In most of my postings, there is always something about lack of funding, or funding cuts. Again Hazardous materials teams take a beating when it comes to federal funding. Right after the Homeland Security became a forefront issue (after 9-11) Hazardous Materials teams were furbished with money galore. Yes this is great because you got to get equipment. News flash Washington this equipment doesnt last forever. Operations depends on funding from the feds to keep up with purchasing new equipment and to buy the continuing need for updated equipment. Yes the prices have dropped some from yesteryear, but that in time will only reverse.
We rely on the nations firefighters to provide Hazardous Materials Teams and Decon Teams. It should NOT be up to the Host fire department (where the equipment and manpower is based) to keep taking funds from fire district funding to continue to provide active training and equipment, it should be homeland security's job. We need support in Washington.