A computer program designed to train authorities in how to respond to attacks by weapons of mass destruction should be in the hands of every sheriff in the country by the end of January, thanks to testing done in Story County.

Story County was one of three test sites across the country that began using the computer program in December, said Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald. This allowed law enforcement officials in the Story County area to gain experience with the program and provide feedback to the software makers.

“I thought probably it’s the best training we’ve seen,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s state of the art.”

Fitzgerald said the computer software was developed in response to a directive from the Pentagon approximately seven years ago. He said he heard of the software at a conference he attended in October and showed interest in trying the software in Story County. Originally, the third test site was to be in California, but federal officials decided to test it in Story County.

“The Pentagon called back and said they would take it out of California and bring it to Iowa,” Fitzgerald said.

He said one reason Story County was chosen was because it represents Midwest and rural areas.

“For Story County to be chosen as one of the three cites gives Story County credibility,” Fitzgerald said.

The Ames Police Department, Ames Fire Department, ISU Police, Mary Greeley Medical Center paramedics, Des Moines Hazardous Materials and the Red Cross all participated in the trial of the program in December. Each entity responded as they normally would act in an emergency situation.

“We must respond in a manner of collaboration in a whole host of entities we will be working with,” Fitzgerald said.

The computer program gave authorities a hypothetical emergency situation, like a chemical spill or a bomb that had exploded, and each agency documented all the actions they would normally take in such a situation, said ISU Police Capt. Gene Deisinger, who also attended the training. At the end of the scenario, each group was given a rating and feedback.

“It really makes you think what your responses would be,” Deisinger said.

Deisinger and Fitzgerald both agreed the training also reinforced how well Story County officials work together.

“Story County is very fortunate to have developed a wonderful network of working relationships,” Deisinger said.

If all goes well, each county in the country should have a copy of the software by the end of the month, Fitzgerald said.