VIDEO: While receiving a mysterious envelope in the mail filled with white powder may sound like something out of a movie, it’s a very real threat that first responders in Muskegon County prepare for each month. A potential white powder scenario was the focus of training for the Muskegon County Hazardous Material Response Team this week. The team is mostly volunteer and, while not often needed, has specialized training to respond to all sorts of situations. The group trains twice a month and is made up of firefighters, police officers and chemical manufacturer employees. HAZMAT Chief Tony Gutierrez said his team responds to about 10 calls a year but also often provides consultations for fire departments responding to emergencies.
Gutierrez said, “we do pretty much any hazardous material incident you can think of, we probably train for it, whether it’s flaring a propane cylinder or, you know, Bobtail truck of MC-331, that, you know, delivers propane out to the rural areas, to a white powder call, radiation.” When responding, the team will gather information, develop a plan, put on HAZMAT suits and work to classify the product in question. Gutierrez said it’s not common knowledge that this resource exists in the county.
