Drill with Hazmat 18

 
By Incident Safety Officer Edward (Eddie) Raley
May 17, 2021
 

St. Mary's County Hazmat 18 visited Ridge VFD to show our members the equipment and capabilities they have to mitigate a hazardous materials incident. Members Charlie Russell and Darius Hawkins went over numerous hazmat topics. Darius covered decontamination techniques and the equipment utilized during decon. He explained what's expected of the first engine company or company officer that arrives on a hazmat scene and described how the Hazmat team will assist during these events. Charlie explained the different types of metering devices carried on the unit and demonstrated each meter. Members got the chance to go around the unit and explore through all the different compartments and equipment carried by Hazmat 18 as well as getting their hands on experience using the meters.

The St. Mary's County Hazmat Unit is housed in Leonardtown, Maryland and responds to all hazardous materials incidents in St. Mary's County. St. Mary's also has a mutual aid agreement with NDWFD and their hazmat unit which responds from Patuxent River Naval Air Station to assist as well. Hazmat 18 is looking for energetic members from all fire and rescue departments to join their team. Contact a team member for information.

We would like to thank Charlie and Darius for bringing the unit to Ridge!