Pictured is a group of first responders from various agencies around the state as they hold a briefing before a mock train derailment training. (Deming) – Military, law enforcement and emergency responders came together recently for a live exercise to prepare for handling a train derailment and chemical spill.
Last Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 17-18), the Luna County Emergency Management Department brought together the New Mexico National Guard, Luna County Sheriff’s Office, Deming Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services, Dona Ana County Hazmat and Union Pacific for the training exercise.
The team set up a staging area and worked with the incident commander, Deming Fire Department’s Kevin Hensley, to run through how the multi-agency team would react and respond if a train-car full of volatile chemicals derailed in town.
The exercise took place just north of the tracks in the Union Pacific rail yard.
As part of the training, the responders simulated evacuating the neighborhood around the derailment location, as well as protecting first responders responsible for handling the chemical spill.
Some members wore protective suits and were required to undergo field decontamination before ending the mission, so everyone would have practice in detail.
Last Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 17-18), the Luna County Emergency Management Department brought together the New Mexico National Guard, Luna County Sheriff’s Office, Deming Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services, Dona Ana County Hazmat and Union Pacific for the training exercise.
The team set up a staging area and worked with the incident commander, Deming Fire Department’s Kevin Hensley, to run through how the multi-agency team would react and respond if a train-car full of volatile chemicals derailed in town.
The exercise took place just north of the tracks in the Union Pacific rail yard.
As part of the training, the responders simulated evacuating the neighborhood around the derailment location, as well as protecting first responders responsible for handling the chemical spill.
Some members wore protective suits and were required to undergo field decontamination before ending the mission, so everyone would have practice in detail.
RSS Feed
