Putnam County Rescue Squad

10/12/2026

Training Continues, Rain or Shine!

Yesterday, members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad conducted rope rescue training despite the soggy, wet weather. Our team understands that emergencies don’t wait for perfect conditions, which is why we continue to train in challenging environments to stay prepared for the calls that come our way.

Through continued training, our members sharpen their skills, build teamwork, and ensure they are ready to respond when our community needs us most.

Rain or shine, we train to be ready!

10/08/2026

Water Rescue Response

Putnam County Rescue Squad responded to a report of two subjects stranded approximately ¼ mile downstream from Burgess Falls last night.

One subject had taken on water to the point that their kayak sank. Fortunately, both subjects were able to make it safely to the shoreline using the remaining kayak and called for assistance.

Our members responded to assist and ensure everyone made it safely out of the area.

Please remember to stay safe on the water. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket, know the conditions before getting on the water, and make sure you have a way to call for help if something goes wrong.

A few extra precautions can make all the difference. Stay safe out there!

09/27/2026

Rope Rescue at Bee Rock

Putnam County Rescue Squad’s Rope Rescue Team responded to Bee Rock in Monterey last night to assist with three individuals who had become stranded on a steep hillside.

Two of the individuals were clinging to small shrubs near the edge of a bluff that was more than 50 feet high. Our rope rescue team safely accessed the hillside and worked to bring all three individuals back to a safe location.

Thankfully, everyone was successfully rescued and was able to walk away with only minor scrapes.

This incident is another reminder of the importance of staying on maintained and designated trails when enjoying our parks and outdoor areas. Steep terrain and bluff edges can become extremely dangerous very quickly.

We’re thankful that everyone made it out safely, and we appreciate the teamwork and dedication of our rescue personnel who responded to help.

09/26/2026

Annual Vehicle Extrication Recertification Training

The Putnam County Rescue Squad recently conducted an annual vehicle extrication recertification training, putting our members through hands-on scenarios at night to help ensure they are prepared to respond safely and effectively when the call comes.

Nighttime extrication presents its own challenges, making this valuable training an important part of maintaining our skills and readiness.

A special thank you to Rush Towing for providing the vehicles and location for this training. Your continued support helps us train in realistic conditions and better prepare to serve the citizens of Putnam County.

We appreciate our members for continuing to train, learn, and stay ready—24/7, day or night.

09/15/2026

Training today helps us be better prepared tomorrow.

We’re proud to be part of Rescue Task Force training that brings together emergency services agencies from across Putnam County. Collaboration, communication, and teamwork between our agencies are essential to providing the best possible response when our community needs us most.

Thank you to all the agencies and personnel who continue to train together and support one another.

09/14/2026

Community Emergency Services preparedness excercise

The Putnam County LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) will be conducting a functional exercise with emergency response agencies Tuesday, September 15th in the area of Hope Church in Algood.

There will be a large presence of local law enforcement, Fire and EMS in area. Please do not be alarmed. This is only a training exercise to provide all of our responders to have the necessary skills to respond to and protect the citizens of Putnam County.

There is no danger to the public, this is only an exercise. All personnel should be out of the area around noon.

09/11/2026

September 11, 2001 — We Remember.

Today, the Putnam County Rescue Squad pauses to remember the lives lost and the families forever changed on September 11, 2001.

We honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call, many of whom never made it home. We also remember the countless heroes who stepped forward in the days that followed.

We will never forget their sacrifice, their courage, or the unity of a nation that stood together.

Remember. Honor. Never Forget.

08/31/2026

Rescue Response at Burgess Falls State Park

Members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad responded today to assist with an injured subject at the base of the Top Falls.

Our Rope Rescue Team worked alongside Tennessee State Parks and Sparta-White County Volunteer Rescue Squad to safely bring the subject from the falls area to a waiting ambulance for further medical care.

This response is another great example of the importance of teamwork and cooperation between local rescue agencies and our state park partners. When an emergency happens, working together allows us to safely and efficiently help those in need.

We appreciate the dedication of everyone involved in today’s response and the continued partnership between Putnam County Rescue Squad, Tennessee State Parks, and Sparta-White County Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what it’s all about.

08/03/2026

A special thank you to the dedicated members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad who took time away from their families to attend our Basic Rope Operations training.

Our volunteers make countless sacrifices behind the scenes that often go unnoticed. Every hour spent training is an hour away from loved ones, but they continue to invest that time because they are committed to being ready when our community needs them most.

Continuous training is essential to ensuring we have the knowledge, skills, and teamwork necessary to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. The time and dedication our members put into training today could make all the difference during tomorrow’s emergency.

We’re proud to share a few photos from today’s training that highlight the commitment and professionalism of our team.

Thank you to every member who continues to serve with dedication, professionalism, and a servant’s heart. Your commitment to this community does not go unnoticed.

07/22/2026

A Heartfelt Thank You

The members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the generous individual who anonymously donated equipment and hardware to our organization.

Your incredible generosity has provided our team with much-needed rope rescue equipment, along with tools and hardware that will support our members during training and emergency responses every day. Your gift is an investment in the safety of our responders and, more importantly, in the safety of the citizens and visitors we are privileged to serve.

We also want to thank Chief John Mackie and the Monterey Police Department for thinking of our organization when the opportunity arose to bless another public safety agency in Putnam County. Your support and partnership are greatly appreciated.

Acts of kindness like yours remind us how fortunate we are to serve in a community where people genuinely care for one another. While your name may remain anonymous, your generosity will have a lasting impact on our mission and on every life that may be touched because of this equipment.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our mission and for supporting those who stand ready to help others in their time of need.

With sincere appreciation,

The Members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad