Photo By Maj. Wayne Clyne | Explosive detection K9 teams from multiple agencies pose for a group photo during the...... read more read more
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EUGENE, Ore. — Various local and state agencies came together for a joint training exercise to enhance emergency preparedness in Eugene and regional communities on August 16, 2023.
The annual event called a Joint Hazard Assessment Team (J-HAT) training, involved members from the Oregon National Guard's 102nd Civil Support Team, Eugene Police Department, Eugene Fire Department, Federal Protective Service and other partner organizations.
1st Sgt. Robert McCree of the 102nd explained that the training focused on simulated scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats and other hazardous incidents that would require a coordinated, multiagency response.
"Trying to get all those people together and working at one time on the same target is really difficult. As you can imagine, they all have jobs and responsibilities outside of the city," said McCree. "So today we're just getting them reacquainted and working on targets."
Police Sgt. Damian San Miguel, commander of the Eugene Police Department's bomb squad, emphasized the importance of the annual J-HAT training in building relationships and capabilities between the agencies.
"It only reinforces our capabilities of working together, strengthening our partnership and developing our friendship with all these different agencies," said San Miguel. "We want to make sure that we train them so when they're making decisions, they're making the right decisions."
The training ensures that Oregon has "one of the best functioning Joint Hazard Assessment Teams in the nation," according to McCree. It prepares the teams to provide critical support for major events that could be potential targets, like the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials held in Eugene.
"Our partnership that we have with the Oregon National Guard, specifically the 102nd Civil Support Team, they've been supporting us for the past five U.S. Olympic trials and World Games. And it is an excellent partnership," San Miguel said.
By conducting joint exercises and bringing together specialized skills from across the agencies, the annual J-HAT training fosters collaboration and enhances emergency preparedness to keep Eugene and the surrounding community safe.
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2023 14:30 |
| Story ID: | 451646 |
| Location: | EUGENE, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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