Celebrating 20 Years at MSFA: 2026 CHLOREP Team Training
CI's 2026 CHLOREP Team Training brought another successful—and record-setting—week to the Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA), welcoming 129 students and 70 instructors for hands-on, scenario-based emergency response training.
This year also marked a significant milestone: 20 years of hosting CHLOREP Team Training at MSFA. In recognition of this enduring partnership, CI presented an award to the Academy for its continued commitment to advancing emergency preparedness and responder readiness.
During the presentation, Robyn Kinsley, CI Vice President of Transportation, Emergency Response, and Regulatory Affairs, reflected on the importance of the relationship between CI and MSFA:
"Today, we present this award to the Mississippi State Fire Academy in recognition of the past 20 years of this critical partnership—and with appreciation and enthusiasm for the next 20."
The chlorine industry's mutual-aid response system dates back to the 1930s, with CHLOREP formally established in 1972 to ensure timely and effective emergency response. From the beginning, training has been a cornerstone of the program's success. As industry needs evolved, CI’s Emergency Preparedness Issue Team recognized the value of providing more frequent, consistent, and standardized instruction through a dedicated training location.
That vision became a reality through a lasting partnership with MSFA. Since hosting its first CHLOREP Team Training in 2007, the Academy has provided an ideal environment for delivering world-class instruction. Its premier facilities, experienced staff, and commitment to continuous improvement have helped shape the program into what it is today.
This year's training once again demonstrated the strength of the CHLOREP network. Students and instructors traveled from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The week also presented some unexpected challenges. Inclement weather frequently interrupted training activities, requiring both students and instructors to remain flexible and vigilant as storms moved through the area. Some participants found themselves caught in sudden downpours while continuing hands-on exercises, demonstrating the adaptability and professionalism that are hallmarks of the CHLOREP program.
Even the weather couldn't completely dampen spirits. Wednesday's visit from Kona Ice provided a welcome break from the training schedule, although rain showers shortened the event. Fortunately, many attendees still had the opportunity to enjoy the frozen treat between sessions, and even better, a great crawfish BBQ that followed that evening!
As Robyn Kinsley noted during the award presentation:
"The partnership we've built and the hospitality we've experienced at this academy year after year have been unmatched."
CI proudly recognizes the leadership, staff, and instructors of the Mississippi State Fire Academy for two decades of collaboration and support. Their dedication has played a vital role in strengthening CHLOREP readiness and enhancing the industry's emergency response capabilities.
As the chlorine industry continues to evolve, the partnership between CI and MSFA remains essential to preparing responders, strengthening mutual-aid capabilities, and advancing emergency preparedness.
Here's to the next 20 years of training, partnership, and preparedness!
