Oregon Guard Will Train With Tualitan Valley Firefighters

Familiarity in a number of areas will help the agencies work together in the event of a disaster.

Oregon Guard Blackhawk rescue helicopter Photo by: Tim King

(TUALITAN) - When disaster strikes, it's "all hands on deck." That includes not only local emergency responders, but often Oregon's military as well. To prepare for that situation, over 60 Oregon Army National Guard soldiers and commanders will train and drill with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue this coming weekend.

The two-day event is designed to increase preparation, communication, and cooperation between the two agencies in advance of a natural or manmade disaster.

On Saturday, March 10th, members from the 141st Brigade Support Battalion will receive hands-on training in: Live Fire, Vehicle Extrication, Urban Search and Rescue, and CPR/First Aid, and classroom instruction on incident command systems.

On Sunday, March 11th, the skills and knowledge acquired on Saturday will be put to the test as Guard members are called to assist TVF&R firefighters and staff in a natural disaster drill.

The two agencies will react to scenarios based on a 6.5 magnitude earthquake – including landslides, damaged buildings and bridges, overloaded landline and cell phones, injured citizens and fatalities, small fires, and compromised utilities throughout the region.

To ensure realistic training, soldiers will be in full uniform and carrying issued weapons (no ammunition). The two-day training will be held at TVF&R's Training Center located at 12400 SW Tonquin Road in Sherwood.

Fire Chief Jeff Johnson says the improved familiarity with the Guard will help a great deal, "The Oregon Army National Guard has assets that will come to bear in a natural or manmade disaster. This opportunity to become more familiar with their resources including communication systems, rescue and transport aircraft, and field hospitals, is invaluable for us."

Captain Michael Braibish of the Oregon Army National Guard added, "Training like this strengthens our ability to respond to a disaster or crisis. When we arrive in a support capacity, first responders know what we bring to the table and we know what first responders expect from us. This saves us from having to learn the ropes in the midst of a crisis."