The exercise took place in Plymouth, but 80+ attendees from several counties across northern Indiana came.
Represented locally were Marshall County EMA Director Jack Garner, Marshall County Coroner John Grolich, and Plymouth Fire Department Assistant Chief Chuy Garcia.
Other participants included, but were not limited to: FEMA, IDHS, healthcare professionals, the National Weather Service, Red Cross, NIPSCO, the Indiana Toll Road, railroad safety officials, emergency management agencies, police departments, and fire/EMS departments.
The all-day event simulated a train derailment, leading to a fire and chemical spill in Argos. Because of the chemical identified, an evacuation of the town would be required, expanding the operation significantly. Beyond the short-term tactical response, attention was also paid to long-term community recovery efforts and economic impacts.
Participating organizations were split into tables based on their job sectors and went through discussion questions. This provided a great opportunity to review plans and procedures and apply them to the chosen topic.
A smaller group was chosen to participate in the “Incident Command” structure and actually played out the scenario in the afternoon. Garcia (second from left) and Garner (second from right) were both in that group.
This exercise was the second stage out of three for IDHS’ exercise schedule. A full-scale training exercise covering the same topic will be conducted in 2025.
Submitted by: Jack Garner, EMA Director, Marshall County
Indiana Governor Mike Braun extends suspension of gas tax
LCMH leader completes prestigious leadership program
Spitler Foundation Award applications now available
Agrichemical container recycling site to be in Lawrence County
Another Flood Warning for Embarras River at Lawrenceville
Letter Carriers' Food Drive this Saturday
Former Indian head coach Ron Felling passes away
Arrest made in rural Lawrence County burglary case
Local man in custody in child pornography investigation
IHSAA approves Personal Branding, while basketball shot clock proposal fails
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Knox County farm to be featured at Indiana State Fair
Lawrence County election lottery coming up
City of Lawrenceville takes possession of old school building
Illinois AG still looking into dispatchers in Edgar County case
Work begins on OCC Science Labs project
One dead after Knox County collision
