Throughout the bitterly cold months of December through February, members from the Junaluska Fire Depart and surrounding regions of Transylvania, Buncombe, Swain, and beyond braved brutally cold temperatures to complete their NCOSFM Technical Rescuer General Series at Haywood Community College Public Safety Center. Comprised within their training included Rescue Operations, Basic Ropes, Ascending and Descending a fixed rope and stranded climber pick-off's. IN addition, the participants learn various aspects of natural and artificial high directional anchors, including the use of an aerial and ground ladders. The course also included the use of new multi-purpose rescue devices such as the SMC Terradaptor; Aztek Mechanical Advantage pack, the CMC MPD, as well as, the Petzl MPD. New techniques such as twin tensioned rope systems and the long tailed interlocking bowline were just a few of the advanced techniques this group enjoyed learning.