The annual Mock Disaster, led by Van Buren Tech, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) center of VBISD, once again demonstrated the power of hands-on, real-world learning through career and technical education. This year’s large-scale emergency simulation was a surprise to students and participants, creating an authentic, high-pressure training environment that mirrored the unpredictability of real emergencies. As smoke filled the air and sirens echoed across the fictional “Food Truck Frenzy,” students from multiple Van Buren Tech programs quickly responded.
The scenario centered on a drunk pizza bus driver crashing into a pole at a busy food truck fair, triggering multiple emergencies. A turkey fryer ignited into a grease fire, several vendor booths caught fire, a domestic dispute broke out between vendors, and an undercover human trafficking operation disguised as an ice cream and candy stand added further complexity. A medical helicopter was also dispatched to support response efforts.
Students across EMT, Fire Science Academy, Law Enforcement, Patient Care, Allied Health, Cosmetology, and Culinary Arts worked together throughout the simulation. Cosmetology students created realistic injury makeup to enhance authenticity, Patient Care and Allied Health students supported stabilization and patient care, and Culinary Arts students provided meals for responders, volunteers, and participants.
The event brought together students and emergency responders from across the region, allowing participants to experience coordinated, multi-agency emergency response in real time. “It’s an all-discipline, scenario-based learning event, and it incorporates all of our young students and all of our area responders,” said Jeromy Robertson. “It’s designed to help them experience what a large-scale scenario would be.”
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott emphasized the value of exposing students to different emergency response approaches. “There’s a bunch of different law enforcement agencies here, so they’re not only looking at it from one agency’s perspective,” Abbott said. “Students get the opportunity to see how multiple agencies respond and work together during emergencies.”
For students, the experience provided lessons far beyond the classroom. “This scenario really opened my eyes,” said Elizabeth Shaer, who plans to attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and has secured a summer internship with a local law enforcement department. “In situations like this, you have to stay focused and carry out your responsibilities. In an active emergency, the work is constant and requires your full attention. You must be prepared to make an arrest when necessary and then move on to the next task.”
Van Buren Tech and VBISD would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the businesses that donated their time and resources, as well as the local agencies, community partners, volunteers, and emergency responders who helped make today’s event possible. Special appreciation is also extended to the Van Buren Tech administration, the VBISD Board of Education, staff members, and everyone who came out to support the event and contribute to its success. Your commitment and partnership made today such a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved.