First Responders Praised By Morris Co. Officials For Flood Preparation

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Thursday’s storms have come and gone, and luckily, for the second time in July, Morris County made it out somewhat unscathed.

A flood watch was issued in the county Thursday morning, which was upgraded to a flood warning in the afternoon. A state of emergency was declared as well.

The storms left several New Jersey areas in shambles, with abandoned cars, fallen trees, and more than 20,000 power outages statewide.

Morris County emergency officials have praised the area’s first responders for their diligent flood preparations before Thursday's storms.

“While tonight’s weather event fortunately had minimal impact in our area, we are proud of the proactive coordination that took place behind the scenes,” a statement from the Morris County Office of Emergency Management read. “Following consultation with the State, our weather partners, and neighboring counties, earlier this evening, we responsibly stood down our emergency water response operations and released all assets. Our goal was simple: to be ready—not just for our own residents, but to support our neighbors through mutual aid if the need arose.”

The Office of Emergency Management specifically thanked the Morris County Fire Mutual Aid Coordinators, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, and all local partners with water rescue capabilities, stating that their “teamwork and commitment to readiness made all the difference.”

Also standing at the ready was the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

“Rest assured the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit along with East Hanover PD ESU, MCOEM, MC MACs, and MC SOG were at the ready for yesterday's storms with water rescue teams set to respond if needed,” a sheriff’s office statement read. “These teams were prepared then, and always, to assist agencies within Morris County and the surrounding counties.”

Also praised were local police, fire, and EMS agencies, along with the Morris County Communications/911 Center, and municipal leadership.

“Please join us in thanking all of the first responders and 911 operators who consistently stand watch over our communities—rain or shine,” MC OEM officials said.