Pubdate: Mon, 13 Dec 2004
Source: Rolla Daily News (MO)
Copyright: 2004 Rolla Daily News
Contact:  http://www.therolladailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1189
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SUITED UP FOR DANGER SWAT PURCHASES EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT AGAINST
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

ST. JAMES -- Concerned about the dangerous chemicals used in the
production of the illegal drug methamphetamine, the Rolla Police
Department SWAT team recently acquired special suits designed to
protect against such chemicals. The suits can be used to protect the
members against a variety of chemical hazards.

Last week, in the building that formerly housed the St. James branch
of Phelps County Bank, the team donned that new gear and spent the day
doing training drills.

"We trained in these to get used to them," said Capt. Mark Kearse, the
SWAT team leader.

The equipment includes but is not limited to breathing tanks and
protective masks and, when in full outfit, adds about 70 pounds.
Still, Kearse said he was pleased because the protective suits don't
cause much limitation in mobility.

"The mobility, the weight, the breathing was all great," in the suits,
Kearse reported. Verbal communication, however, is limited by the
masks so Kearse said the team has to rely more on hand signals.

The suits were purchased using grant money the police department and
Rolla Fire and Rescue Department received from the federal government,
Kearse said.

The self-contained breathing apparatus suits purchased for the SWAT
team are similar to those used by firefighters, but with a few notable
differences.

First, according to Kearse, all the equipment is in "subdued colors"
to help make the team members less visible. In contrast, suits used by
firefighters usually incorporate bright colors to make them easier to
see.

The SWAT suits also have tanks that have an hour's supply of oxygen
and vibrator devices to alert team members when the air supply is
running low. Firefighters' tanks have audible alarms on the oxygen
tanks.

The team used the bank to train for bank robbery situations, hostage
tactics and basic training, Kearse said. "It was great of the bank to
allow us to use that facility," he said.

The eight-person SWAT team was assisted by police department personnel
Kerry Dillon, Jason Finch and Jennifer Hicks, who played "bad guys" or
"hostages" for the various scenarios.

The team trains at least one day a month and then does one school a
year, Kearse said.

"I thought the training went really well," Kearse said.

Besides Kearse the team members include Sgt. Jeremy Martens, SPOs
Tommy Ferguson and John Frey, PTOs Luke Kearse and Mike Phillips, Det.
Will Loughridge and Reserve officer Brad Lewis.
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MAP posted-by: Derek