SALEM, Ore., - The Department of Defense announced Oregon will be amongst several states to establish a National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) as part of a regional Homeland Response Force (HRF).
This reorganization will ensure DoD has a robust ability to respond rapidly to domestic CBRNE incidents while recognizing the primary role that the governors play in controlling the response to incidents that occur in their states.
"Having this asset in our state will increase the Oregon National Guard's tradition of assisting first responders as well as protecting our citizens," said Governor Ted Kulongoski.
The Oregon National Guard, CERFP will respond at the call of the governor to augment local jurisdictions and other emergency responders during state, regional and national emergencies.
The CERFP, which will be comprised from existing force structure, will be trained to respond to weapons of mass destruction, including locating and extracting victims from a contaminated environment, performing mass patient/casualty decontamination, and providing medical treatment as necessary to stabilize patients for evacuation as requested.
Currently the Oregon National Guard has a Civil Support Team comprised of 20 Army and Air National Guard members trained to respond to chemical, biological, nuclear and high explosive incidents. A CERFP will contain approximately 170 personnel to support first responders.
As the unit begins development, additional information will be provided.