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First responders undergo WMD training
TAMUNING, Guam—This week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is hosting a series of training workshops on handling weapons of mass destruction incidents for first responders and emergency management specialists working on Tinian, Saipan, and Guam.
These workshops, from Dec. 11 to 14, will provide an advanced, hands-on understanding of the hazards posed by weapons of mass destruction and better prepare Guam and the CNMI to handle an incident involving these werapons.
Experts from the FBI will give presentations and demonstrations using a mock “home-made” chemical lab to provide participants real examples of what to be on-the-lookout for.
Trained agents and bio-warfare scholars will also share lessons learned from past events, and cover topics ranging from radiological awareness, agro-terrorism and biological threats.
“This workshop is designed to provide valuable training to first responders so they will recognize the signs and identify the use of WMD during the initial stages of an incident,” said FBI special agent John Kowatch. “With this knowledge, they can react to an incident with the most appropriate, efficient and effective response to protect the public.”
In the event of a weapons of mass destruction incident, the FBI and local first responders would work together to address the threat. This training will bring people face to face with their counterparts and build connections for future partnerships.
The workshop took place on Tinian on Dec. 11, today, Dec. 12, on Saipan, and on Dec. 13 and 14 on Guam. (PR)
