34th CST shares experience, knowledge with Liberty students

Soldiers assigned to the Virginia National Guard's Blackstone-based 34th Civil Support Team joined members of the Virginia State Police, Lynchburg Fire Department and the Virginia Department of Health in sharing their knowledge and experience in the areas of hazardous material identification and collection with Liberty University students April 9, 2016, in Lynchburg, Virignia. The training was conducted in a non-emergency, simulated bioterrorism attack environment, and the CST personnel did not wear their normal protective equipment to facilitate easier communication with the students.

The event was organized by Dr. J. Thomas McClintock, professor and director of Forensic Sciences in Liberty University's Department of Biology & Chemistry, and was designed to give students a first hand look at how first responders and military biological, radiological, nuclear, and chemical experts search for possible hazardous materials and proper techniques for collecting samples when materials are found.

In addition to sharing knowledge and experience with the students, the training also offered an opportunity for the 34th CST to build on working relationship with the Lynchburg Fire Department personnel. Working with local first responders helps the 34th CST improve their ability to effectively respond in the event of an actual emergency situation.

Read more: go.usa.gov/ct8tC