U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration recently awarded the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) with an Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant for an undisclosed amount.
ALERT provides hazmat training for volunteer or remote emergency responders who deal with emergencies involving the transportation by rail of flammable liquids. Training can occur both in-person and online.
“The ALERT grant program has been a tremendous success,” Chief Thomas Jenkins, IAFC president and chairman of the board of directors, said. “Thanks to this federal assistance, the IAFC through the availability of both in-person and web-based training will be able to continue to provide crucial training and information to thousands of emergency responders from coast to coast.”
The IAFC is partnering with the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Renewable Fuels Association. These organizations will help the IAFC create and manage a training program using ALERT funds.
ALERT began in 2015. Since then, 1,571 responders participated in seminars and instructor-led training. An additional 2,725 responders have participated in online courses.
The IAFC represents firefighters and emergency responders around the globe.