The Vista Fire Department would like to congratulate Foreman Dan Castelhano on completing the "Recognizing Clandestine Drug Labs Operations & Chemical Suicide - Information for the First Responder" class at the Westchester County Fire Training Center in Valhalla, New York.

"Recognizing Clandestine Drug Labs Operations & Chemical Suicide - Information for the First Responder" class is a 4-hour course described as the following:

“Recognizing Clandestine Drug Labs Operations: Clandestine drug labs can be found in a variety of places, from a residence to a hotel room to a vehicle. They can manufacture a number of substances including methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), or even steroids. The processes involved frequently utilize flammable liquids, corrosives, toxic gases, and water reactive materials. This course provides responders with the skills to recognize a potential clandestine lab situation and take the appropriate course of action. The course focuses heavily on methamphetamine production, especially the “one pot” method currently on the increase in New York State, and deals with proper procedures for recognition, isolation, reporting, and dealing with victims and the “cooks” themselves.

Chemical Suicide - Information for the First Responder: Every year dozens of people in the United States commit suicide using various types of hazardous materials, and too often first responders become exposed to these chemicals. This course is designed to give all first responders the skill set necessary to identify a suicide involving hazardous materials, safely approach the incident using appropriate personal protective equipment, and manage the scene successfully"

All training is free of charge to the members of the Vista Fire Department and Volunteers are needed! Please visit VistaFD.org for more details on how you can join our team!