WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Rangeley Fire Chief Tim Pellerin testified today at a U.S. Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, which was held to examine ways to keep our nation's railways safe for passengers and communities. Senator Susan Collins, the subcommittee's Ranking Member, invited Chief Pellerin to testify about his experience and that of a team of volunteer firefighters from Franklin County in responding to the horrific derailment disaster in Lac-Megantic in July 2013.
Prior to the hearing, Chief Pellerin presented Senator Collins with a photo-signed by the members of the Rangeley Fire Department-of their ladder truck helping douse the blaze.
In his testiomy, Chief Pellerin told members of the subcommitte that, in order to maximize safety in the transportation of hazardous materials, (1) all federal and state hazardous material laws must be enforced, regulated and maintained for both the rail and transportation shipping industry; (2) rail shippers and transporters must have adequate plans in place so that they may respond swiftly and appropriately for support during future major spills or disasters; and (3) realistic plans must be developed that, when put to the test, will work at all levels of response, especially at the local level for both first responders and rail transporters.
He also urged for integrated, large-scale hazardous materials disaster training, such as a web-based program that can reach as many first responders and their mutual aid partners as possible, so that they can both train for large-scale hazardous materials events in conjunction with each other.
"It is my belief every fire department in the nation is well prepared and ready to handle the everyday common emergencies. However, events such as Lac-Megantic teach us that we must work hard to prepare, train, respond and recover from future and similar events of this magnitude," Chief Pellerin said. "We need to do our due diligence to be sure that whatever future path is taken, it leads us towards tangible results with real, long-term solutions."
"Often times when we have hearings in Washington, we will hear from policy experts and cabinet secretaries, but it's so important for us-if we're going to shape the budget correctly and make the right policy decisions-to hear from those of you who are truly on the front lines," Senator Collins said. "Chief, your testimony was both riveting and inspiring."
Other witnesses included Anthony Foxx, Secretary of the Department of Transportation; Deborah Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; and Ms. Barb Graff, Director of the Office of Emergency Management in Seattle.
Senator Collins' opening statement as prepared for delivery can be read by clicking here. Chief Pellerin's opening statement as prepared for delivery can be read by clicking here.