Firefighters and EMS personnel from the West Grove Fire Company participated in an annual Hazardous Materials Refresher Training over two successive Monday nights in March.

WGFC members received annual refresher trainings early each year. The Hazmat Awareness refresher is a 2-hour course required each year, and the Hazmat Operations refreshers is a 6 hour course also required annually.

Classroom hazmat training was provided to staff and members by Jim Kettler from the Bucks County Community College's Department of Public Safety & Certification. Jim works with the Bucks County Hazmat team and has a close working relationship with the Chester County Hazmat team.

The first Monday session was all classroom learning -- covering topics about how to identify hazardous materials, different types of transport modes -- truck, rail, etc., and how to seek expert guidance from haz mat teams, government agencies, and expert resources. The training is specifically designed to help first responders identify hazards and risk, and how to operate at these types of emergencies until experts can arrive.

Classroom time continued on the second Monday, along with a visit from the Chester County Hazmat Team. The team showcased their equipment bringing the Team's two response trucks, and demonstrating the workings and set up of a decontamination line -- as local fire companies are often requested to assist in establishing a decon line at a hazmat emergency.

Annual trainings are part of WGFC's year-long commitment to training, with thousands of hours of hands on and classroom instruction taking place on most Monday evenings at the Fire Company's stations. The Fire Company also conducts department training off site at various fire training sites, like the Chester County Emergency Services Training Center in Coatesville. Additionally, fire company personnel can take additional training classes at area facilities and regional and national training sites.