IN COFFEE COUNTY lies a group of dedicated individuals who have significantly impacted the community for decades. Chief Neal Simmons and his wife and treasurer, Jennifer Simmons, are an integral part of the Coffee County Rescue Squad and are proud Tennessee Association Rescue Squad members.
The story of Chief Neal’s entry into the squad in 1987 is like something out of a movie. One night, he was drafted into service after the squad received a call about someone trapped in a cave. Little did he know that this was the start of a lifelong journey of kindness and compassion for the people of Coffee County.
Established in 1963, the Coffee County Rescue Squad has been a steadfast pillar of support for the community. Throughout the years, various rescue squads have come and gone across Tennessee, but Coffee County remains grounded in the spirit of caring and dedication.
The squad was born out of necessity when an emergency call left the town without a clear solution. From that day forward, the rescue squad vowed to be prepared for any situation.
Their responsibilities are vast and vital, from providing crucial rehab support for the fire departments to responding to drownings and lake and river emergencies in the county.
They are ready to assist city departments, automatically joining forces with the county fire departments for structure fires.
This dedicated team includes state-certified experts in emergency medical responders, structural collapse, trench rescue, high and low-angle rescue, grain bin rescue, swift water, dive rescue and recovery, and search and rescue.
Regular recertifications and continuous training exemplify their commitment to preparing for any challenge that comes their way.
The rescue squad has recently expanded its capabilities to address the safety needs of grain farmers, who face unique hazards.
Chief Neal proudly shared, “We’ve got 21 people certified in grain bin rescue. We have the equipment to use, and we just hope we never have to use it.”
At the core of their endeavors lies a simple yet powerful mission: to help people in their time of need. This empathy and compassion drive the Coffee County Rescue Squad to go above and beyond for their community.
Beyond their immediate rescue responsibilities, the squad is also working on documenting local storm shelters. Residents with storm shelters can reach out to the team, who will then mark the shelter’s GPS coordinates. This initiative ensures that the team can promptly check on the safety of those at risk during a storm.
But it’s not all about emergencies and crisis management for the Coffee County Rescue Squad. They know how to bring joy and cheer to the community as well. Each year, they host a delightful Halloween event, inviting families to bring their little ones for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating.
Chief Neal explained, “It’s a safe place to come. We decorate the building up and love having people come out. We’ve had a good turnout.”
The squad takes pride in offering various training opportunities, catering to individual preferences while ensuring everyone is well-prepared for their duties.
“It takes everybody to run a call,” Chief Neal explained, “If you’re not trained, you can still come to the vehicle and make sure that if we need equipment, you’ve got equipment out for us when we get there. So we offer all sorts of training throughout the year, and the training is outstanding.”
The Coffee County Rescue Squad’s dedication extends beyond its county borders. They collaborate with neighboring Warren and Cannon Counties to form a more extensive and capable team.
Chief Neal shared their approach and said, “We go anywhere in Tennessee. If we’re called, we’ll send them whatever they need to help them with their call. But we never leave Coffee County uncovered; we always make sure there’s someone in Coffee County to run a call when one comes in.”
To keep their noble mission strong, the Coffee County Rescue Squad relies heavily on the support and generosity of their community. Donations and active participation in the squad’s events, like their annual mail-out fundraiser and food booth at the Coffee County Fair, are pivotal in sustaining their vital work. And the community, in turn, shows up in full force to lend their support.
“They’re awesome. They step up to support us any way they can,” Chief Neal said.
The Coffee County Rescue Squad stands tall as a symbol of compassion, preparedness, dedication, love, and community spirit. From saving lives to organizing joyous events, Chief Neal Simmons, his wife, Jennifer, and the entire squad are a ray of hope and care for all. GN
