Haverstraw, NY — On Sunday, June 22, volunteer firefighters and multiple emergency service agencies took part in a train derailment emergency response drill in the Villages of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw, simulating a real-world rail incident as part of an ongoing regional preparedness effort.

The exercise was organized by the North Rockland Emergency Rail Organization (NERO), a specialized task force formed to ensure readiness in the event of a rail-related emergency in Rockland County. The full-scale drill tested coordination, communication, and tactical response among first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and supporting agencies.

The simulation included staged scenarios that mimicked real-life derailment conditions—complete with mock casualties, emergency triage areas, and containment procedures—offering a valuable hands-on experience for participants.

Agencies participating in the exercise included:

The West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Thiells Volunteer Fire Department
Chris Jensen and the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services
The Town of Haverstraw Police Department
Mayor Robert D’Amelio and the Village of West Haverstraw Board
Mayor Michael Kohut and the Village of Haverstraw Board
Supervisor Howard Phillips and the Town of Haverstraw Board
Sheriff Louis Falco and The Rockland County Sheriff’s Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
WHFD Firefighter Joe DeLucia
The Rockland County Volunteer Hazardous Materials Team
RC Volunteer Deputy Fire Coordinators & Chiefs – Thomas McKiernan, Michael Yannazzone Jr., Patrick Pasculo, & Bobby LaGrow
The Rockland County Volunteer Fire Police Officers Association
Veolia Water Company
Orange and Rockland Utilities
CSX Transportation Inc.
Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary
West Haverstraw DPW Superintendent Anthony Sparta and his staff

NERO and local officials extended their sincere thanks to the residents and businesses of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw for their patience and cooperation during the drill. The exercise did temporarily impact local traffic and noise levels, but residents overwhelmingly supported the initiative, recognizing the importance of proactive preparedness.

This event underscores the ongoing commitment of North Rockland emergency service agencies to mitigate disasters and respond quickly and effectively when real emergencies strike.