County Haz-Mat Responds in Chappaqua

Bill and Hillary were probably unaware that their all-volunteer Chappaqua Fire Department and Ambulance Corps, along with the County’s all-volunteer Westchester County Hazardous Materials Response Team were in town and operating on Saturday afternoon at 275 Quaker Road. They were all there for a van that went off the road, flipping onto it’s side and straddling a small stream that feeds into the Saw Mill River about a half a mile farther down the road. The driver of the JP McHale Pest Management truck claimed he had dropped his cell phone and reached to pick it up from the floor when he veered off the road, taking down the resident’s mailbox and a sign signifying a curve up ahead. How ironic.

Tow truck operators from Mark’s Towing prep the
vehicle for removal.

Rumors at the scene indicated he would be tested for more than just a few bumps and bruises caused by the accident. He was seen by police self-extricated himself from the vehicle after it came to a rest where he was promptly taken by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation. The Fire Department requested the Haz-Mat Team because the van was against an electric pole tension wire and unknown chemicals were inside the van.

Truck being lifted out and placed onto
the homeowners driveway

Fortunately, the only inconvenience to the public were drivers that had to be detoured around the scene to continue on their way. With the chemical vapors inside the truck, no one was able to do much without donning self contained breathing devices and Tyvek protective suits. The truck was going to be towed to the police impound lot where further investigation would continue. We were unable to confirm the physical condition of the driver.

As an aside, no taxpayer funds were used for this call except for the local police controlling traffic. County Executive Astorino is slowly shifting the all-volunteer Special Operations Teams (HazMat and Technical Rescue) to be under Squad 15 (county-wide paid firefighters) and the County Police, in an effort to stimulate overtime for them. This consolidation will cost taxpayers millions of dollars per year in overtime funds and should not be allowed to happen! Tell your County Legislators to stop this ruse.