LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, N.J. — School staff and first responders gathered at Tiger Stadium at Cooper Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9, for a two-hour tabletop training exercise focused on responding together during an emergency at an athletic event.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞

Linden Athletic Director Mike Firestone and Security Director Keith Aslin organized the exercise, which was led by Sgt. Michael J. Cataline. The training outlined the roles and responsibilities of participating organizations while creating an opportunity to strengthen cooperation during an emergency response at Tiger Stadium.

The exercise reflected Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins’ goals for the new school year, including strengthening collaboration through tabletop-style training and ensuring that school officials and first responders are prepared to work together when student safety is at stake.

Representatives from law enforcement, fire services, dispatch, emergency medical services, athletic training and district departments worked through realistic scenarios. The tabletop format allowed participants to discuss their responsibilities, make decisions and consider how their actions could affect the broader response.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭

As each situation unfolded, Cataline posed questions and introduced additional considerations, challenging participants to look beyond their individual roles and identify where clear, timely communication could improve the outcome.

The discussions gave participants an opportunity to review existing safety plans, build awareness of one another’s responsibilities and identify ways to coordinate more effectively during athletic events and other emergencies.

“We came in as the police department, fire department, Board of Education, but after this meeting, we left as colleagues,” Cataline said.

That emphasis on relationships reflected a practical connection between the district’s commitment to community partnerships and its work to support safe student experiences. Bringing school personnel and emergency responders together at Tiger Stadium created a shared space to clarify expectations, strengthen communication and improve the joint response for the students, athletes, families and community members they serve.

The exercise centered on communication, preparation, teamwork and trust — all essential elements of a coordinated emergency response.