Hazardous Materials Response Teams

Through the statewide plans development, a first ever inventory of locally based Hazardous Materials Teams was completed statewide. As a result, 36 response teams were designated for statewide response. Currently, 27 of the teams are rated at Level "A" or the most qualified while the remainder are rated Level "B" but currently upgrading to Level "A" capability.

The teams have held two statewide meetings where representatives created standardized operating protocols, minimum equipment and training performance standards and modeled response packages to domestic terrorism incidents.

Through ITTF grants ($1,358,467) each of the 36 teams have received standardized, WMD Detection and analysis equipment for nuclear, biological and chemical incidents. The equipment received represents contemporary technology available to non-military resources.

Technical Rescue Teams (USAR "LIGHT")

Another area of effort and identification within the statewide plan was Technical Rescue Teams (TRT). TRT Teams are individuals who are specialty equipped and trained in areas of below grade rescue, high angle rescue, light and heavy structural collapse. TRT Teams are sometimes referred to as USAR "Light" packages (Urban Search and Rescue Teams).

The statewide effort identified 37 TRT Teams who are, or soon will be, rated Level "A". An additional 23 TRT Teams are rated Level "B" and will be brought to Level "A" capability over the next 24 months. A third phase will be needed to fill geographic TRT holes in the state over the next 2 to 5 years.

An ITTF grant of $2,283,000 will assist in obtaining needed equipment for the 23 Level "A" TRT Teams. An additional $1,806,000 has been granted by the ITTF to the TRT for a full USAR equipment package for statewide use. A USAR package will provide the state of the art in specialized use for victims heavily entrapped in a collapse or extrication based event.