Woodbridge Fire Thanks Shell Oil For Industrial Accident Training

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The Woodbridge Fire Department would like to thank Shell Oil Industrial Terminal, located in Sewaren, with providing a place to train firefighters.

Many may not know that the Sewaren oil terminal is the largest Shell oil terminal in the world, followed by the second largest in Carson City, California.

With that knowledge, Shell Oil Company recognized the need for specialized response training from the local Woodbridge fire department and surrounding towns.

In June, Shell hosted a multi-day, hands-on training at their Sewaren plant so firefighters could learn the best approach to a major incident in an industrial facility, should one occur. At the training, Shell also sponsored two additional attendees from the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials Unit, a unit the Woodbridge Fire Department often closely works with.

After all, it was on June 11, 1996 that same Shell Oil Terminal was hit by a lightning strike, which resulted in a fire at the plant.

Shell Oil Company also continues to graciously sponsor two members from the Woodbridge Fire Department to attend the annual Shell Corporate Fire School at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in College Station, Texas.

"This pertains directly to a facility in our backyard," said Woodbridge Fire Chief Michael Balog.

"Shell and its employees open their gates to the members of the Woodbridge Fire Department each year to participate in simulated fire and water rescue incidents. These simulations afford the Department the opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses so that improvements can be made alongside the employees at Shell."

Shell Oil also helps the Woodbridge Fire Dept. purchase specialized equipment to fight industrial fires, which come with a hefty price tag.

"Shell supports the Department’s purchases of this equipment to ensure its preparedness while also eliminating the financial burden on the taxpayers of Fire District #1," said the Woodbridge Fire Dept.

The Woodbridge Board of Fire Commissioners, Chief Michael Balog, Deputy Chief Robert Minkler Jr., Deputy Chief Stephen Weber, Pre-Plan Battalion Chief Mark Minkler and all members of the Woodbridge Fire Department extend their heartfelt thanks to:

Sean Murphy (Operations Manager at Shell Oil Sewaren)

Paul Fatum (Maintenance and Business Service Manager)

Brian Pado (Operations Maintenance Coordinator)