La. Guard strengthens disaster response skills in structural collapse training

By Staff Sgt. David C. Kirtland, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS. – Spc. Amy Brignac, a member of the Louisiana National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package with the 239th Military Police Company, 61st Troop Command, participated in a five-day Technician-Level Structural Collapse Training Course in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Feb. 17-21.

Hosted by the West Feliciana Parish Fire Department and facilitated by the Baton Rouge Fire Department’s Special Operations Division, the intensive course focused on advanced rescue techniques for responding to building collapses caused by natural disasters, explosions and other structural failures. Participants trained in breaching and breaking, lifting and moving heavy debris, shoring unstable structures and conducting victim extractions from confined spaces.

The training emphasized interagency collaboration, with firefighters and emergency personnel from multiple agencies working alongside LANG Soldiers. The Baton Rouge Fire Department’s Special Operations Division provided expert instruction, while the West Feliciana Parish Fire Department offered logistical support and training facilities.

“Training together is crucial because when a major event happens in our state, we’ll likely be out there responding as a team,” said Turner Gore, assistant training coordinator. “Understanding each other’s capabilities, making face-to-face connections and building those relationships in advance helps everything run more smoothly. When disaster strikes, we can quickly coordinate, use the right tools and equipment, and effectively serve the citizens of Louisiana.”

The LANG regularly trains with civilian emergency response agencies as part of its state and federal mission. Recent hurricanes and severe flooding have reinforced the need for highly trained personnel capable of responding to collapsed buildings and other structural hazards.

“This training pushes us to be ready for real-life disasters,” Brignac said. “It’s intense, but it gives us the skills we need to respond quickly and effectively when communities need us most.”

Through continued training and partnerships with emergency services, the LANG remains committed to ensuring it is always ready to serve and protect Louisiana communities when disaster strikes.