The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant recently brought together local fire, law enforcement and emergency management officials for a tour of the facility aimed at strengthening communication and emergency response partnerships.
The visit included Joshua F. “Josh” Walsh, president of American Ordnance, the company that operates the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, along with IAAAP leadership.
During the tour, community partners learned more about the plant’s mission, emergency response capabilities, modernization projects and the steps being taken to protect employees and the surrounding communities.
IAAAP is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility near Middletown, Iowa. The plant produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for the U.S. military.
Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of IAAAP, said maintaining strong relationships with local agencies is an important part of being prepared for emergencies.
“Strong relationships are built through communication, trust, and collaboration,” Nosse said. “Bringing our community partners together allows us to better understand one another’s capabilities and strengthens our collective ability to respond when assistance is needed.”
The group also received an update on a $6.7 million grant awarded to the city of Burlington through the Department of War’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The funding will be used to build a permanent fire station serving the ammunition plant and surrounding area.
William Vance, chief of IAAAP’s Protective Division, said the new station will provide an important resource for both the facility and the local community.
Mutual aid is another key part of the relationship between IAAAP and area emergency responders. IAAAP Fire Chief Robbie Tapp said plant emergency response crews answered more than 45 calls for assistance outside the facility during the past year.
Local fire, police and emergency management agencies have also assisted IAAAP when needed.
The site visit gave officials an opportunity to share information, discuss past experiences and look at ways they can improve training, communication and emergency preparedness moving forward.
With ammunition production requiring a strong focus on safety, IAAAP officials say protecting employees, the environment and critical infrastructure remains a top priority. Officials say continued cooperation between the plant and surrounding communities will help ensure emergency resources are available when they are needed.
