Multiple-Event Terrorism Drill a Success at Infineon Raceway

 

SONOMA,  Calif. May 6, 2004; Sonoma and Marin County Fire
Training Officers came together on Saturday at Infineon Raceway for the
largest-ever two-county terrorism drill in Northern California.

 

The Mutual Aid Drill (MAD) simulated a multiple-event terrorism incident
and involved nearly 400 responders from law, fire, emergency medical
services, hazardous materials, and a multitude of other agencies from
Marin and Sonoma counties. There were more than 40 agencies (local,
county, state and federal) involved, in all.

 

The "mock disaster" began at 1 p.m., when a chemical agent was released
in the south end of the main grandstand at Infineon Raceway, the largest
motor sports and entertainment venue in the North Bay. The 400
responders from Marin and Sonoma counties then went into action to
diffuse the situation. The objective of the exercise was to test and
improve unified command for both Marin and Sonoma counties in the event
of a catastrophic incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).


 

"The purpose of this training was to identify any weaknesses in our
Weapons of Mass Destruction response plan, and this allowed us to
improve on that plan in all areas, from quicker response times to faster
security of the areas," said JW Seely, captain with Sonoma County
Emergency Services. 

 

            In addition to the nearly 400 responders and more than 40
agencies, the exercise also featured: 

 

*         Latest in terrorism preparedness and response. 

*         Four hours of participant training prior to the exercise (8
a.m.-noon).

*         Three Hazardous Materials Teams and the 95th Civil Support
Team (WMD).

*         Fifty victims simulating various types of injuries.

*         Utilization of new equipment from Homeland Security Grants 

      (i.e. - New Sonoma County Incident Command Vehicle).