Shelby County will be the first site in the country to use new technology this week designed to detect an accidental release of deadly chemicals from an industry or from a terrorist attack.

Specially trained Deputies assigned to the Homeland Security Division of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate the equipment at Memphis Motorsports Park at 5500 Victory Lane in North Shelby County.  The demonstration will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 4:30 p.m.

“Should there be an accidental release of chemicals, the equipment will identify them, give wind speed and direction and even provide guidance for an evacuation of neighborhoods and business districts.  We appreciate the partnership we have with Memphis Motorsports Park for allowing us to use their facility for the demonstration,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Photo slideshow of the Demonstration Event:

The sensing equipment was awarded to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office through a $450,000 grant because there are many chemical industries in Shelby County.  Many of the industries are located near large scale community attractions such as Memphis Motorsports Park.

“Racing events at our facility attract thousands of people. With a chemical plant nearby, it is reassuring to know the sensing equipment provided by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Division will help keep our staff and visitors as safe as possible,” said Jason Rittenberry, Vice President and General Manager of Memphis Motorsports Park.

Various dignitaries will attend the demonstration including:

• Rick Shipkowski, Deputy Director, State of Tennessee Office of Homeland Security
• Richard L. Stouder, Director, Technology Development and Deployment National Security Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Bob Nations, Director, Shelby County Office of Preparedness
• Kelly Falter, Sr. Partner, Cadre5, LLC
• Jason M. Rittenberry, Vice President & General Manager, Memphis Motorsports Park

DIRECTIONS to Memphis Motorsports Park-From Fite Road, enter Memphis Motorsports Park on Victory Lane, proceed north towards the NASCAR Oval, and follow the signs to the demonstration site.

The chemical detection equipment will be used officially for the first time this Saturday afternoon at AutoZone Park for the First Annual Civil Rights Game that will feature the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians baseball teams.