10/23/2008- Rep. Sires Attends Ceremony Honoring NJ EMS' Initiatives in Homeland Security PDF Print

For immediate release                                                    Contact: Erica Daughtrey                    

October 23, 2008                                                           (202) 222-2828                   

 Bayonne, NJ- Today, Congressman Albio Sires was on board the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas ship, docked at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, to attend a “Signing Ceremony” for the Port Security New Jersey Emergency Medical Services (NJ EMS) Planning Initiative.  The Port Security NJ EMS Planning Initiative was created to develop flexible and comprehensive guidelines for New Jersey EMS agencies to follow when responding to large scale incidents involving waterways, water-crossings, and port facilities on the New Jersey side of the New York Harbor.  While other mass casualty response plans are in existence, this project’s guidelines are more detailed to ensure greater organization for New Jersey’s EMS when responding to large scale incidents. In addition to the ceremony for the Port Security NJ EMS Planning Initiative, the NJ EMS Task Force also showcased their Homeland Security EMS response equipment.  The showcase displayed the existing EMS assets that were incorporated into a “model” response plan for New Jersey’s EMS.   Congressman Sires stated, “the 13th District is home to, what is considered by the Department of Homeland Security, as the most dangerous two mile stretch of road in the country.  With one of the largest ports in the country (Port Newark/Elizabeth), chemical plants, and critical transportation infrastructure, I commend the NJ EMS Task Force for creating this model plan to ensure the safety of the residents in my district.” 

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