'(I've gained) a lot of knowledge on ropes and knots, using some of the devices and mechanical devices,' Vega said. Vega said he has been able to gain and strengthen a lot of skills while training so far. Technical Rescue Team instructors hosted a rope rescue course in Panama City on Tuesday for firefighters from Panama City, as well as departments in Escambia, Walton and Okaloosa counties. Ryan Callahan, left, from Escambia County, and Kevin Barnard, from the Panama City Fire Department, work at scaling a building during training Tuesday. This just allows all of these fire departments that have come out and participated in this to be able to better serve the citizens and the visitors of their cities.' 'Any kind of underground work may contain hazardous atmospheres, to save somebody.

'Any building that is over one story presents challenges to us, if we got somebody on the top that may be injured or unable to get down themselves,' Albright said. He said this training is essential, especially as the firefighters learn how to repel up and down buildings. The trainees learned about multiple different methods and equipment, as well as how to handle different scenarios and hazards they would come across while on the job, said Capt. Paul Wojtowicz, left, from Crestview, helps Luke Lewis, from the South Walton Fire Department, work his way down the side of a building in training.

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