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Emergency Management outlines hazmat gaps, training grants and regional partnership
Summary
Jefferson County Emergency Management reported rebuilding hazmat capacity after a prior team was dismantled, described two trucks and two trailers currently on EM assets, and said the county applied for grants to fund EV battery training and an anhydrous ammonia exercise in collaboration with Dodge County and local responders.
Tracy, representing Jefferson County Emergency Management, briefed supervisors on office staffing, past and planned training, hazardous materials activity and grant work.
Tracy said the EM office has two full‑time staff and emphasized recent coordination with hospitals, school districts, fire departments and other responders. She reported 32 spills in 2024 and said roughly 11 off‑site plans were updated; the office also completed a hazard‑mitigation plan on an accelerated timeline and is pursuing grants for EV‑battery training and an anhydrous ammonia exercise that could include Dodge County’s hazmat team and other regional partners.
On HAZMAT capacity, Tracy said the county has two trucks and two trailers available but that local staffing was an issue after a team was dismantled in December 2023. She noted some equipment pre‑dating 1999 was destroyed and that the county is exploring surplus sales of an extra truck/trailer and partnerships to offset costs. Tracy indicated incident‑specific expenses will be billed to responsible parties where possible.
Supervisors asked about the relationship with fire departments; Tracy said EM acts as a resource for training, planning and coordination rather than directing operational firefighting tactics. She said that outreach and updated plans are underway and that more grant funding should boost EM’s ability to conduct exercises and provide training across the county.
Following questions, the board approved a mutual‑aid HAZMAT agreement with Dodge County and amended 2025 budget lines to include an initial $5,000 payment to Dodge County for the arrangement.
