Camden County first responders trained for possible derailment
Camden County first responders and public safety personnel participated in a New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) table-top exercise recently in partnership with the multi-agency NJ Bakken Crude Security Working Group. This group included the State Police, Office of the Attorney General and freight railroad partners.
The table-top exercise examined procedures, resources and methods to prepare for, react to and recover from a freight train derailment involving Bakken Crude Oil. The group reviewed critical tasks such as situational assessment, operational coordination, public information and environmental response.
“This was an opportunity for local, county and state emergency management and public safety professionals to discuss roles they would play, and responsibilities they would take on, in response to a rail tanker accident,” said Freeholder Michelle Gentek, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. “This was not a pass-fail situation, but rather a chance to collectively review and reinforce our emergency plans and procedures. A situation of this magnitude would involve the combined efforts of the whole public safety community.”
Participants included first responders and Offices of Emergency Management from state, county and local jurisdictions, along with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Communications Center, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Division of Fire Safety, Department of Transportation and private sector representatives.
“Our first responder community regularly participates in exercises, both internally and with other agencies, to ensure they are prepared for any emergency including train derailments,” Gentek said. “The preparation and training they conduct throughout the year enable them to effectively assist the residents of Camden County in any emergency situation.”
