The Renewable Fuels Association’s nationally recognized safety programs have been honored with their 11th consecutive National Achievement Award from TRANSCAER, a national hazardous materials safety coalition. Missy Ruff, RFA’s Director of Safety and Technical Programs, also received an Individual Recognition Award for her efforts.
More than 12 years ago, RFA created comprehensive training programs for first responders and other stakeholders on the topics of ethanol safety and emergency management.
“The ethanol industry continues to maintain an impeccable safety record, which is a direct result of RFA’s ongoing safety efforts with ethanol producers, shippers, first responders, local community leaders, and others,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We are honored to receive this award from TRANSCAER and I am especially proud to see RFA’s Missy Ruff being recognized for her leadership, hard work, and commitment to the industry’s safety.”
In 2022, more than 1,200 attendees were trained via 37 training opportunities supported by RFA. Since its inception in 2010, RFA’s safety program has been responsible for training over 15,000 individuals and conducting over 400 training sessions and events. RFA has trained individuals from all 50 U.S. states and 40 other countries. In addition, RFA so far in 2023 has held training sessions in Sioux City, IA; Edmond, Okla.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Independence, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Cheyenne Wyo., as well as a series of “Train the Trainer” webinars. In April, RFA updated its award-winning Emergency Response website, which is a go-to resource for the first responder community.
“Training emergency responders is not just a responsibility, but a crucial investment in ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Erica Bernstein Fischer, Director, Training & Community Outreach, CHEMTREC/TRANSCAER. “The Renewable Fuels Association's commitment to providing comprehensive training programs for emergency responders demonstrates their dedication to preparedness. Being recognized with a National TRANSCAER Achievement Award shows their exceptional efforts in equipping responders with the knowledge and skills needed to handle renewable fuels incidents safely and effectively.”
RFA's Ruff has served on the TRANSCAER executive committee and as chair of the National TRANSCAER Task Group, the managing body for initiatives undertaken by the organization. The TRANSCAER initiative is focused on assisting communities prepare for and respond to possible hazardous material transportation incidents. Its members include volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distribution, hazardous material storage and handling, emergency response and preparedness, and related service industries as well as the government. Click here for more information.
RFA currently offers online ethanol safety training programs and “train the trainer” sessions. For more information on the programs overall, visit www.ethanolresponse.com or email Missy Ruff at [email protected].
Pictured: RFA Director of Safety and Technical Programs Missy Ruff receives RFA’s 2022 National Achievement Award from TRANSCAER Chairman Paul Holt, of Union Pacific. At the same meeting, she received the latest of several annual Individual Recognition Awards from TRANSCAER.
