WRES has an award-winning rope rescue team but we do more than just rope rescue. We are trained in vehicle extrication and do search and rescue for lost hikers and others who become disoriented while enjoying the mountain.

Rescue Volunteer Spotlight: DAVID ATKINSON

A third generation Signal Mountain resident, David’s deep connection to the mountain has stayed with him since volunteering at WRES out of high school. He later joined the Signal Mountain Fire Department in 2008, steadily rising through the ranks to become captain. A graduate of the National Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technician school, he credits WRES for his success. “As long as you're willing, WRES will support your educational endeavors,” D says. “I took full college semester loads plus EMT school, firefighter training, and rope school. I originally walked through the doors here to be on the rope rescue team. It just snowballed from there.”