Exercise tests first responders with simulated chlorine spill Published April 17, 2009 By Brooke Davis Northeast Air Defense Sector ROME, N.Y. -- Griffiss Business and Technology Park tenants teamed-up to coordinate another base exercise during the June AFT week. The exercise was a coordinated effort between the Northeast Air Defense Sector, Air Force Research Labs, Defense Finance and Accounting Service and local emergency responders. "Never before were all 3 DoD agencies fully involved in an exercise of this magnitude," said emergency manager exercise coordinator Ken Hemshrot. "The goal of the exercise was to conduct a large scale Contingency Operational Exercise which meets the Federal requirements of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) /Air Force National Incident Management System (AFNIMS) and ultimately enhances readiness and improve crisis response for all agencies involved." Local emergency responders included: Rome and Utica Fire Departments, Rome, County, and State Law Enforcement agencies, Rome Memorial Hospital, Office of Special Investigation, the FBI and other Rome City, Oneida County, and State Emergency Services support agencies. Simulated chlorine gas victims had fake vomit and displayed symptoms of chlorine gas inhalation for the first responders to treat. A HAZMAT exercise of this magnitude to include the number of participants and agencies had never before been conducted using NEADS, AFRL, & DFAS in cooperation with numerous Rome City, Oneida County, and State of NY Emergency Services personnel, said Mr. Hemshrot. "All members involved at all levels should be proud of their efforts and continue to want to improve the process for upcoming exercises," Mr. Hemshrot said. "Overall, much noted improvement in most areas of the exercise operation, particularly in the "Communications" aspect as compared to the exercise in 2007. This shows that the agencies involved are improving their communications."