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The question of what an emergency responder for Hazardous Materials incidents, is one that some people have several different ways of defining.
There are the people that take the actually wording of the Federal Regulations into heart and can and will not budge from them. It is hard to work with these people. They are set in the ways and nothing can change them. Then there are the people that realize that the regulations can actually be interpreted in a broad manner. These people are almost as dangerous as someone that is not flexible is.
And then there are people that have open minds and allow for input. They realize that some people who are not firefighters, or public service people might have experience that is related to the problem,

I, for one fit into the non-firefighter - non public service group. Who am I?. I am a heavy duty tow truck driver, I have 25+ years helping the public, and cleaning up the accidents that are the results of problems. I have responded to 1000's of truck accidents of all kinds and have been able to get the vehicle picked up and towed away. Granted a few were close to being unable to be towed, but they left the scene carefully and safely in tow.
I know that the fire service is protective of THEIR jobs and the fact that they claim to be expert at most all of it, they can not handle everything, police departments or highway patrols are just as bad about the jobs that they have to do.
I see this all the time, when they try to tell me how to get the vehicle out of the roadway. I for one do listen, but I tell them that I am the driver and if they want to take the time to tell me how to do the job, then I will gladly stop working and listen, but the problems is still there.
Now back to the original question, am I an emergency responder?
I believe that I am according to definition, I respond to the emergency and solve it. I make it go away!. Is that not in the definitions of responder under 1910 CFR? I may not be the First responder to the scene, but for most of the incidents I am the final one and the actual problem goes away when I leave.


Now, I know that in some areas, the fire departments are volunteer and many towers are part of the department.
How many of you have taken the time and effort to talk to the tow companies in your area and to find out the capabilities of the tow trucks. You would be amazed at what we can do now. Trucks are very changed for the old chain and sling days. Some large equipment operators even have Air cushion recovery systems like the ones that the fire services utilize. Drivers are also better trained, and can be a asset to your Emergency Response preplanning system. And we know how important that is now.
Now as to me, I am trained to the Hazardous Materials Technication
Level 2 status, but since I am not a firefighter I can not carry that certification. So I have a level 1 certification. I took the time to get the training at my expense and I was the first tow truck driver to get the schooling. I attended the Portland Community College Hazardous Materials program which was also taught by the Portland Fire Department Hazardous Materials team. I did the drills and used the equipment. I learned a lot and I know that I have to keep current. Now this is paid off in many ways because I am able to be on scene and able to listen and know what they expect of me and what I am capable of.
So if you can see where this can be a plus to your response planning, consider it, and utilize it. If you do not see it as a plus then find out if you can make it work. After all we are ready to work alongside anyone who is ready to utilize us.
If you would like to discuss this issue, I would love to do so. You can reach me via email at flatman57@aol.com.