The Midland Fire Department has strengthened its emergency response capabilities by upgrading its radiation detection technology, giving firefighters faster, more accurate insight during hazardous-material incidents and other emergencies.
With the support of grant funding, the department added the Berkeley Nucleonics SAM 950 handheld radiation detection system. This SAM 950 is designed specifically for first responders, nuclear field analysts, and specialized military and security teams.
According to Lt. Tyler Alden, the new system has become a valuable operational asset.
“It is an asset. It makes our department quicker,” Alden said. “It makes our response to radiation faster.”
Photo by Katy Kildee/Midland Daily News
Bringing Radiation Detection into the Modern Era
The department received the SAM 950 in January and now shares it across stations among trained personnel. While radiation monitoring has long been part of Midland Fire’s mission, the new technology represents a major step forward.
“This equipment brings our radiation detection from the 1960s into modern day,” Alden noted.
With real-time analysis and advanced identification capabilities, responders can quickly determine what type of radiation is present and how to proceed safely.
“It tells us what kind of radiation it is,” Alden explained. “It tells us if it was medical radiation or ill intent.”
Advanced Capabilities in a Handheld Platform
The SAM 950 combines multiple critical tools into one portable system, including:
- Radiation survey meter
- Spectral analysis
- Secondary screening
- Isotope identification and confirmation
- Source location features
These capabilities support hazmat response, medical and industrial monitoring, event security, and port and border enforcement.
By consolidating these functions into a single device, Midland firefighters can respond more efficiently and with greater situational awareness.
Rapid Training and Deployment
Firefighters trained on the SAM 950 were able to learn the system in just one day, allowing the department to deploy it quickly across multiple stations.
This rapid adoption ensures more personnel are prepared to operate the equipment when needed—improving readiness and response times.
Commitment to Safety and Innovation
By investing in modern radiation detection technology, the Midland Fire Department continues to demonstrate its commitment to public safety and operational excellence. The SAM 950 enhances the department’s ability to protect first responders and the community while staying ahead of evolving threats.
Credit
This article is adapted from:
“Midland Fire enhances radiation detection” by Tereasa Nims, Midland Daily News, May 13, 2022
Source: https://www.
