San Antonio Community Advisory Panel

Minutes of Meeting June 24, 2008

Attending:   Roy Aguillon, Mike Bennett, Dianna Carmenaty, Gloria de la Cruz, Susan Farris, Ernest Fernandez, Ivan Jaime, Mike Kvapil, John Lee, J.J. Kruse, Jennifer Porter, Freddie Taylor, Dan McShane, George L. Britton, Craig Estep, David Herbst, Joseph Marsilio, April Hernandez, Raquel Espinoza, Michael Kelly, Linda Ximenes

 

The focus of the meeting was to see the rail cars donated by Union Pacific to the Firefighter Training Academy and how they are used in training firefighters. The CAP had come to the Training Academy earlier in the year before the rail cars were installed. At that time the CAP got a very thorough briefing on the training firefighters get on how to handle rail accidents. They emphasized that the rail cars would provide an opportunity to create a situation where the experience of the firefighters in training would be more realistic.

At this meeting, Chief McNulty welcomed the CAP members and explained that the training was available to first responders throughout the region. The only other training location in the southwest where actual rail cars are available is in Pueblo, Colorado. Last year, $400,000 in federal funds was earmarked for a new training facility, hazmat suits and artificial breathing apparatus, which would make the San Antonio Fire Training Academy a leader in the region for training of this kind.

The CAP members went onto the grounds of the Training Academy to get a first-hand view of the boxcar, hopper car, a high-pressure general service car and a low-pressure general service car. Chief McNulty explained that the primary objectives of the first responders are to be sure the situation does not get worse, identify what is in the cars, establish protective zones and identify methods for handling the situation. Firefighters who get trained for this type of situation are typically veteran firefighters. New firefighters get a minimal amount of this type of training.

The CAP members met Ivan Jaime, the new Director of Border and Community Affairs, who explained that the purpose of the CAP is to get the community involved and to give feedback on operations to the company. He went on to say that the new CEO at UP is committed to getting involved in the community. They now have two people, plus the director, to cover public relations in Texas.

Representatives from City Council Members Herrera (District 7) and Rowe (9) attended the meeting and indicated they were interested in continuing to attend the CAP meetings.

Our next CAP meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 11:30 – 1:30.