Council signs off on transfer of HazMat team to Rhinelander Fire

The Rhinelander Fire Department is in the process of taking over the leadership duties of the Oneida County Hazardous Materials Response (HazMat) Team. Last week, the city’s common council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the Oneida County sheriff’s office establishing a “cooperative framework” between the city and county for the operation of the team.

The objective is to ensure “effective and timely response to hazmat incidents, thereby protecting public safety and the environment,” according to the resolution.

In a memo to the alderpersons, Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour explained that his department is interested in taking on this responsibility because “the current team numbers are dwindling and we see a need to keep this team in our area to better serve our community.”

“All tools, equipment, and funding that was allocated for the hazmat team that Oneida County currently holds will be transferred to Rhinelander Fire Department. We would be taking this over after approval of Council and the Local Emergency Planning Committee,” he added.

During Monday’s council meeting, Tonnancour clarified that the team’s tools and equipment will continue to be housed in the county building on River Street and the sheriff’s office will remain involved, especially with respect to grant writing.

In response to a question from one of the alderpersons, Tonnancour stressed that this change will not affect the department’s ability to provide 24-7 coverage to the City of Rhinelander.

He reiterated that sentiment in a brief interview with the River News Thursday.

“We will never leave the City of Rhinelander without any resources,” he said. “We'll never do that. We have to take care of our taxpayers, our tax base comes first. They’re the ones that pay for us. They want that service. We’re gonna make sure that it’s available for them.”

He also noted that the team is entirely state-funded so there will be no impact on local taxpayers.

Ultimately, the goal is to potentially add members — efforts are underway to reach out to members of the volunteer departments in the surrounding townships — and develop a more regional team, he added.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].