Hundreds of first responders train for disaster in Perry

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Hundreds of first responders from all across the country were in Perry training for disaster situations. 

A 6.8 earthquake destroyed entire city blocks and thousands of homes and businesses — at least that’s the scenario for first responders training at the Guardian Center. 

“It’s pretty close. They’ve done a pretty good job here of making everything look as real as possible,” Brett Silvers, a member of the state’s search and rescue team said. 

Silvers hasn’t experience anything like this before. He joined GSAR two years ago. He isn’t alone. 

Departments from eight different states were part of the action including firefighters from New York City and search and rescue teams from San Diego, California, Virginia, and Utah. 

“You don’t necessarily have to be in the tornado to get bad weather. The fire department likes to be ready for every type of situation,” Ronald Spatafora, the fire prevention chief for New York City’s fire department, said. 

Federal grant money helped pay for the crews to get to Perry.

Almost 600 people are working to simulate the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“37 years in the fire department, we’ve had some earthquakes. We’ve had some incidents where people are in the hospital, MRI’s, short-term tremors,” Spatafora said.

The training also gives people an opportunity to team with other first responders.

“Practice their skills demonstrate their skills and what I have on either side of me are basically some of the best people in the country if not the world in this type of rescue operation,” Spatafora said. 

Silvers is enjoying every moment. 

“It’s helped me out a lot getting experience and working with them doing stuff,” he said. 

Governor Nathan Deal stopped by to stress the importance of making sure first responders are prepared. The training sessions will continue for the rest of the week.