Special guest speakers for the March 5 event will be the first four emergency medical personnel who arrived on the scene at the Heath High School shooting.

Mike Hulsey, with the Elizabethtown Fire Department and a member of the association, has had an opportunity to hear the four speak before and said that it is a very moving, thought-provoking experience.

"I hope that you will not miss this opportunity to learn how they responded and dealt with the horror they faced. You will be captivated by their unbelievable encounter," said Hulsey.

Organizers of the Dixie Fire School are inviting school faculty, industry personnel and the general public to attend this gathering.

There will be an opportunity for a question and answer session during the symposium. Although this story is one that has made the headlines and grabbed everyone's attention, it is not the only tragedy that can occur in your backyard, said Dixie Vice President Dale Dobson.

Other sections of the symposium will deal with issues that may occur in your homes or on your farm. Dobson and other speakers will talk about the necessity of practicing safety with lawn mowers, ATVs, pesticides and other items commonly found around a residence. Kentucky ranks highest in the United States for farm-related deaths. LaRue and Nelson counties are ranked highest in the state.

LaRue County is one of the eight counties that make up the area served by the association and many from this area are members of the association.

Whether you're a farmer, firefighter, emergency responder, teacher, student or businessperson, you won't want to miss this educational opportunity. Firefighters, EMTs and others can earn four continuing education hours for attending.

Seating for the night will be limited to the first 1,000 people making reservations. Reservations must be made by Feb. 22 by calling the Kentucky Community Technical College System Fire/Rescue Training office at 502-766-5133, extension 154.

The free symposium will be held Friday, March 5, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Pritchard Community Center in Elizabethtown and is open to the all. Refreshments will be served. Call now for reservations. Maybe you can prevent tragedy in your backyard.