Congratulations to Davenport Fire Capt. Ron Burchette who was recognized as the Technician of the Year by the Iowa Hazardous Materials Task Force!
Capt. Burchette leads DFD's 40-member hazmat team. He manages all training and equipment needs and maintenance as well as hazmat inspections, storage permits and fireworks permits. The team responds to about 200 calls annually.
Davenport's hazmat team is now a regional response team that handles emergencies in Clinton, Jackson and Cedar counties, covering almost a 2,000 square mile area. The team responds requests for assistance to any leak or spill that requires a technician level response. The DFD team also provides training to local responders.
The DFD team is one of three in the state that are part of the Iowa Weapons of Mass Destruction Strike Force Team.
The team was started in 1991 and responded from Central Station but was moved in 1996 when Station 6 was designated the hazardous materials station.
Thank you and congratulations Captain!