A simulated explosion aboard a Metro-North train in Norwalk today drew dozens of regional emergency responders, including those from Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport emergency workers took part in an emergency preparedness drill today in Norwalk that simulated an explosion aboard a Metro-North train.
A simulated explosion aboard a Metro-North train in Norwalk today drew dozens of regional emergency responders, including those from Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Firefighters, police, EMS workers, and volunteers from the Westport Community Emergency Response Team were involved in the all-morning exercise on open land adjacent to the Metro-North railroad tracks near I-95 exit 15.
Norwalk and Metro-North emergency personnel as well as police, fire and EMS units from seven other Fairfield County communities also took part, as did workers from numerous other agencies.
James M. “Skip” Thomas, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security led his agency’s team, and there were representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
After the exercise, Thomas toured the Westport emergency management command vehicle and was briefed on the communications efforts by Eric Fine, a Westport firefighter and communications specialist.
A heavily armed pair from the Metropolitan Transportation Agency Police Emergency Service Unit were among those participating in today’s drill in Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Westport’s equipment was used to enable members of the various responding agencies to communicate with each other over their individual radio circuits.
Trains that normally run between Norwalk and Danbury were suspended during the exercise so that the track could be used for a simulated bomb attack.
Travelers who normally use the train line were provided with bus transportation.
Area hospitals and ambulance corps as well as Metro-North safety and fire personnel participated. The MTA Police Departmement acted as the lead agency.
More than 100 railroad employees became volunteer “victims” to simulate various injuries. The mass casualty incident gave responders practice in triage, first aid, and evacuation techniques that are unique to a railroad setting.
More than 100 Metro-North employees played the “victims” in today’s disaster drill in Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
The drill was observed by officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York State Public Transportation Safety Board as well as designees from participating agencies.
Westport Fire Chief Christopher Ackley and Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried led Westport fire personnel at the scene.
Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and Selectwoman Shelly Kassen were among the observers.
Posted 04/21 at 02:30 PM