Cass County, Indiana First Responders Enhance Propane Emergency Preparedness

Cass County, IN – Over the recent July 4th holiday weekend, public safety personnel in Cass County, Indiana dedicated their time to improving their readiness for propane emergencies through intensive training.

On July 1, 2023, various agencies, including the Cass County Emergency Management Agency, Lucurne Fire Department, Twelve Mile Fire Department, Logansport Fire Department, Cass County Fire District 1, New Waverly Fire Department, Young America Fire Department, and Walton Community Fire Department, came together to participate in a full day, hands-on training course facilitated by Responder Training Enterprises. The training focused on essential topics such as understanding chemical properties, emergency response procedures, and familiarization with the latest equipment in the HAZMAT arsenal of emergency management.

Rocky Buffum, the director of the Emergency Management Agency and chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of this training. He stated, “We occasionally receive calls regarding damaged propane containers releasing a product, ranging from small cylinders used for home grills to large transport vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, these situations can pose explosion hazards and require evacuations.”

The training session covered techniques such as container flaring and water injection, enabling responders to safely and efficiently handle damaged containers. In the past, responders often had to wait hours at the scene for containers to vent or burn off products, which posed fire and explosion risks. However, with the new equipment and techniques, containers can now be emptied and controlled, significantly reducing the hazards and the time emergency units spend on-site.

The comprehensive training and advanced equipment available will enhance the safety of both first responders and citizens. They will also expedite the return of emergency units to service, ensuring their availability for future calls.

Owner and senior instructor of Responder Training Enterprises, Ron Huffman, conducted the training. Huffman, a retired Emergency Management Agency leader and fire battalion chief from the New Castle area, brings extensive experience as a first responder and propane industry professional since 1989.

Rocky Buffum appreciated the dedicated Cass County public safety community, emphasizing their unity and commitment to improving their collective emergency response. He stated, “We come together as a tight-knit group, often faced with challenging circumstances. It’s gratifying to spend time learning, growing, and finding new ways to work together for the betterment of our community.”

The Logansport Fire Department and the City of Logansport provided the training space, King Oil supplied the propane, and the local Emergency Planning Committee funded the training. Additional financial support came from fees and citations imposed on hazardous materials spillers in Cass County. The program was made possible without requiring extra county tax dollars.

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