By Dale Barnett
Elmore/Autauga News
Photos by Jim Barker and Dale Barnett
Area First responders in Elmore County gained valuable additional training on Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14. Police officers and Fire Department volunteers from Millbrook, Coosada, Wetumpka, Santuck, and the volunteers with the Elmore County amateur radio operators showed up at the Elmore County Firefighters Association at 191 Red Eagle Drive in Wetumpka for training conducted by the University of Findlay Hazards training program.
The training was made possible from a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation PHMSA division. The training sessions were arranged through a partnership with the Elmore County Firefighters Association and the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency office, which advised that a total of 36 responders were involved over the two days and each session lasted eight hours.
Findlay Trainer Jim Barker said their Company is located in Findlay Ohio and they provide all levels of hazardous material training across the country. First responders across Elmore County might encounter any type of hazmat spill on any given day from diesel fuel due to a wreck or an industry truck or semi-truck carrying drums or barrels of various hazardous materials.
But the biggest potential for a large hazmat spill would be from a railroad accident. Considering the railroads are a vital link in our nation’s supply chain and must carry the vast amounts of hazmat chemicals used to produce so many of the products we use, the tankers can contain thousands of gallons of chemicals that can potentially be dangerous when released.
The large Class 1 railroads have been running longer trains, sometimes two miles long, and these trains can carry all varieties of hazardous materials. The training involved in these sessions concerned responding to railroad accidents. Departments without a rail line running through their jurisdiction said the training is still essential since many community responders assist others during a major incident.
Coosada Fire Chief Billy Price said the training was vital for his department and appreciated the Association and the EMA office for helping to set up the training. Price said “We have five crossings, along with several miles of rail running through Coosada, with trains running every day. If there was to be a railroad accident, it is important for our department to know who to contact and how to handle any hazmat incident. This is important for the safety of our citizens and responders.” The hazardous materials can be anything from flammable to water hazards that could affect waterways to air borne hazards that can be deadly to breathe. Knowing when and how far to evacuate is vital said Chief Price.
The responders certainly enjoyed their education and training and will add to the security and safety of the citizens in Elmore County.
