Regional response team gets first test

By GREG SMITH
Norwich Bulletin

NORWICH-- Smoke drifted over the west bank of the Thames River Tuesday morning where a group of emergency responders huddled over a collapsible table holding a laptop computer.

The group of about 30 fire officers from towns across New London County gathered information from the fire scene commander in order to formulate a plan for fighting the fire.

Known as the Incident Management Team, it was formed with federal funds in the wake of Sept. 11, and in preparation for the national disaster drill, TOPOFF3, held in New London earlier this year.

The New London County Fire Chief's Association formally recognized the team earlier this month.

"This is actually our first real deal," said Nicholas DeLia, chief of City of Groton fire department and president of the Chief's Association.

Tuesday's fire at 21 Shipping St. was a test of sorts for the team.

"These guys had been working all night," said team coordinator Mark Robinson, chief of the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department. "Basically we come in and help with management and assist the incident commander."

In the event of an extended incident, the team was prepared to develop a long-term forecast -- projecting manpower needs and documenting response, manpower and equipment at the scene.

The group also responded in a lesser capacity in April at the InterRoyal Mill fire in Plainfield.

It's part of the evolution of the job for emergency responders, now prepared for everything from an extended fire to a train wreck.

The group also plans to add police officers to the mix and purchase an incident command vehicle.

"It was a good exercise," Robinson said. "We still have some growing pains, but I think it was successful."

The next step for the group is formal recognition from the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Robinson said.

gasmith@norwichbulletin.com