ATHENS, Ala. — The City of Athens' finest and bravest risked their lives in a high-rise rescue on Wednesday, saving Mayor Ronnie Marks from a dangerous situation. It was all staged, mind you -- part of a demonstration of first responder protocols and equipment for the Mayor's Youth Commission.
The group of teens watched as firefighters climbed a tall training tower, where the mayor was stationed. Marks was then secured to a gurney and loaded onto a rescue crane and brought to ground level. In the event of a real emergency, workers would have then loaded Marks into an ambulance for further treatment.
He was quite alright, however, and was able to stand up and rejoin the group under his own power.
The Mayor's Youth Commissioners were also given a demonstration about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving. Using goggles that simulate the impaired vision of a driver under the influence, the teens had the chance to drive a golf cart through two courses.
Their task was to avoid traffic cones meant to symbolize people, pets, mailboxes, and other hazards. The Youth Commission Facebook post about the day's events admitted that "many of us didn't do well trying to drive impaired."
Police also advised the group about the dangers of fentanyl overdosing, which has become a growing problem in communities throughout the country.
The day also involved a visit to "Leak City," a course filled with live fire hazards used in training for police, fire officials and natural gas operators.
The Mayor's Youth Commission aims to engage students and inform them about careers and volunteer opportunities in civic endeavors.
