The U.S. Department of Justice Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program is targeting threats and incidents of domestic terrorism that could include chemical, biological and radiological weapons, which guided equipment selection. But, Chief Skeels said, the “[SPFD] department isn’t trying to turn into a haz mat team.”Luna asked if the department responded to an incident needing a haz mat team, would the team “come in and use our equipment. . .”“We would offer them anything we have,” although such specialized teams usually are fully-equipped, said Chief Skeels. Local firefighters might be a “position to take readings,” of such scenes, he added.Firefighters would need other equipment to protect themselves, Luna said, but the chief noted that upon arrival firefighters might discover a “full-blown incident,” requiring specialized haz mat response.Councilman Rick Cook, retired from the Santa Paula Police Department, noted that the grant funding has already been approved and firefighters, as well as local police, have received training at the first response level. “If they realize it’s too hot they can back away but they have to be prepared,” to evaluate the incident.
City Council approves SPFD equipment funded by anti-terrorism grant
March 15, 2001
Santa Paula City Council
A package of equipment funded by a federal grant were addressed by the City Council at the March 6 meeting when the acquisition of specialized hazardous material gear was questioned.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA package of equipment funded by a federal grant were addressed by the City Council at the March 6 meeting when the acquisition of specialized hazardous material gear was questioned.Vice Mayor Ray Luna asked that the item be pulled from the consent calendar as some of the equipment to be purchased with a $9,462 federal grant, “Concerns me. . .”At issue was gas and radiological detection and monitor devices, which Luna, a city of Ventura firefighter, asked if members of the Santa Paula Fire Department are prepared to use.Chief Paul Skeels noted that the city department is a “very small player in this grant,” funding for equipment to be shared throughout the county’s emergency operational area. The county and larger cities have specialized Haz Mat teams and the “Santa Paula Fire Department would play a small part,” in such incidents.The countywide team decided the best equipment to issue to first responders to emergencies, Chief Skeels said, as well as what would be most beneficial in mutual aid incidents.
