Jackson fire crew going to St. Louis debate

A handful of Jackson firefighters will be in St. Louis Friday during the presidential debate to provide assistance in the event of a chemical attack.

Jackson's fire department, along with Sikeston's, make up the 44-member Southeast Missouri Hazardous Material Homeland Security Response Team -- 22 from each department. Fewer than 12 from Jackson will be in St. Louis Saturday. Fire chief Brad Golden said he couldn't say exactly how many would be making the trip.

"We've been in the planning stages for this for four months," Golden said. "We've had several meetings up there. Our primary responsibility, along with six other teams, is decontamination in the event something occurs during the debate."

Golden said the fire department also participated in security for President Bush's visit to Poplar Bluff, Mo., on Labor Day.

Late last month, the state's Department of Health and Human Services asked public health agencies in the St. Louis area to enhance disease surveillance until the debate is over.

Gerry Everding, a representative for debate host Washington University, said very few security details are being released.

Some major roads in the area will be closed while President Bush and Sen. John Kerry make their way to the campus. According to the university's Web site, the Big Bend entrance off Highway 40 will be closed all day.

Jackson firefighters' preparation has included cross-training with Army and medical personnel. As part of hazmat training, Jackson firefighters have trained in Alabama with nerve agents, in New Mexico with explosives, in Nevada at a nuclear site and in Utah at a biochemical weapons training ground.

Some of the medical EMTs, including Golden, took a two-week course in Maine for advanced life support for hazardous materials.

"The team members have worked exhaustively," Golden said. "I think it's a great honor for the team and the individuals to work this debate."

Golden said one of the main reasons smaller towns like Sikeston and Jackson have been asked to form teams is in case larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have a major crisis and need help.

As far as the debate, Golden said it gives the different teams a chance to network, work together and share tips.

"We can learn from them and they can learn from us," he said. "That's what it's all about."

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635