S.E.R.P.Specialized Emergency

Response Program

Hazardous Material Unit

• The Specialized Emergency Response Program (SERP) is a Washington Non-Profit Corporation that exists as a partnership between public and private enterprises.

• SERP was developed in 1995 when it was recognized that there was a

need for specialized emergency services in Whatcom County,

particularly hazardous materials incidents.

• After two years of intense planning, the Hazardous Materials

Response Unit went live on September 15th, 1997.

• SERP operates on an approximate $60,000 annual budget.

• Most of the funds are acquired through billing participating private members a flat rate each year as well as billing the cities and fire districts a rate based on each agency’s percentage of the total emergency call volume for Whatcom County. Other funds are received through spiller billing and grants.

• The SERP - Hazardous Materials Response Team is comprised of approximately 30 members representing private industry, law enforcement, and fire service agencies throughout Whatcom County.

SERP/Hazmat is an all hazards response team which includes a hazardous device unit staffed by members of the Bellingham Police Department.

SERP operates a small fleet of three vehicles.

HM99

Initial Response &

Research

HM9902

Response

HM97 Mass De-con

Our team’s compliment of equipment includes:

• HazMat ID 360

• Phantom IV Reconnaissance Drone

Responses

• Bellingham Pipeline Explosion

• Multiple Border Responses

• Picric Acid Response

• Gas and Diesel Tanker Rollovers

• Drug Lab Investigations

• Liquid Nitrogen Tanker Rollover

• White Powder Incidents