The Piqua Fire Department successfully completed a 40-hour, weeklong Hazardous Materials (hazmat) Technician course last week, earning certification through instruction provided by Bad Day Training & Consulting. The program enhanced the department’s technical skills and reinforced its readiness to respond to hazardous materials incidents throughout the community and region.
The training included participation from several neighboring fire departments, reflecting the collaborative approach required for effective hazardous materials response. Many of the firefighters who completed the course, including the 10 members of the Piqua department, also serve on the Miami County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Bad Day’s certified instructors led firefighters through systematic material identification, hazard recognition and classification, developing incident action plans, use of detection and monitoring equipment, proper selection and use of personal protective equipment, decontamination procedures, incident command, plugging and patching leaks and emergency response tactics. The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on, scenario-based exercises designed to replicate real-world conditions.
“This training reflects yet another facet of the high expectations we hold for our members at the Piqua Fire Department,” Fire Chief Lee Adams said. “In addition to firefighting and paramedic certifications, Hazardous Materials Technician is just one of the many certifications all of our responders are required to achieve and maintain.
“Working with Bad Day Training ensures this part of their education is aligned with the highest professional standards. This all-hazards approach to training, in addition to coordination with regional partners, ensures we have the utmost ability to protect residents, their property and the environment.”
The program also emphasized multi-agency coordination, preparing firefighters to collaborate with law enforcement, environmental agencies, public works and mutual-aid departments during complex or multi-jurisdictional responses.
Completion of the hazmat training reflects Piqua Fire Department’s continued commitment to public safety and ongoing investment in professional development for first responders.