Franklin County

FireWise Boards

The Franklin County Firewise Board, Barnes Volunteer Fire Department and Cass Civilian Conservation Center are working through the certification process for the community of Cass and the Cass Job Corps CCC. David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator, met with Fred Mullen, Franklin County EM/FS Coordinator and Jesse James III, Cass Civilian Conservation Center Director, on July 18, 2007 to discuss their progress.

Job Corps is a comprehensive career technical training program for ages 16-24. Most students live on campus and typically complete their training in less than a year. Technical training opportunities include welding, bricklaying, carpentry, cement finishing, facilities maintenance, heavy equipment, paint and business office technology.

The Cass Job Corps CCC is located in the Ozark National Forest, about 15 minutes from Ozark. There are more than 200 students with separate dorms for men and women. There is a high school program on campus. The Cass CCC maintains a fire crew to assist on wildfires on the Ozark National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

While in the area, David Samuel took photos of the Barnes Volunteer Fire Department. The station was constructed by Cass CCC enrollees in 1980. Rusty Barnett currently serves as fire chief.