February 22, 2007

Hazard school for firefighters

       Whether it's a terrorist's anthrax attack or a chlorine spill they face, about half of White River Township's 90 firefighters can handle the hazardous materials emergency.  For two weeks, experts from across the country have conducted classroom and hands-on training for 20 of the township's firefighters to use in the event of a hazardous materials incident.  About 25 had been trained previously to handle such materials.  No matter the substance, the emergency response and preparation is the same, said lead trainer Dennis Grove, a retired Oklahoma City Fire Department captain and veteran trainer.  "What we teach them is how to provide a service and remain safe during the process," he said.  That's important, Grove said, because if firefighters are sidelined by a toxic substance, they couldn't help anyone.  Joining Grove for training Thursday at the Fire Department's headquarters, near Ind. 37 and Smith Valley Road, was Sam Campbell, a retired San Diego firefighter, and Lt. Joe Manasa, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, Dade County, Fla., a hazardous materials expert.

         Wednesday, the firefighters faced an emergency scenario based on a leak or spill of chlorine.  The students had to stop leaks from a 55-gallon drum, a railroad tanker car's top valve system and a 50-gallon and 1-ton cylinder.  "The smaller containers are more like those used in swimming pool treatment systems and the larger containers, such as the 1-ton tanks, are used in public water treatment," said Battalion Chief Joel Thacker, head of training.  "These types of containers pass through our township nearly every day for use in water purification and manufacture of many products."

         As part of the training, firefighters underwent dozens of hours of classroom instruction.  "I am going home tonight and start studying for my test tomorrow," probationary firefighter Charlie Fraker, 27, said Thursday.  Fraker said the training enlightened him about the different types of containers used to transport through the township many of the 16 million chemicals that are also hazardous materials.  (Reprinted with permission from the Indianapolis Star).
 
   

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