Let's focus on the fact that quite a few departments did choose to participate. This is a recognition of the fact that fire departments, whether by choice or not, are subject to Homeland Security Presidential Directive No. 5 which states: “To prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies, the United States Government shall establish a single, comprehensive approach to domestic incident management. The objective of the United States Government is to ensure that all levels of government across the Nation have the capability to work efficiently and effectively together, using a national approach to domestic incident management.”

The fire departments in Cayuga County possess some of the most highly skilled and trained members, not only in the state, but in the nation. We have recognized that in order to provide the citizens of our community the protection they deserve, it is incumbent upon us to branch out and tap into the resource pools that surround us.

The Auburn Fire Department has contracted with Cayuga County to provide hazardous material response to the entire county. Within the department we have hazardous material technicians and specialists standing guard ready to respond. Bear in mind, the department having jurisdiction over the incident retains command. We are only a resource to that incident commander. We will provide everything we are capable of, knowing full well the successful conclusion of the event will require more personnel than we can dedicate to a call. Therefore, we depend on the host department and mutual aid to provide support functions such as decontamination, scene safety, perimeter control and EMS coverage. The drill you refer to confirmed that there is a significant need for cooperative response from all emergency service agencies. No one is denied help from our Hazmat team. Our only hope is that there is quick recognition of the fact that we are needed and the process begins sooner rather than later. To answer the question asked above: Yes, we are prepared for a chemical or a biological incident. Can we always be better prepared? The answer to that is also yes.

Rest assured that the emergency service responders in this county, emergency management, law enforcement, fire, EMS, public health, public works, hospital, government administration, Red Cross and the military have been and continue to prepare for your emergency.