Hazmat Teams Converge at Mini Golf Course

With temperatures around 70 and the sun shining on a late October day, Harford County first responders stepped out in their hazmat suits for a round of miniature golf.

This was the 15th annual hazmat mini golf event, which is actually a training exercise, according to Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association spokesman Rich Gardiner.

Crews from Darlington, Aberdeen, APG and Baltimore County participated in the friendly competition at Churchville Golf Center, where they donned their gear and played the entire 18-hole course in their suits.

The exercise is intended to improve the first responders’ ability to move, see and be nimble in their suits and breathing equipment, according to emergency personnel.

Hazmat teams were on the course from approximately 9:30 a.m. to noon for the annual event.

The winner of this year’s affair was Harford Hazmat Chief Mike Brunicke and Crew Chief Ray Ryan, according to Gardiner said. They had a score of 93.

See pics from the 2013 and 2014 exercises.

Photo Credit: Harford County Department of Emergency Services and Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.