9 Jan 2003

American Samoa imports special protective gear for first response units

9:31 am on 9 January 2003

Gas masks, goggles, special suits and other protective gear for American Samoa's response to terrorism have arrived in the territory.

The equipment has been unpacked and will soon be put to use by the American Samoa Homeland Security Office.

It will be used by first response teams in the event of a disaster involving hazardous materials.

The equipment, estimated to cost more than 300 thousand US dollars was purchased with a grant from the United states department of Justice.

Police, fire, medical teams, environmental workers and other personnel who have been identified as first responders will receive training on how to use the equipmemt later this month.