The Alabama Forestry Commission trained new employees in Greenville last week and 65 new employees from all over the state came for the session.

The session began Monday as instructors from around the state came into Butler County and trainees came Tuesday to begin training.

The employees were trained by instructors in forest fire fighting techniques and fire prevention and equipment use. Butler County forest rangers hosted the training session this year. The session has been held in Clanton and the Butler County Forestry Commission was asked if they would host this year's session.

The equipment training was held Tuesday and Wednesday on land in Butler County, owned by John Boutwell. Boutwell offered his property for the training session and new employees were able to train in equipment use and fire fighting techniques such as pushing fire lanes in the woods.

The employees also attended classroom lectures on forestry at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.

Butler County Forest Ranger Steve Perdue said that the Butler County Forestry Commission jumped at the chance of holding the training session.

"The AFC (Alabama Forestry Commission) called and asked if we would like to host the training session this year," Perdue said. "We jumped at the chance."

On Friday, the trainees trained with local fire departments in using the fire fighting equipment on the fire department trucks. Fire departments participating in the session were Searcy Volunteer Fire Department, Central V.F.D., Greenville Fire Department and South Butler Fire and Rescue.