Hamilton Co. emergency crews receive hazmat accreditation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hazmat Team is now an Accredited Type 1 Hazardous Materials Team.

“It is hard work, blood and sweat, and probably literal tears for some of these guys who have had anger in getting it done and dealing with paperwork. But the work they have done is fantastic,” said Alex Pellom, Chief of Staff for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

In order to receive the accreditation, hours of training were required.

“We have tons of hazardous materials coming to our area on a daily basis, all kinds of different things, and we must be prepared for those unknown instances to do that,” said Phil Hyman, Chief for the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD). “I know this Type 1 accreditation will help with that.”

Type 1 teams are trained to deal with chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

Over the last few months, CFD has responded to several hazmat incidents, including on I-24 and at Eastgate Mall.

The CFD says this is a big deal to better handle hazmat situations.

“Folks that have the passion for hazardous materials, it is difficult, it is time consuming. There is a lot of knowledge to be had. There is a lot of research to be done. And it is one of those top advances that you have to get right,” said Chief Hyman.

The CFD says this accreditation will better prepare them for hazmat events in the future, as well as protect the lives of individuals.

“It should be a peace of mind for our citizens, our residents, all of our taxpayers out there that pay salaries and pay benefits for these individuals. That is the testament. Our community should feel safer knowing that this team has this type of accreditation,” Chief Hyman concluded.