Chattanooga, TN – Recruits with the Chattanooga Fire Department received specialized training in hazardous materials (hazmat) awareness and operations last week, thanks to a guest session led by veteran emergency responder Brian Ramsey. The session was part of a comprehensive program aimed at preparing cadets for risk-based hazmat responses.
Ramsey, an instructor with Emergency Response Training Group LLC (ERTG), brought more than three decades of experience to the classroom. With 32 years in emergency response, his lessons combined technical knowledge with real-world insights gained throughout his career.
The four-hour class focused on the physical and chemical properties of hazardous substances, helping cadets develop a foundational understanding of how to assess and react to potential threats in the field.
The highlight of the session was the series of hands-on demonstrations led by Ramsey. Through practical exercises, recruits observed the behaviors of flammable liquids and explosive gases under controlled conditions. These demonstrations offered a tangible, visual component to the theory-based lessons, reinforcing the importance of understanding chemical properties when responding to hazmat situations.
Many members of the Chattanooga Fire Department first encountered Ramsey during hazmat conferences held in Baltimore, Maryland in 2024 and again earlier this year in Daytona Beach, Florida. His engaging and informative instruction made a lasting impression, prompting department officials to invite him to conduct in-house training for new recruits.
According to department officials, Ramsey is scheduled to return to Chattanooga in June to present a more advanced course tailored specifically for the department’s Haz-Mat team. The upcoming session will expand on the initial training, offering deeper insights and additional hands-on learning opportunities for team members who specialize in hazardous material responses.
The collaboration between the Chattanooga Fire Department and ERTG reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier education and real-world preparedness for its personnel. By incorporating experienced professionals like Ramsey into the training curriculum, the department ensures its recruits and team members are better equipped to handle high-risk, hazardous situations safely and effectively.