On Saturday, May 10, 2025 the Somerville, NJ Office of Emergency Management (OEM) conducted a multi-agency emergency response drill. Taylor Oil Co. was invited to participate by loaning one of our tanker trucks for use in the simulated incident.
The drill brought together a wide range of response teams, including police, fire, rescue/EMT, emergency communications units, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members, and community volunteers. Participants represented multiple municipalities, including Somerville, Raritan, Montgomery, Martinsville, and Branchburg, NJ.
The simulated scenario involved a school bus and a Taylor Oil Co. tanker truck, that was making a fuel delivery, that were halted on the roadway following a minor traffic incident. During the staged scene, a rubbernecker crashed into the back of the school bus, resulting in multiple injuries and one fatality.
Police were the first to arrive, securing the area and coordinating the response. Fire and rescue teams followed shortly after.
Their first priority was to assess and treat the injured while inspecting the tanker truck for any potential leaks or hazards. One of the most complex parts of the drill involved extricating the trapped driver of the car. Using the “Jaws of Life”—a hydraulic rescue tool—first responders removed the car door and cut away the roof to access the injured occupant safely.
“Injured” volunteers were triaged and treated by EMTs, with those in more serious condition placed on stretchers and loaded into ambulances. The ambulances then performed a slow loop around the parking lot to simulate patient transport to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, fire crews monitored the vehicles for fuel leaks or other dangers while continuing clean-up and safety operations. Police maintained control of the scene, ensuring the safety of responders and spectators alike.
After the exercise, all agencies and participants gathered for a “hot wash” debrief—a structured recap of the day’s actions. Somerville’s OEM director, Jason Kraska, and his staff expressed their satisfaction with the drill, praising the professionalism and coordination demonstrated by every team and volunteer involved.
Taylor Oil Co. is proud to have been part of such an important training exercise. We’re honored to support our local emergency services and help ensure preparedness for real-world incidents. A heartfelt thank-you to the Somerville Office of Emergency Management for including us—we’re always happy to assist our community in any way we can.
