FIREFIGHTERS VULNERABLE TO METH PERIL, CHIEF SAYS

Park Hills Chief Worries That His People Aren't Trained To Deal With Dangers
Posed By Labs.

PARK HILLS - As authorities continue to battle methamphetamine
throughout Missouri, a fire chief worries that firefighters aren't
adequately trained to dismantle the labs where the illegal drug is
made. "Honestly, I am scared by the situation," Park Hills Fire Chief
Robert St. Gemme told the City Council's Public Safety Committee this
week. "It is serious business."

Police Chief Bill Holloway said his department is well trained and
equipped to handle meth labs. But St. Gemme said firefighters, often
the first responders when a meth lab goes awry, have had only minimal
training that he believes fails to adequately prepare them.

St. Gemme said he was unaware of any advanced training readily
available for firefighters.

"A lot of times we are there before the police and don't know what we
are getting into," St. Gemme said. "It basically scares the hell out
of you."

While there is a hazard of explosions with some meth labs, the most
common concern is exposure to toxic components used to make the drug.
Some can cause serious respiratory problems, and skin and eye irritation.

"So far as I know, none of our members have breathed any of that
stuff," St. Gemme said. "We hope not, but sometimes the real long-term
effects are not discovered right away."

Council members asked St. Gemme to determine what gear firefighters
need, saying they want to make sure both police and firefighters are
adequately protected.

Detectives Mark Rigel and Mike Kurtz are trained and certified in
dealing with meth labs. Until Tuesday, they were the only Park Hills
officers who had protective gear. A program arranged by the Missouri
Police Chiefs Association in cooperation with the State Emergency
Management Agency is providing an additional 16 sets of gear.

Each set of gear has hood, breathing apparatus, a plastic-like suit,
and foot covering.

Holloway said each officer will go through five hours of training
provided by SEMA.

The protective gear is disposable, good for only one use except for
the breathing apparatus. It is intended not only for meth lab scenes,
but any other biochemical situation.

The city is also considering changes in its housing code to protect
people from properties contaminated by meth labs. There is concern
that long-term contamination can create serious health hazards to
subsequent occupants of homes in which meth has been made.