GOAL & MISSION
At 3rd Alarm Public Safety Training, we understand that rural fire departments face unique challenges. Limited budgets, staffing constraints, and the need to keep units in service often make traditional training difficult or unrealistic to attend. Too often, rural departments are expected to operate to the same standards without access to training that fits their operational and financial realities.
Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality, and realistic training to firefighters and emergency responders in a manner that is effective, affordable, and practical for rural departments. We are committed to delivering training that can be implemented in real-world rural environments without reducing emergency response capabilities or placing unnecessary strain on department resources.
The needs and response mechanisms of rural departments—whether full-time, combination, or volunteer—are unique. 3rd Alarm is dedicated to developing and delivering training specifically designed to meet those needs, ensuring personnel are prepared to meet the demands of the job, protect their communities with confidence and professionalism, and return home safely after every call.
WILLIAM GARNER, OWNER/INSTRUCTOR
My name is William Garner, and I’m a third-generation member of the fire service with over six years of hands-on experience. I began my career at just 16 years old with the Cross City Volunteer Fire Department, where serving in a rural, volunteer setting showed me early on how demanding this profession truly is—and how essential proper, high-quality training becomes when resources are limited.
I completed my Firefighter Minimum Standards at Florida Gateway College and continued my professional development through training with 3rd Alarm. These experiences helped shape my approach to both emergency response and instruction. Today, I work as a Firefighter/EMT with Dixie County Fire Rescue and proudly serve as the Fire Chief of the Cross City Volunteer Fire Department, the same department where my fire service journey began.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand that all members of the fire service deserve access to realistic, effective training. In rural areas especially, quality training opportunities can be difficult to find. That challenge is what drives my passion for instruction and led me to become the owner of 3rd Alarm Public Safety Training. My focus is on delivering practical, real-world training that builds confidence, competence, and accountability—not just meeting minimum requirements.
3* INSTRUCTORS
Nearly all 3* instructors got their start in the fire service working and living in rural North Florida. We all understand the challenges rural communities face when it comes to how Fire Departments both full-time and Volunteer are operated day-to-day, the financial constraints placed on rural communities due to lack of funding and the reduced amount of personnel during response. We still reside in small counties. Volunteer firefighters respond to our families and our homes in the event of a fire, vehicle accident or medical emergency. We believe in making sure rural departments have the same training bigger departments have available.
Together we have a master's degree, bachelor's degrees and associate's degrees. We all have a love for the fire service and a desire to pay forward the knowledge and training we have received.
