CULLMAN – Thousands of country music fans flocked to Heritage Park this weekend for the fifth annual Rock the South festival, but while most of Cullman was enjoying the musical stylings of Cole Swindell, John-Michael Montgomery and Florida-Georgia Line, among others, there were some unsung heroes behind the scenes making sure everyone stayed safe over the weekend. I am talking about the plethora of police, fire department personnel and EMTs who worked in the stifling, muggy heat, to make sure Rock the South patrons enjoyed their weekend.
Law Enforcement
“They have split us up in teams and put us in different sections of the park,” said Cullman Police Sgt. Todd Craig. “We rotate to different sections of the park about every hour and a half.”
There were seven different stations in the park included the front gate, food areas, backstage, crowd control and the misty forest where constant streams of mist kept Rock the South partygoers cool and hydrated.
“There are teams of three to five, depending on (stations) and as the night progresses we will have more officers brought in,” stated Craig. “Cullman County Sherriff’s Department will be sending more deputies, the Alabama State Troopers are sending more troopers to help us and the Hanceville Police Department will be sending officers to help us.”
At any given time, there were, on average, 60 to 70 officers on the grounds at Rock the South, ensuring that there was an officer, deputy or trooper close by if anyone needed assistance.
“We are here to ensure everyone here has a clean and friendly time,” said Craig of law enforcement’s role at the huge outdoor festival. “If there is a problem, we will be here to take care of it. Hopefully there will not be any problems, but if the need does arise, we will be here to take care of it.”
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Stationed on the far side of the Rock the South grounds, next to the softball fields, were Cullman EMS Director James Curtis and his crew of 20 plus paramedics who were on hand to assist with any medical emergency.
“Heat exhaustion,” was the immediate response from Curtis when asked what was the most common problem they have to deal with at Rock the South. “It is huge (heat exhaustion), we have already transported four patients and seen 14.”
Like the many law enforcement personnel, there were various EMS personnel stationed throughout the park, ready to help anyone who was feeling ill.
“They are working in a unified command with us and the police department, so that’s tons of eyes out there watching for anyone who needs help,” said Curtis. “So if someone needs help, they tell the guys on the tower and they radio us and we send somebody to help.”
Between the roaming EMS personnel and the highly visible first aid tent, patrons could rest assured that help was never far away if the need arose.
Fire and Rescue
“On estimate, we have 30, “said Operations Chief Darren Peeples when asked how many firefighters were on hand for Rock the South.
However, it was figurative, not literal, fires Cullman Fire and Rescue dealt with at Rock the South. Medical calls were one of the main concerns over the weekend.
“Overheating, diabetic issues because of overheating, not eating, alcohol and dehydration,” responded Peeples when asked about some of the medical issues that were prevalent over the weekend.
“We have a fire truck and gators for fire suppression and pyrotechnics,” stated Peeples, although, thankfully, there has never been a need. “We are trying to cover any and all hazards. We have never had to put out any literal fires but there is always the potential and we have to prepare for it. It would be darn near impossible to get the equipment in here once you get this many people here.”
Whether it was law enforcement, EMS or fire and rescue personnel, it was the combined effort and tireless diligence of each and every one who made Rock the South a safe and fun environment for the thousands in attendance.
Rock the South photo gallery: http://qrne.ws/rts2016
