Emergency Response Unit in Kirkuk

Blackanthem Military News, KIRKUK, Iraq, July 06, 2006

When a call comes in to a 9-1-1 center in the United States, emergency response teams spring into action. Be it a fire, robbery, accident or some other emergency, specialized units are on call to aid the public.

The people of Kirkuk, Iraq now has a very similar unit -- ready and able to serve them and assist the police of this province.

Kirkuk’s Emergency Response Unit is a new group of police officers trained to deal with crisis situations and get things under control before the regular police force arrives.

"They’re like a 9-1-1 center," said 1st Lt. Andrew Salmo, executive officer, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "Getting on the scene first and … conducting initial investigations for the police force."

Salmo’s unit helped train the ERU and get them ready to be a fully-fledged force in just under a month.

"Four weeks ago, leaders of this unit signed for an empty building in an empty compound; they had no vehicles, no equipment, and just a few good men who wanted to do their part to protect their fellow countrymen from terror," said Col. David Gray, commander, 1st BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "Today, thanks to the efforts of police chiefs and leaders from around the region, this unit has nearly 900 serving members."
 

While the ERU is still less than a month old, the efforts of No Slack Soldiers in training these officers, along with the Iraqi’s determination and willingness to learn, has paid off considerably.

The unit was put to the test only a few days ago when they were called to the scene of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack at a local gas station. Members of the ERU’s Quick Reaction Force were at the site within minutes, helping to put out fires and starting to evacuate casualties.

"They may not be able to stop all terrorists," Salmo said. "But they can limit the devastation of an attack."

Gray added that the ERU has shown what strength and determination can accomplish -- even in an ethnically diverse area, such as Kirkuk.

"Four weeks ago, this unit was a dream - a hope of increased security," he said. "Today, members of the Emergency Response Unit stand before us a successful reality … a sign to the world of what can be accomplished when people put aside their differences and work to protect and serve their community."

With continued supervision and training from Coalition Forces, Kirkuk’s newest security force is on track to be a viable strength in Iraq’s own war on terror.

"What you, the leaders of Iraq have accomplished is the embodiment of freedom," Gray said. "Your actions and your determination to protect and serve is an inspiration for leaders throughout the world."

By Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment