MIDLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN CLASS

September 7, 2007 – Effective response to hazardous material incidents in the Midland community is a top priority for the City of Midland Fire Department. From now through September 14, the department will take part in a hazardous materials technician class designed to enhance the department’s ability to respond to hazardous materials incidents.

Fifteen members of Midland’s Fire Department, along with three members of Dow Corning Corporation’s Loss Prevention Department, are taking part in this 80-hour class taught by instructors from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The training consists of both classroom lecture and hands-on practical skills and will take place at Dow Corning’s training facility.

“I’m pleased that the fire personnel are eager to take part in this very intensive training,” said Midland Fire Chief Leonardo Garcia. “It’s great to be able to team up with Dow Corning personnel on trainings like these that will enhance all of our abilities to respond and mitigate incidents involving hazardous materials.”

At the completion of the training, the Midland Fire Department will have 26 personnel certified at the hazardous materials technician level.

A recent federal government grant of more than $91,000 will assist with the cost of training and the purchase of a new hazardous materials trailer and other equipment.

-30-