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KINGSPORT – On Wednesday, November 15, Eastman, in partnership with the Kingsport Fire Department, Kingsport Police Department, and Sullivan County Emergency Management, concluded a comprehensive emergency response drill, highlighting Eastman’s unwavering dedication to safety, emergency preparedness, and community welfare.

The exercise convened Eastman’s emergency response team, local first responders, and city officials to simulate an offsite rail car incident. This joint effort provided a platform to test and refine emergency response protocols, aiming to achieve the highest level of readiness for potential real-time emergencies.

Brian Ramsey, Eastman Fire Chief, hailed the drill’s success as a testament to the continual collaboration between Eastman and local emergency agencies. “We take pride in our collaboration with community partners to uphold top-tier safety standards in our operations and the surrounding areas,” Ramsey remarked, extending gratitude to CSX Transportation for providing the rail car for the exercise.

The drill scrutinized the teams’ abilities to swiftly and seamlessly manage a simulated rail car leak, stressing effective communication and coordination among all stakeholders involved during emergencies.

Chief Scott Boyd of the Kingsport Fire Department commended the preparedness demonstrated by all teams. “The swift and efficient response, along with seamless coordination between Kingsport and Eastman’s fire departments, underscores the significance of collaboration between manufacturing sites and local emergency services,” Boyd emphasized, highlighting the necessity of proactive engagement for community safety.

As part of its commitment to employee and community safety, Eastman conducts annual emergency response exercises, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring the well-being of its employees and the Kingsport community.