He also stated that there is a need to support local governments being a part of the team. Good teams are currently in place, which provide a good foundation, but the local governments need financial incentives to further develop response preparedness. He stated that the State Patrol would agree with reassigning resources around Mr. Tim Gablehouse's recommendation, but that one needs to remember that the locals are volunteers and will require more support from state resources. The question is how to take the theory and apply it to the locals. He believes that the first people on the scene are key to the system and that competency levels need to be addressed.
Fire departments are logically the best individuals to be trained and equipped for incidents.
Chief Westphal, Colorado State Patrol, Department of Public Safety, stated that he had a problem with mixing fire response with state patrol duties. Mr. Bruce stated that environmental crimes would benefit from a combination of fire and public safety. Mr. Young responded that truckers are brought in occasionally to discuss preventative activities. Senator Bishop addressed the idea of conducting joint training programs. Mr. Cooke responded that the current program does not provide for joint training.