By Pat Trevino | July 14, 2026
CUERO, Texas — Two members of the Cuero Fire Department have returned from an intensive weeklong advanced training program at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, where they sharpened their skills in hazardous materials and railroad emergency response.
Both firefighters hold Hazardous Materials Technician certifications and traveled to SERTC to participate in a six‑day, hands‑on course designed to prepare responders for real‑world rail incidents. The training covered a wide range of critical topics, including railroad derailments, non‑accidental hazardous material releases, rail‑specific terminology, and specialized mitigation techniques used during rail emergencies.
Unlike classroom‑based instruction, SERTC immerses responders directly into full‑scale rail environments. Trainees work on actual rail cars equipped with real railroad safety appliances, allowing them to practice response strategies in conditions that closely mirror real emergencies.
Instructors at SERTC often say, “Where the rubber meets the road.” But in Pueblo, it’s where the steel meets the tracks—a motto that reflects the center’s commitment to realistic, scenario‑driven training rather than simulated props.
The Cuero Fire Department noted that the advanced training strengthens the region’s ability to respond to hazardous materials incidents involving rail transport, which remains a critical component of freight movement across Texas. The department praised the firefighters for their dedication to continuing education and their commitment to enhancing public safety.
The newly trained technicians will now bring their expanded expertise back to Cuero, where the department says the skills learned at SERTC will directly benefit local emergency preparedness and response capabilities.