| RELATED INFO |
| * Purdue Fire Department |
| * U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
| * Smiths Detection |
October 4, 2007
Purdue Fire Department receives grant for chemical identifier
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University Fire Department purchased a portable chemical identifier worth nearly $100,000, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground.Fire Chief Kevin Ply said the new piece of equipment, a Smiths Detection HazMatID, is the size of a small suitcase and is able to identify unknown liquids, powders and solids in about 15 seconds. There are only a few HazMatID systems in the state, he said.
"Because of its small size and portability, our first responders will be able to take the identifier with them when they respond to any calls that involve a potentially dangerous or toxic substance," Ply said. "Last year, our department responded to more than 55 hazardous material calls on campus and in the surrounding area. Having this state-of-the-art equipment will allow us to quickly identify what the substance is and be able to respond accordingly."
The HazMatID uses infrared light to analyze a chemical's makeup, which is then compared to a library database within the identifier.
The database includes about 6,000 chemicals, such as weapons of mass destruction that utilize nerve and blister agents; toxic industrial chemicals, white powders, explosives and propellants; precursors to weapons of mass destruction; common chemicals; forensic drugs and clandestine laboratory precursors; and pesticides. The fire department also can add more chemicals to the database if they need to, Ply said.
The identifier is specially designed to be easy to use, and after attending a special trainer program in Houston, Ply said he is teaching the members of the department to use it.
The grant was from the Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, which is set up to provide technology, equipment, training and technical assistance to public safety agencies in smaller jurisdictions and certain metropolitan areas. In 2007, the program will offer $33.7 million in equipment and training to first responder organizations.
The U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., serves as the Department of Homeland Security's technical agent and partner in administering the assistance program.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Source: Kevin M. Ply, (765) 494-6919, kmply@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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