As some Washington County firefighters found out recently, sometimes training turns into the real thing.

On Monday, Oct. 15, the Leroy Volunteer Fire Department hosted a training session with Baptist LifeFlight. Participating with the Leroy department were Millry, Frankville, St. Stephens, Wagarville and Epworth volunteer fire departments. The helicopter unit landed in a field belonging to Andy Elmore, Leroy Fire Department Chief. Elmore reported that while they were doing their hands-on instruction after finishing their on-the-ground training sessions, he got a call from Leroy High School where a junior varsity football game was being played.

A couple of paramedics from the Leroy Fire Department left for the school; JETS Ambulance Service arrived soon thereafter. Elmore received a second call that those at the scene were requesting the doctor and LifeFlight. The injured player was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to USA Medical Center where he was treated and released the next day.