Fire departments encouraged to pursue training for incidents of terrorism
First-responder terrorism-response training authorized under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 is underway. Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice`s Bureau of Justice Assistance, the program is currently limited to those departments from the largest 120 metropolitan jurisdictions. Using a “train-the-trainer” system, at least one individual from each targeted jurisdiction has received training. Two instructors from each state`s fire academy have also been trained. Fire departments not among the Bureau`s targeted jurisdictions are encouraged to contact their state fire academy or state emergency management office about available training opportunities.
The second federal program, authorized under the 1996 Nunn/Lugar II law, has been underway for more than a year. Sponsored by Senators Sam Nunn (D-GA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN), the law created and funded a terrorism response-training program for metropolitan fire departments. The most recent metro area trained was Washington, D.C. “It is strongly encouraged that fire service personnel attend this program,” says Deputy Chief Ted Jarboe, of the Montgomery County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue Services, a participant. “The instructors are knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend the training.”
“We are pleased with the response from participants in both programs,” reports Garry L. Briese, executive director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “We can`t always prevent those who are determined to cause harm from acting on their intentions,” he relates, “but we can be sure that first responders are prepared to deal effectively with the consequences. We encourage all fire departments to avail themselves of this training.”
Editor`s note: For a comprehensive report on terrorism-response training, see page 66.
