The Berks County Emergency Services, Special Operations Group (SOG) is the operational arm of the organization. The SOG facilitates professional and efficient response to incidents involving hazardous materials at locations within the borders of Berks County, the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Task Force, and any other location when requested by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). The SOG works in conjunction with the local emergency response community to protect the safety of emergency responders and the public from all hazards.

WHO ARE WE?

The Berks County Special Operations Group is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania state-certified Type I Hazardous Materials Response Team.

WHO IS ON THE TEAM?

The team is comprised of approximately 30 members who are made up of full-time Berks County Department of Emergency Services employees and part-time staff.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

The team trains monthly on a variety of topics including hazardous materials chemistry, air monitoring, product control and containment, decontamination, and other hazardous material and radiological technician-level functions.

WHAT WE DO:

• Respond to, address, and mitigate emergencies arising from chemical spills, biological hazards, radiological incidents, and other similar events.
• Utilize sophisticated technology to identify unknown substances: liquid, gas, or solid materials.
• Assist local emergency officials in large-scale evacuations and/or mass decontamination measures.
• Protect the public and environment from the hazards of chemical, biological, and radiological materials.