CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR) -- First responders from around Central Virginia gathered Thursday to show off the tools they use to protect residents during disasters.
Members of the Central Virginia Urban Security Initiative put their equipment on display, including items used by bomb squads, mass casualty supplies and hazardous materials equipment.
The group includes more than 20 first responders and state agencies from our region.
Emily Dillon, the chair of the organization, says these items have even allowed them to respond in times of crisis nationwide.
“Collectively they responded to Hurricane Irene, and they also sent a team to new Mexico last year for the wildfires they had out there. So while it’s for this region, it’s also for the nation,” said Dillon.
The group said the equipment was purchased with homeland security funds, and even though that particular grant program has ended, they will continue to work together to protect Central Virginia.
