June 8, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay has received a $225,000 grant from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to provide hazardous materials and railcar emergency response training to Ohio volunteer firefighters and other first responders.

The grant will be used to conduct more than 50 emergency response courses that cover topics like: basic hazard and risk techniques; mock emergency response exercises; and hands-on training on how to respond to rail car incidents.

These programs, which are managed by the University’s School of Environmental and Emergency Management (SEEM), provide hazardous materials emergency response training to volunteer firefighters and other first responders across the state at their locations. “We train these first responders on how to safely contain chemical spills and other types of unexpected chemical releases,” Matthew Bruskotter, SEEM project manager, explained. “These techniques range from covering up storm drains to prevent the spill from spreading to actually stopping the release using a variety of tools and techniques.”

Since 1996, UF has trained nearly 4,000 firefighters and first responders at 100 locations throughout Ohio in hazardous materials response. This year, 800 to 1,000 people are expected to be trained. “These programs have been well-received and effective because we work directly with the agencies to determine exactly what training needs they have and then develop the right mix of courses to meet these needs,” Bruskotter said.

“First responders are facing very real concerns about chemical-related terrorist threats and accidents that can occur when hazardous materials are being transported or used in industry. It’s our goal at The University of Findlay to make sure they are ready to properly handle any hazardous material incident they are called upon to respond to,” Bruskotter added.

For more information, contact Matt Bruskotter at 419-434-5599, or Rebecca Shell, UF public relations officer, at 419-434-4345.