On Tuesday, emergency responders from across Ocean County took part in a large-scale Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) exercise at the Ocean County Fairgrounds to prepare for the opening of the 2026 Ocean County Fair.

The training exercise, organized by the Ocean County EMS Coordinators in partnership with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, simulated a major emergency during a large public event. The realistic scenario allowed first responders to test emergency response procedures, strengthen interagency coordination, and practice operating under the Incident Command System (ICS).

During the drill, crews established triage, treatment, and patient transport areas while working together to manage the simulated incident. Officials said exercises like this help evaluate emergency plans, identify strengths, and improve response capabilities before real emergencies occur.

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 EMS, South Toms River EMS, Jackson Township EMS, and Hatzolah Central Jersey.

Officials also thanked the Ocean County Fair Association for providing the fairgrounds for the exercise, along with the many volunteers, role players, evaluators, and exercise staff who helped make the training as realistic as possible.