MURFREESBORO, TN – Firefighters with the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department (MFRD) have been hard at work over the past two weeks, with 18 members completing a rigorous Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician Course. The ten-day program, provided and instructed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), is specifically designed for first responders dealing with hazardous materials emergencies and potential weapons of mass destruction incidents.

The course combined classroom instruction with hands-on training, equipping firefighters with critical knowledge of chemical compounds and their potential dangers to the public. In the practical portion of the training, participants learned how to effectively mitigate hazardous chemical leaks and spills, ensuring they are prepared for real-world emergency situations.

With the addition of these 18 graduates, MFRD now boasts 101 certified HazMat Technicians within the department, an increase from the previous total of 83. This expansion enhances the department’s ability to respond to hazardous material incidents with a greater number of highly trained personnel.

Fire Station 11, one of MFRD’s three Special Operations Stations, specializes in HazMat response. The station maintains a dedicated team of 30 HazMat Technicians who are always on standby for immediate response to hazardous materials incidents and weapons of mass destruction threats.

The increased number of trained HazMat Technicians reflects MFRD’s commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. With enhanced training and expertise, the department continues to ensure that Murfreesboro remains well-protected against hazardous threats.