The City of Stratford put its crisis coordination to the test during a successful tabletop emergency management exercise known as "Operation Critical Crossing."
The mock disaster scenario brought together municipal staff, local emergency services, and community partners to evaluate the city’s readiness during a severe multi-agency emergency.
The simulated incident was held on Wednesday, September 9, focusing on a high-stakes collision at the Erie Street rail crossing near Monteith Avenue, where a tanker truck carrying gasoline collided with a train pulling rail cars loaded with hazardous anhydrous ammonia. The hypothetical crash resulted in a complex chain of crises, including fuel leaks, toxic chemical releases, widespread power outages, and multiple injuries.
To manage the chaotic scenario, members of Stratford’s Emergency Control Group were tasked with coordinating an immediate response. The group included key municipal leadership, such as the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, the chiefs of Fire, Police, and Paramedic services, and the city’s Communications specialist, alongside various advisory personnel responsible for operational management during an official emergency.
The exercise allowed leadership to review critical procedures and communication protocols under pressure.
"This was a positive test of our Emergency Response Plan, and a great way to hone those skills needed in a crisis situation," said Stratford Deputy Fire Chief Richard Anderson, who serves as the City’s Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator.
By running through complex logistical challenges, from hazardous material containment to public communication, city officials ensured that local agencies remain well-prepared to protect the community should a real crisis strike.
