ROSCOE — Tires screeching, a crash, and then silence…followed only by sirens. Although just a staged reminder to students at the Roscoe Central High School a day before their Prom, the sights and sounds of the aftermath of a very possible tragedy were found behind the school Friday morning.

Fire Chief of the Roscoe-Rockland Volunteer Fire Department, Nate Routledge, expressed the importance of students being aware of the dangers of driving distracted or under the influence – especially on one of the biggest nights of the year for the graduating class.

“One really bad decision could flip everything,” he said to the assembly of students. “You have got to be smart.” 

"Tragedies have happened in Roscoe in the past," he said, "and it's good for [the students] to know the importance of not drinking or smoking while driving."

When asked what jumped out at them about the demonstration, students in the crowd noted that they were not expecting classmates to be a part of the “car crash.” 

To which the Fire Chief replied that Roscoe is a small community, and that real life situations like the simulation affect more than just those involved in the accident itself, but the community as a whole.

Presenters and those assisting with the reenactment included by members of the Roscoe-Rockland Volunteer Ambulance Corp, the Roscoe-Rockland Volunteer Fire Department, Roscoe Central faculty and staff, officers from the New York State Police and Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, as well as from the Harris Funeral Home.

"Stay safe," said School Resource Officer (SRO) and Sheriff's Deputy James Lynch, waving off the students as they returned to class for the rest of the half-day of school, "and enjoy your prom!"