First responders from across Ocean County participated Tuesday in the county’s annual large-scale mass casualty incident (MCI) exercise at the Ocean County Fairgrounds, helping prepare for emergencies ahead of the opening of the 2026 Ocean County Fair.

This year’s exercise, organized by the Ocean County EMS Coordinators in partnership with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, with the support of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, simulated a vehicle ramming incident that escalated into an active shooter scenario, with 25 victims requiring triage, treatment, and transport. The realistic drill allowed responders to test emergency plans and coordination during a complex, fast-moving incident at a major public event.

During the exercise, crews established triage, treatment, and transport areas while operating under the Incident Command System (ICS), strengthening interagency communication, coordination, and operational effectiveness.

Deputy EMS Coordinator Motty Twerski told TLS that the annual exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate emergency response plans, identify strengths, and improve procedures in a controlled environment, ensuring first responders remain prepared to protect the public during real emergencies.

Participating agencies included the Ocean County EMS Coordinators, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Communications (911), Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Fire Coordinators, Ocean County Fire Marshals FMBA Local 98, Manchester Division of Emergency Services, Point Pleasant Borough Office of Emergency Management, Lakewood Township EMS, Lakewood First Aid, Island Heights Volunteer First Aid Squad, Berkeley Township, South Toms River EMS, Jackson Township EMS, and Hatzolah of Central Jersey.

Officials also thanked the Ocean County Fair Association for allowing the use of the fairgrounds for the exercise, as well as the many volunteers, role players, evaluators, and exercise staff whose efforts helped make the training event a success.