Training exercise conducted at Lincolnville
Firefighters and emergency medical services personnel participated Aug. 28 in a mock training exercise at Lincolnville.
The drill was conducted in coordination with the office of Marion County Emergency Preparedness.
This was the scenario:
A fuel delivery truck from Agri-Producers, Inc., was backing up to a bulk tank near the fuel pumps in Lincolnville when the driver passed out and the truck hit and punctured the tank. Diesel fuel is leaking from the tank onto the ground around the truck.
A passer-by calls 911, and several minutes later firemen and first responders arrive on the scene.
When first responder/fireman Jennifer Woods rushes to the cab of the truck to check on the driver, another fireman tells her to stay clear of the area because it is dangerous.
However, she insists that the driver needs help NOW, and with the aid of another fireman, removes him from the truck.
While she and other emergency personnel stabilize his condition and transfer him to a back board for transport, firefighters spray water infused with a special foam onto the spilled fuel (see photos).
The officer in charge, Barry Montgomery, said the tank contained 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel. He said the foam in the water suppresses vapors and prevents possible ignition. He also said firefighters were going to try to plug the leak.
The area slopes to the southeast toward a water source, so several firefighters work at building a dike. Montgomery said absorbent pads also were being used to soak up the fuel.
Lost Springs firefighters provided mutual aid, giving water support.
Dottie Gehrke, Lost Springs, acted as an innocent bystander who got too close to the scene and had to be escorted out of the area by two firefighters.
Overseeing and analyzing the whole operation were Marion County Emergency Preparedness director Michelle Abbott-Becker, and fire chief Lester Kaiser.
The drill was finished in about an hour.
Kaiser said expenses for the drill were covered by a grant received through the Marion County Office of Emergency Preparedness. He said the exercise gave local emergency workers practice in handling a medical emergency and hazardous material.
"Everyone felt it was beneficial," Kaiser said. "We learned a lot and we found some areas we need to work on."
Others participating from Lincolnville were Joe Vinduska, Connie Gage, Jackie Gage Sr., James and Jennifer Woods, David Kaiser, Brandon Hurt, Sherry Kohman, and junior firefighter Jackie Gage Jr.
Firefighters from Lost Springs were Blaine Gerhke, Ron Hajek, and Brad Pagenkopf.
B.J. Clement of Tampa was the truck driver.
Tim Bettles of Herington acted as observer/controller along with Kaiser.
