Harford Hazmat Personnel Converge At Churchville Mini Golf Course

CHURCHVILLE, MD — People in neon suits were playing mini golf recently in Harford County. The exercise was training that has become a tradition for the Harford County hazmat crew.

Each year, members of the Harford County hazmat team suit up and head for the miniature golf course on Route 22 near The Arctic Circle.

The members aren't exactly practicing their game at the Churchville Golf Center; instead, they are honing their ability to see and maneuver with their hazmat suits and breathing machines on.

In 2015, Harford County emergency officials said it was the 15th year for the exercise. That would make this the 18th annual event.

Regularly, the crew invites other teams to join in the fun. This year the BWI Fire Department and Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department played the course along with the Harford County hazmat team as they all practiced moving around with their gear on.

The team in Harford County handles about 300 calls a year, ranging from industrial accidents to transportation issues to hazmat investigations. Its members are on call 24/7 and regularly train and attend classes so they are prepared in the event of an emergency.

Photo Credit: Tom Miller courtesy of Harford County Department of Emergency Services.