WSMR Fire Department trains with New Mexico National Guard’s 64th Civil Support Team

WSMR Fire Department trains with New Mexico National Guard’s 64th Civil Support Team

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (March 16, 2024) – The White Sands Missile Range Fire Department held training exercises in chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and explosive responses this week with New Mexico National Guard’s 64th Civil Support Team from Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Because 64 CST annually supports the Bataan Memorial Death March, this training is conducted the week leading up to the marathon to capitalize on the unit’s visit to the area each year.

“Establishing relationships with the 64 CST helps us refine our skills and helps modernize our existing response plan to chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and explosive incidents,” said WSMR Fire Chief Jordan Medina.

This week the all-hazard response training focused on decontamination procedures, site surveying, and chemical sampling to maintain readiness for the challenges unique to WSMR. This prepares WSMR firefighters to safely decontaminate issues that can occur on the installation from unexploded ordnances to space shuttle landings.

WSMR Fire Department’s partnership with 64 CST is instrumental in building mutual support between the teams and continually modernizes hazard responses to keep the WSMR and local communities safe.

“As an all-hazards response force, we must be ready for anything at any time. Training like this ensures we are prepared to protect the WSMR community,” said WSMR Fire Captain Dusty Warden.