Fire department earns certification
Altoona completes its hazmat training for next two years
The Altoona Fire Department has been recertified to allow it to continue to respond to emergency situations involving hazardous materials.
The department successfully completed an evaluation drill conducted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, which officially certifies the Altoona Fire Department Hazmat Team for the next two years.
“This is very important for us,” said Ralph Lee, Altoona Fire Department captain. “This proves that our firefighters have continued to train and expand their knowledge, and it allows us to continue to provide hazmat services for not only Altoona, but all of Blair County.”
Firefighters completed a simulated response exercise that involved a facility with a leaking 1-ton chlorine cylinder, with firefighters tasked to apply the appropriate measure to mitigate the situation.
Lee said firefighters successfully and safely completed all tasks, which included a self-evaluated exercise, a team-oriented mission and an equipment inspection.
According to PEMA, fire departments that receive hazmat certification are required to retest every two years to display their competency and continued education.
Lee said Altoona firefighters routinely receive specialized training involving hazardous materials, adding that it is a significant part of the department’s training routine.
In addition to serving all of Blair County, Lee said the Altoona hazmat team provides services to various other hazmat teams across the state when there are unmet needs or additional personnel is needed.
The department spends over 400 hours training per year, Lee said, adding that firefighters at the AFD have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and better serve the community.
“It shows how dedicated the members are to their profession,” Lee said. “There is a pretty significant amount of training that they go through to maintain those competencies. It says a lot about the efforts that our members have put forth to accomplish this.”
Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.