Probationers, VADOC officer help battle Buchanan County wildfire

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Several probationers and a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) officer helped battle a forest fire in Vansant alongside the forestry department on Sunday.

Seven probationers from the Appalachian Men’s Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP) in Honaker and VADOC Officer Randy Bogle assisted the Virginia Department of Forestry in extinguishing the fire.

No homes were lost during the fire, the VADOC stated.

The VADOC’s partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry allows low-risk, non-violent probationers to be trained to fight wildfires and perform other fire prevention activities.

“We are very proud of this program, the skills it teaches probationers, and the pride they receive
from helping the community,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in a release. “It’s a continuing example of the many different ways VADOC keeps those who live and work in Virginia safe. Thank you to Officer Bogle and these seven probationers for their service to the Commonwealth.”

Probationers enrolled in the training are physically qualified and rectified annually for entry-level land firefighting.

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