National Guard Trains Civilian First Responders

CERFP Unit Supports Agencies During Dangerous Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Soldiers and airmen from the Minnesota and Wisconsin National Guard trained local first responders today in Duluth.

The National Guard’s Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) units support civilian agencies during chemical spills and other dangerous situations.

They provide training in search and extraction, decontamination, and medical assistance so all agencies are on the same page if a disaster happens.

“The last thing you want to do is add the stress of trying to figure out what type of capabilities you have available to you when an actual incident happens, so when we train as our organization supporting the civilian agencies, they can say oh yeah I know that they have this capability and that capability,” said Colonel Troy Soukup, the CERFP Commander.

The National Guard conducts these training events for different organizations twice a year.