Nov. 13, 2007
For immediate release
For more information, contact:          
Bonnie J. Prigge or Tammy Snodgrass, (573) 265-2993

SEVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT’S PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING
ON HIGH-TECH VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESPONSE

ST. JAMES—Hybrid fuel cars and those with side curtain airbags present special safety issues for firefighters when these vehicles are involved in accidents, especially when extrication is needed. Firefighters from seven fire departments recently attended a training session on dealing with hybrid fuel cars.

The training was hosted by Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee and Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Sullivan Deputy Fire Chief Larry Flesher instructed first responders on safe techniques for responding to accidents involving high-tech vehicle.

Those attending the Oct. 25 training at MRPC were:

• From Doolittle Fire Department: Cody McKeever, Ray Sudheimer and Kirk Wilson;
• From Duke Fire Department: Ron Simpson and Ron Wyatt;
• From Gerald-Rosebud Fire Department: Steven Fisher and Jerry Tobey;
• From Owensville Fire Department:  Jerome C. Boch and Jeff Limberg;
• From St. James Fire Department:  Scott McWhorter, Steve Ortiz, Bruce Parton and Steve Ruben;
• From Sullivan Fire Department:  Larry Flesher and William Withrow; and
• From Vichy Fire Department:  Chuck Cantrell, Mark Chambers, Scott Lunceford, Henrique Nuhrich, Ken Ramsey and Leroy Tipton.

The Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee works with local governments as well as the private sector to maintain plans responsive to chemical hazards, which seriously threaten the area. Kraig Bone of Washington County chairs the group. The committee periodically coordinates and offers training opportunities for emergency responders in the region. Quarterly meetings are open to the public. Meramec Regional Planning Commission, a voluntary council of local governments serving the eight-county Meramec Region, provides staff support for the local emergency planning committee.

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