PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2008

Drill Helps Prepare Fire Companies for Train Emergency

An April 5 drill at the Amtrak train yards in Rensselaer helped prepare several county fire companies for a passenger train emergency, with Legislator Mike Stammel serving as an instructor.

The drill included a working Amtrak locomotive and several passenger cars. Members of fire companies learned about the different types of emergencies they may face when responding to a distress call involving a passenger train.

In one phase of the drill, firefighters opened windows on a passenger car to gain access to the car. In another phase, heavy smoke conditions were simulated with a smoke machine, and firefighters conducted a search of the car for passengers.

Stammel has worked as a safety training officer at Amtrak and also serves as first assistant fire chief for the Rensselaer City Fire Department. Stammel has served as a volunteer member of the city Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Company. Stammel helps conduct several similar emergency preparedness drills across the state each year.

Firefighters from the Rensselaer, Hoags Corners, Defreestville and Clinton Heights fire companies were among those at the April 5 drill along with Amtrak emergency personnel and staff under the direction of Amtrak fire Chief Gary Hearn.

“This was a great way to prepare firefighters for an emergency involving a passenger train. They learned what kind of emergency they can expect, what kind of conditions they may encounter and what response they may want to employ,” said Stammel.

“This was an important training exercise and we thank everyone for their participation. This helps keeps passengers and residents safe and the commitment and dedication shown by these firefighters was outstanding,” added Stammel.

Photo caption: An April 5 drill at the Amtrak train yards in Rensselaer helped prepare several county fire companies for a passenger train emergency, with Legislator Mike Stammel serving as an instructor. (Photo editors, Stammel is shown in the green jacket in the three photos attached).

 Support Freedom - Support Our Troops

Back