“HazMat City” at Del Valle Regional Training Center offers multiple training scenarios for firefighters. At top, firefighters can practice transferring fuel from an overturned tanker truck on a stretch of “freeway.” Bottom left: firefighters can practice putting out fires near tanks full of “fuel.” Bottom right: A heavy mist forms near the floor of the HazMat City warehouse. Every scenario in the warehouse is controlled by a computer in a viewing room. Photos by Nicole Mooradian.
Del Valle Regional Training Center has come a long way in the last 13 years, according to Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.
“In 2002, I was a Deputy Chief … At one point I recommended we just sell it,” he told personnel at the facility during his visit on Thursday, March 26. “I’m glad we didn’t sell it. It’s amazing.”
Chief Osby and Deputy Chief Anthony Marrone had traveled to Del Valle to discuss a strategic plan for the facility with Battalion Chief Mike Lewis.
The plan, which the battalion chief had been asked in September to prepare, outlines the center’s needs for the next 5 – 10 years, Lewis said.
After discussing the plan in a closed-door meeting, the chiefs toured the multimillion dollar facility, which includes a warehouse designed by the special effects group that created the Backdraft ride at Universal Studios, an overturned tanker truck on a brief section of “freeway,” an agility course for USAR dogs and much more.
Many of the practice scenarios are based on real incidents, and Del Valle often hosts training sessions for the FBI, DEA and other agencies.
Chief Osby thanked Del Valle personnel for their work at the facility, and said he was “fully committed” to the world-class training center.
“I’m just thoroughly impressed with what I’ve seen and what is going on,” he said.
Photo gallery: Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby visits Del Valle Regional Training Center in Castaic. Photos by Nicole Mooradian.
The post Fire Chief Osby Visits Del Valle Regional Training Center: ‘It’s Amazing’ appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.