(9-18-19) The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division maintains constant readiness to address a variety of emergencies that could affect our community. As part of this ongoing vigilance on behalf of the public, we will participate with state responders, federal responders, and a pipeline company in an emergency-response drill on the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, adjacent to where I-94 crosses the river.

CPT Rockey Adams, the Berrien County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinator

“We often look at different emergency scenarios to test our plans and prepare us to better protect the public and the environment, even if the scenario is unlikely to occur.  We want our responders to be as prepared as they can be.”

This event is only a drill, and there is no action required from the public.  We are drawing awareness to this event so there is no confusion or alarm regarding our activities.

Who:

  • Berrien County Sheriff’s Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division
  • Local Fire and Police Departments
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • United States Coast Guard
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • Marathon Pipe Line LLC

What:

  • An emergency-response drill that simulates the release of refined petroleum product in the St. Joseph River. Emergency-response boats, personnel and water-borne equipment will be used as part of the simulated response.

Where:

  • The St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, near the I-94 crossing

When:

  • 19, 2019, from approximately 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.