Indiana's hazardous materials responders recently took part in advanced training at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, gaining valuable hands-on experience that will strengthen the state's preparedness and response capabilities.

The event brought together 47 students from 23 Indiana agencies, including IDHS/SFMO, IDEM and fire departments from across the state. Participants joined professionals from 16 states and Canada for two 40-hour courses: Tank Car Specialist (TCS) and Highway Emergency Response Specialist (HERS).

Each course blended classroom instruction, instructor-led demonstrations and hands-on exercises designed to mirror real-world incidents involving hazardous materials. Students practiced advanced skills such as liquid and compressed gas transfers, vapor flaring, grounding and bonding, chlorine kit installation and incident command. Both classes concluded with full-scale exercises requiring participants to identify and mitigate leaks, coordinate multiple entry teams and manage complex scenarios under pressure.

Beyond technical training, the week provided opportunities for professional networking and collaboration. Participants worked alongside responders, industry experts and technical specialists from across North America, building partnerships that will strengthen future coordination and communication during hazardous materials incidents.

The success of Indiana's participation was made possible through the leadership and coordination of IDHS Hazardous Materials Program Manager Bill Huffer, Hazmat Training Coordinator Russell Fenquey and the hazmat team, who worked extensively to organize travel, logistics and communication among the participating agencies. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensured that every aspect of the training ran smoothly and safely.

At the end of the week, Indiana participants joined their counterparts from other states and SERTC instructors in signing an Indiana state flag, which now hangs in SERTC's "High Bay" training area, a lasting symbol of teamwork and the shared commitment to protecting communities.