Rockland County Emergency Responders Hold Functional Exercise

Rockland Daily Staff

On Thursday evening, September 29, Rockland County emergency responders participated in a functional exercise done in partnership with CSX.  

Given that twenty-five to forty freight trains travel daily through Rockland County in the east, creating a prepared response to the complexities of a rail event was considered a good emergency preparedness endeavor.

Thursday's scenario focused on the possibility of a mixed freight train derailment that might include a subsequent hazardous material spill in the Town of Orangetown. Over forty-five emergency responders and personnel representing over a dozen agencies and organizations participated in the practice exercise. 

Participating agencies included Monsey Fire Department, Rockland County Sheriff's Office, Clarkstown Police Department, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., Stony Point Ambulance Corps Inc., Lady Warren Hose Company #5, CSX, Dominican University New York, Town of Orangetown, Rescue Hook and Ladder Company #1, American Red Cross, Cosgriff Hose Company #4, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Orangeburg Fire Department, and Orangetown Police Department.