The IAFF has secured a new five-year, $7 million grant to continue providing first responders at or near nuclear facilities with the training they need to protect their communities.
The award, from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), represents a 30% increase over the union’s previous five-year award.
Currently, 55 nuclear facilities are operating across 28 states in the U.S., each posing unique challenges for first responders. The new funding will support the IAFF’s efforts to ensure fire fighters are properly trained to respond to emergencies at nuclear facilities, such as chemical releases, radiological events, and other hazards tied to nuclear operations.
“This grant will allow us to train even more fire fighters and other first responders to effectively respond to a nuclear facility incident, protecting workers and communities across the United States,” said General President Edward Kelly.
With the increased funding, the IAFF will expand its training, addressing the unique hazards at nuclear facilities. Programs include advanced HazMat Technician Training on chemical and radiological threats, Confined Space Rescue, HazMat Operations fundamentals, and a new Responding to Renewable Energy course.
This grant will allow us to train even more fire fighters and other first responders to effectively respond to a nuclear facility incident, protecting workers and communities across the United States.
General President Edward Kelly
Through these programs, the IAFF expects to train more than 4,000 fire fighters in HazMat response – doubling the number trained under the previous grant.
“This funding ensures more fire fighters are trained, equipped, and ready to protect communities near nuclear facilities,” Kelly said. “It’s one more example of the IAFF’s commitment to advancing the fire service, protecting our members, and keeping our communities safe.”
The news follows a recent $8 million award from the National Institutes of Health – the largest in IAFF history – to expand Hazardous Waste Worker and HazMat Disaster Preparedness training programs.
Learn more about the IAFF’s HazMat training programs at iaff.org/hazmat-training.
