The New York City Transit HAZMAT Response Team main apparatus parked at a large transit facility (I believe a subway train yard) in Brooklyn.

The specialized outfit is attached to the NYC Transit Authority's Department of Security. The Department of Security is responsible for safeguarding transit facilities like that of train yards and works with the NYPD to address issues of crime and terrorism. The Dept. of Security does operate a small security force that is armed (lightly armed with revolver firearms).

Though the HAZMAT team operates under the Dept. of Security, none of it's members are security officers.

The HAZMAT Response Team is considered a special and privileged position open only to persons working in NYC Transit at the supervisory and managerial levels.

The numbers 100 members, all of whom are trained HAZMAT technicians. The team is trained to handle CBRN events as well as traditional HAZMAT incidents.

The team was first formed in 2008 with regard to concerns over further terrorist attacks after 9/11 as well as the a March 1995 chemical weapons attack by a terrorist group in Tokyo. In that attack, terrorists used the chemical warfare agent, sarin, in a rush-hour assault on the Tokyo subway system. A dozen were killed and 1,600 wounded, some seriously. Others were maimed.

Of all of the HAZMAT teams in NYC, this one sees the least action. The primary purpose of the unit is to respond to HAZMAT emergencies in the NYC subway system, something which rarely happens.

In a significant HAZMAT or CBRN incident, the unit would use it's unique knowledge and expertise to assist emergency responders and HAZMAT teams from other city agencies on navigating the massive labyrinth that is the city's subway system.

The unit holds two training exercises every year.


NY1, a local NYC-based news network did a short report on the squad which can be viewed here:
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/54156/nyc-transit-creates-hazmat-team-to-deal-with-subway-attack