Scotch Plains Uses New SHERP Vehicle in July 3 Storm

Scotch Plains Township used a new amphibious all-terrain vehicle during the July 3 storm to help firefighters reach streets blocked by downed trees and debris.

The Scotch Plains Fire Department’s SHERP vehicle is designed for conditions that can stop conventional emergency vehicles, including floodwater, snow, rough terrain and debris. News 12 New Jersey reported that the vehicle can carry first responders and rescue equipment, and can float and propel itself when water is too deep for ordinary driving.

How crews used the vehicle during the storm

The department received the SHERP shortly before the July 3 storm. According to News 12, firefighters used it to drive over downed trees and reach streets that had been blocked by storm debris. The deployment provided an early local example of how the vehicle could be used when conventional access is limited.

Future uses are expected to include floods, debris-blocked roads, wooded terrain and other emergencies where fire engines, ambulances or other standard vehicles may have difficulty reaching an area. The SHERP is intended to carry responders and equipment into difficult conditions, not to replace conventional fire, police, EMS or public-works operations.

Storm damage created access problems

A July 10 statement from Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Matt Adams described the storm as a localized microburst that caused severe damage across parts of the township. The township said police, firefighters, rescue personnel and Department of Public Works crews responded to downed trees, blocked roads, resident needs and recovery work.

Those documented access problems help explain the practical value of an all-terrain emergency vehicle. The SHERP may give responders another option in specific situations involving floodwater, fallen trees or rough ground, but it cannot guarantee faster response everywhere or reach every flooded or blocked location.

Funding and future training

News 12 reported that the vehicle was funded primarily through the township’s capital improvement budget, with the remaining cost covered through insurance cost-recovery funds. The report also said operators receive an initial familiarization period followed by several hours of hands-on training.

Residents may see the SHERP deployed selectively during floods, severe storms, debris-blocked roads and other difficult-access emergencies. People should continue to avoid flooded or blocked roads and use official emergency channels when immediate help is needed.

Call volume added pressure during July 3 response

The vehicle purchase comes as Scotch Plains and Union County review emergency coordination after the storm. Union County Life reported that the Union County Regional Communications Center received 2,855 calls between 7 p.m. and midnight on July 3. That figure represents regional communications-center activity, not a Scotch Plains-only call total.

The report said the township and county are reviewing lessons from the event. Together, the SHERP and the coordination review address two separate challenges exposed by the storm: reaching people when roads are obstructed and managing emergency calls during a sudden surge in demand.

Sources

• News 12 New Jersey: Scotch Plains adds SHERP emergency-response vehicle
• Scotch Plains Township: July 10 storm statement
• Union County Life: July 3 emergency-call volume and coordination review