Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Tim Pellerin imparted some potentially money-saving news in his report before the Lincoln County Commissioners March 6.
Pellerin said Knox County has offered to give a decontamination trailer to Lincoln County.
In describing the trailer, Pellerin said, “It is set up for mass decon and it is fully enclosed and they are very, very expensive, and apparently I have to go look at it in Union where it is housed indoors.”
A decontamination trailer is important in any hazardous material situation. “We are the strike force for Rockland, and apparently they don’t need the trailer and so they’re offering it to Lincoln County,” Pellerin said. “We support the Rockland Hazmat and they said, ‘if you want it, we will transfer it to you at no cost.'”
“This is huge, it is a great asset, and it is probably about a $70,000 decon trailer,” he said.
During a hazardous material incident, people can line up to enter the trailer, and use one of six showers for decontamination, and four separate areas for dressing. “All we have to do is plug in electricity and water into the rig,” Pellerin said. “You set it up to a fire truck for heat and with a generator, all you have to do is get to the scene.”
Right now, LCEMA uses a series of tents with showers for decontamination.
Speaking hypothetically, Pellerin outlined some possible scenarios where such a trailer would be effective, convenient and a county asset. “Say during Waldoboro Days, 25 people get exposed to something or somebody gets contaminated. Just roll it in, plug it in and it’s up and ready to go,” he said. “It is so nice of Knox to offer this to us.”
Pellerin suggested housing the trailer at a fire station. If he’s pleased after viewing the trailer, he hopes the Commissioners will give him permission to accept it on behalf of the county.
“It’s maybe four or five years old and it’s being housed at the Union Station. If you want it, it’s yours,” Pellerin said.
Pellerin recognized Westrich, for completing the FEMA Professional Development Series.
“Joe’s been working diligently and very hard,” Pellerin said, adding he wanted Westrich to be recognized for his 20 years of service, and receiving his professional development certificate.
The FEMA Professional Development Series includes a total of seven courses: An Introduction to Exercise; Fundamentals of Emergency Management; Emergency Planning; Leadership and Influence; Decision Making and Problem Solving; Effective Communication; and, Developing and Managing Volunteers.
“I just wanted to mention Joe to the Chairman. He’s done a really good job and helped out as a volunteer with EMA and I wanted to recognize him for that,” Pellerin said.
