helping our community become a safer, better place to live,” added Barbee. “The feedback we received was extremely positive. It is my understanding this was the largest coordinated F.R.E.E. event to date and are truly thankful for both State Farm and Geico Insurance for making this possible. We would be glad to host another one of these events as a way to further serve our locality. Please consider joining the National Auto Body Council and help save and change lives today.”

About FREE: The First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) program is a community awareness project whereby members of the NABC repair and donate total loss vehicles for first responder organizations in need throughout the United States. FREE promotes efficient motor vehicle rescue procedures for emergency personnel at the scene of an accident and is provided to participants free of charge.

About NABC: NABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. Our ongoing and continued success is a direct result of the efforts and support of our sponsoring companies and membership. Please contact NABC directly for membership information. Call 1-888-667-7433 (888-66PRIDE) or go to www.autobodycouncil.org.

NABC ~ Changing the image of our industry, one consumer at a time.

Contact:

Catherine Buga
Communications Director
catherine.buga@ar.direct
(850) 260-3087 Ext. 1
www.ar.direct