The Times West Virginian

Local News

October 22, 2008

Hazardous materials training under way

City firefighters kept up to date because of their proximity to I-79

By Paul Fallon

FAIRMONT — Firefighters with the Fairmont department are currently undergoing training to help them deal with hazardous-material incidents.

According to Conn Hayden, the class instructor, approximately 94 percent of all hazardous materials are transported across the nation’s highways. Therefore, area firefighters must be kept up to date on hazardous-material training because of their proximity to Interstate 79.

“We’re teaching firefighters how to respond to all sorts of hazardous-material incidents,” Hayden said. “It doesn’t matter whether those spills take place on a roadway, a train track or a local storage facility.”

The classes started last Tuesday, Fairmont Fire Chief Roger Wilson said. They will continue to run until this Friday, he added. All 39 Fairmont firefighters are taking part in the class, he said.

“Hazardous-material response classes are important because we have all sorts of different chemicals moving across our roads,” Wilson said.

He added that not only do firefighters have to deal with hazardous material spills, but nowadays building materials often contain dangerous materials. Therefore, firefighters must be prepared to deal with hazardous materials in case of a structure fire as well.

“This class teaches us how to deal with all aspects of hazardous-material response — from isolation to evacuation,” Wilson said.

Wilson also noted that firefighters are required to participate in hazardous-material training every year. This class satisfies that requirement, he added.

The class is taught through the International Association of Firefighters. Hayden has been teaching the class for around 14 years, he said.

“And since the class is through the association, it doesn’t cost the fire department or the city anything,” Hayden said.

The class being offered this week to the firefighters consists of classroom work. However, Hayden pointed out that practical, hands-on training may be held in the future.

“The city should feel fortunate that they’re fire chief is willing to bring this training in,” Hayden said.

He went on to say that most of the firefighters in the city have to take only eight hours of the hazardous-material response training to fulfill their yearly requirement. However, he noted that the firemen were all taking the full 24-hour course.

“They’re really going above and beyond to make sure they can protect their communities,” Hayden said.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012

  • Expanded airport hangar space sought

    Benedum Airport Authority members representing Marion and Harrison counties met Wednesday at the North Central West Virginia Airport for their monthly meeting to discuss plans to build and expand hangar availability.

    February 9, 2012

  • FSHS student works to start scholarship fund

    A bright smile on Kelly Horton’s face could have fooled anyone on Wednesday morning.
    In front of the Marion County Commission, the Fairmont Senior High School junior kept a strong composure as she explained why she needed help with her senior project.

    February 9, 2012

  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012