ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Englewood emergency responders put their training to the test Sunday morning, conducting a large-scale emergency management exercise near Dwight Morrow High School that simulated a flood and the search for missing people.

The exercise, organized by the Englewood Office of Emergency Management, took place along Metzler Brook near the high school and brought together multiple agencies to practice coordinating their response to a major emergency.

Participants included the Englewood Police Department, Englewood Fire Department, Englewood Office of Emergency Management, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Englewood Health EMS and the American Red Cross.

The Bergen County Office of Emergency Management also participated, providing drone coverage and a mobile command post to support the simulated search and rescue operation.

During the exercise, emergency responders practiced locating missing individuals following a simulated flooding event, testing the coordination, communication and resources needed during a real disaster.

Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes attended the Sunday morning drill, emphasizing the importance of conducting hands-on exercises rather than relying solely on planning discussions.

“Managing our Police, Fire, OEM, and CERT emergency service responses beyond tabletop exercises is mission critical,” Wildes said.

The drill gave local and county responders an opportunity to work together under simulated emergency conditions, including coordinating search operations and using specialized equipment.

The exercise also highlighted the role of volunteer emergency response personnel and supporting agencies in helping communities prepare for flooding and other emergencies.

The training was a planned exercise, not an actual emergency.