The Dodge County Hazmat Team partnered with several area fire departments on August 19 th , 2024 to conduct a first of its kind training in Dodge County. The Iron Ridge, Allenton, Theresa, Hustisford and Neosho Fire Departments gathered in Iron Ridge to conduct decontamination training with the Dodge County Hazmat Team. The focus was to familiarize area firefighters with the Hazmat team so they can support decontamination operations during a real-world event. Captain Kelly Keller of the Iron Ridge Fire Department assisted with coordinating the set up and securing volunteers. The training focused on mass decontamination, technical decontamination and familiarity with Dodge County’s Hazmat apparatus. Volunteers covered in flour helped to simulate contaminated victims and were sent through corridors where large volumes of water were used to remove the simulated contaminants. Firefighters also had the opportunity to set up a decontamination line and decontaminate Hazmat responders. At the end of the training members of the local departments gathered to discuss the tactics used and discussed lessons learned through the training. This was a great training opportunity for the agencies involved and exposed them to a topic that is not often covered during regular trainings. Members were able to ask valuable questions that will assist the Hazmat team in refining its operations, training, and response. The Dodge County Hazmat Team would like to thank Iron Ridge Captain Kelly Keller for her efforts in bringing the departments together, the volunteers for donating their time, and the firefighters for their engagement and willingness to train. The Hazmat team would also like to thank William Walace for donating his time to take exceptional photos of the training event.
