SHOUT OUT: Fair Lawn Fire Company 4 introduces its new engine to the community this Saturday with a wetdown featuring food, soft drinks, beer, firefighters from around the region and the well-known cover band The Nerds.

Area companies will welcome the KME 750-gallon pumper beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting at least until 5 at the western end of Berdan Avenue, rain or shine.

1-5 p.m. Sat., May 10, rain or shine

Admission is free and so is the food and soft drinks. Beer drinkers must pay a Company 4 commemorative mug for $5.

Firefighters ask that children wear bathing suits to enjoy the fun.

INFO: Jerry Jastrab at (201) 803-7160

SHOUT OUT: For Fred Corrubia III, the New Jersey Honor Legion’s Officer of the Year, “above and beyond” extends beyond the beat — way beyond.

In giving the Port Authority Police Department veteran its highest honor, the legion cited the day last August when Corrubia, while on vacation in Boston with his girlfriend, chased and collared a purse snatcher.

Three weeks later, he was one of three authority officers who grabbed a 46-year-old Fairview man trying to jump from the George Washington Bridge.

These are the latest chapters in a history of courageous and exemplary service, said retired Bergenfield Police Chief Thomas A. Lucas, who nominated Corrubia for the award.

Corrubia — whose father is a retired Paramus police chief — was an NYPD officer when he narrowly escaped the collapse of the second World Trade Center tower as he helped rescue those inside the first on 9/11 .

It brought him his third meritorious service citation, following one each for arresting a livery carjacker who was robbing cabbies at gunpoint and rescuing a couple from their car before it went over an embankment.

Port Authority Police Officer Fred Corrubia III

Corrubia, who lives in New Milford, began his law enforcement career with the NYPD in 1998 working out of the 32nd Precinct in Harlem. He was later assigned to the Manhattan North Task Force — also known as the Disorder Control Unit.

Corrubia was assigned to Newark Airport in 2002, his first year with the PAPD. He was transferred to the Central Police Pool a year later and then to the George Washington Bridge in 2004.

While at the airport, Corrubia and a TSA agent arrested a suspicious-looking man who, it turned out, was on the watch list and carrying a blade inside a ruler.

Soon after moving to the bridge, Corrubia carried a woman to safety from a bus that was on fire. He also ran across four lanes of traffic to reach a jumper.

Corrubia has helped save nine others in his decade at the GWB.

He became a national figure last fall.

Corrubia, who plays drums in a metal band was checking out some venues in Boston with his girlfriend, Kathleen, when he heard a woman scream: “He stole my purse!”

In an instant, he chased down and grabbed the thief, then put him down in a wrist lock.

RELATED: Off-duty Bergen Port Authority officer grabs purse snatcher — in Boston

“The Boston PD guys, they got there real quick,” Corrubia told the New York Daily News. “Very professional — great guys. They even let me cuff the guy. They’re a class act.

“I’m glad the woman got her bag back. She gave me a hug and offered to buy my girlfriend and [me a] drink, but we said, ‘No thanks.’

“We had to catch a train in the morning.”

In his nomination letter to the Honor Legion, Lucas wrote: “Outstanding police officers are those who, on a daily basis, strive to serve the public, maintain the order that society expects / deserves, and put themselves in harm’s way to continually protect the community.

“This is not to take away the significance of single acts of heroism that many police officers achieve, but to recognize those who repeatedly go above and beyond,” Lucas added. “Frederick Corrubia III is one of these officers.”

PHOTO: Mike Cebulski, NJ Honor Legion vice president, Corrubia, Bergen County Freeholder James Tedesco

SHOUT OUTS: A 21-year veteran of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office was named the new county jail warden today, while two lieutenants were promoted to captain, three sergeants rose to lieutenant and five officers became sergeant.

Sheriff Michael Saudino said no one “is more qualified to take on the challenge of securing one of the largest correctional facilities in the state” than new Warden Christopher Davies, who will be responsible for the daily administration, operation and maintenance of the Corrections Division and the protection, custody and discipline of nearly 850 inmates at the Bergen County Jail.

Bergen County Sheriff’s Color Guard (PHOTOS: Courtesy BCSO)

Saudino said Davies’ “steadfast leadership and commitment to service” has distinguished him, “and I am confident that those same skills will help him and this department continue to move forward.”

Lts. Brian Boyce and Michael Russo were sworn in as captains at the ceremony in the rotunda of the Bergen County courthouse in Hackensack.

Sgts. Kelly Dato, Carmelo Giustra, and Michael Martinelli became lieutenants.

Officers Michael Cumiskey, Marc Metzinger, Kevin Obiedzinski, Efrain Rivera, and Francesco Tripodi became sergeants.

“I am grateful for the work that they all have put in and for the services they provide to Bergen County residents,” Saudino said.

MIDDLE: Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino
BOTTOM: Capt. Brian Boyce, Warden Christopher Davies, Capt. Michael Russo
(PHOTOS: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF)

HAVE YOU SEEN HER? A black and white Boston Terrier named Molly turned up today after vanishing from Westwood yesterday.

Molly, who is 8 years old, was last seen in the backyard of her home around 3 p.m. yesterday.

“She somehow escaped but we don’t know how,” a close friend of her owner said.

CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS

SHOUT OUT: The Bergen County Animal Shelter has posted photos of several of the 40 German Shepherds who were rescued from a Ridgefield Park animal hospital over the weekend by investigators from the county SPCA.

Investigators found full-sized dogs and puppies jammed into tiny crates — some of them in a basement area that they said resembled a dungeon.

* * * * * *

CLIFFVIEW PILOT broke the news of the rescue Sunday night: Bergen County SPCA rescues 40 German Shepherds from Ridgefield Park animal hospital

* * * * * *

As a result, the animal shelter is following a strict screening process.

“Since these dogs have had a very difficult time, we will be screening for the most experienced homes that can offer the love, structure and patience needed for success,” the shelter says on its Facebook page.

“Anyone interested is required to complete an adoption application to start the process, which can be done in advance,” it says. “HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND WILL NOT BE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS.

“We ask clients to hold off on calls until they are available so we can provide more information. The shelter requires all members of the household to be present and we need meet and greets with any other dogs in the household.”

“As they become available for adoption you will be the first to know,” the shelter said. “However, you must follow our page.”

GO TO: Bergen County Animal Shelter (FB)

ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

TRIBUTE: Colleagues of Ridgefield Park Police Sgt. Steven A. Sulborsky who died of a sudden illness last month, today launched a campaign to raise money for his two sons, ages 4 and 7.

“The goal is college and trust funds, whatever we can do to set them up for the future,” said Ridgefield Park Police Officer Nicholas Triano, the president of Central Bergen PBA Local #86.

An unexpected illness claimed Sulborsky’s life on April 30. He was 42.

“Steve was a kind and caring individual who put his family second to none,” his colleagues said on YouCaring donation page. “He was a beloved police officer and always put others before himself. 

“In his honor the Ridgefield Park Police Department and PBA Local #86 are committed to fulfilling all the hopes and dreams that Steve had for his young boys.”

Sulborsky grew up in Bogota and was graduated from Bogota High School in 1990. He went on to Rutgers University and later obtained a master’s degree from Seton Hall University.

After working for the Tenafly and Cresskill police departments, he joined the Ridgefield Park force in 1998.

Sulborsky became a detective in 2010 and a year later was appointed patrol sergeant. He served as a member of the force’s ceremonial honor guard and was also with two countywide rapid-deployment squads.

A past president of Local #86, Sulborsky also was an instructor in firearms and other weapons. He also received several service awards and two letters of commendation.

“We have now taken this challenge as his extended family to help his wife send his children to college,” his colleagues said.

TO HELP, GO TO: Help us Support Steve’s Children (YouCaring)

* * * * * *

OR CONTACT:

Officer Nicholas Triano
“Sulborsky Memorial Fund”
Ridgefield Park Police
PBA Local #86
234 Main Street
Ridgefield Park, NJ

PHONE: (201) 641 6400

* * * * * *

CHECKS: Payable to Sulborsky Memorial Fund

PLEASE HELP: At 5, Lily LaRue Anderson has already won a poetry contest. One of twins, she loves taking photos, making videoes, doing impressions, telling jokes. She also has an inoperable brain tumor.

With no prior signs, the spry, bubbly Wayne girl was diagnosed Tuesday with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

The tumor sits in the middle of the brain stem — which holds our “wiring” for motor control and sensation — and can’t be removed.

It’s a particularly cruel disease:  The median overall survival term is 9 months.

CLICK HERE: GoFundMe For Lily

Thirty percent last a year and 10% two years.

(What it does to children can be researched elsewhere.)

“Lily is so smart, funny, and loves life,” her parents say on a GoFundMe page for Lily.

“She is an animal lover…chihuahuas, unicorns, owls, monkeys, and even worms,” it says. “She loves taking photos, making videos, dancing, and doing silly impressions.

“Lily is always ready to show you a new trick, tell you a joke, and sing you a song. You are guaranteed a good laugh and big smile.

“She loves to entertain all ages and she is bright star to her entire family and friends. She is loved by so many, especially her aunts, uncles, many cousins, and grandparents.”

The fundraising effort is to support Lily and her family. After 5% to GoFundMe, the entire amount raised will be used for expenses associated with medical care and travel to Pennsylvania and Maryland for treatments — and for any needs or wishes that Lily has.

If you can find a place in your heart for an angel who likely won’t see Christmas, it would be appreciated. Her parents — along with Lily’s three older siblings — could use the help.

Go to: GoFundMe For Lily

SHOUT OUT: Fair Lawn police officers will meet with citizens this week to discuss community issues, build relationships – and drink coffee.

The department encourages citizens to attend Coffee with a Cop, from 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the Empress Diner, 13-48 River Road.

The coffee is free.

Part of a massive effort by local police nationwide, Coffee With A Cop “provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Fair Lawn’s neighborhoods,” Sgt. Brian Metzler said this morning.

“The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations,” he added. “Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship-building.”

What’s more, Metzler said, “some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.

“Coffee With A Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction…one cup at a time,” he said.

Coffee with A Cop is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country.

INFO: coffeewithacop.com 

OR: Contact Metzler (201) 794-5365 / bmetzler@fairlawnpd.com

SHOUT OUT: The Bergen County Jail fully complies with a strict series of standards set forth by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Sheriff Michael Saudino announced this afternoon. It’s no small feat.

Since his first day on the job, Saudino has done nothing but praise the members of his office for their professionalism and dedication.

Getting the seal of approval from the state DOC — after the BCJ has already won national recognition for excellence in operation — underscores what the sheriff has been saying.

A four-day inspection in September found the jail satisfying 622 requirements outlined in NJ Administrative Code 0A:31, the “Manual of Standards for New Jersey Adult County Correctional Facilities.”

“This is an excellent day for the men and women who tirelessly work at making the Bergen County Jail a safe and efficient facility,” Saudino said. “This achievement signifies that this administration is fulfilling its commitment to the taxpayers to run a first-rate facility consistent with the core functions of the Sheriff’s Office.”

The DOC standards include:

• planning and design, personnel, training and staff development; management of information systems and inmate records;
• emergency procedures, security and control, use and control of security equipment;
• food service, sanitation, inmate clothing and hygienic living conditions;
• medical, dental and health services;
• inmate rights, access to courts, disciplinary procedures;
• protective custody, mail, visits, admission, search;
• orientation, property control and release;
• classification, remission of time from sentence;
• inmate work programs, inmate services, volunteer programs;
• fiscal management.

When it comes to correctional facilities here and nationwide, such honors aren’t window dressing. Compliance reviews help identify a facility’s strengths and weaknesses, provide a better system of documentation and daily operations, and, in the process, help keep morale up.

It also helps keep liability down.

Saudino is particularly proud considering the budget cuts that he’s had to be make over the years amid ongoing discussions involving consolidating county law enforcement services in Bergen.

The 1,250-bed jail not only hold defendants awaiting trial. It also holds short-timers — those sentenced to 364 days or fewer — in either a minimum, medium or maximum security environment, as well as federal immigration detainees.

Although Saudino is honored by the positive attention, he said it “is also a call to keep working hard to maintain the Bergen County Jail’s high standards and reputation.”

TRIBUTE: “103 to county communications, please have the chief report to the front of Borough Hall for his last detail” was the message that fetched retiring Lodi Police Chief Vincent Caruso for a ceremonial final walkout this afternoon.

Caruso, who is married with four sons, was appointed chief on Jan. 3, 2003. He has held most ranks in the department and worked within several divisions.

Acting Chief Vincent Quattrone will assume the duties of the top spot on July 1, following Caruso’s last day.

The bona fides:

Caruso this afternoon with PBA Local #26 President Frank Debartola
CLIFFVIEW PILOT photos: Courtesy SHERRI CIAROCCO-TOSTO

Aug. 10, 1987: Appointed Lodi patrolman
April 1, 1991: Assigned to Detective Division
March 16, 1992: Promoted to patrol sergeant
Feb. 15, 1994: Promoted to patrol lieutenant
June 11, 2001: Promoted to deputy chief
July 1, 2002: Becomes acting chief
ce

Bachelors of Science Degree – Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA
Masters of Science Degree – Pubic Administration – Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, NJ
Graduate FBI National Academy – 250th Session
Fairleigh Dickinson University — Certified Public Manager
West Point Command & Leadership — Graduated Fall 2002
FBI Management Course — FBI Newark Field Office
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. — Critical Incident Management American College of Forensics — Level III Homeland Security Certification

Police Officer Of The Year 1990-91
Lodi Boys and Girls Club Man of the Year 2003
3 Life Saving Awards
1 Valor Award
8 Meritorious Service Awards
1 Unit Citation
1 American Heart Saver Award

International Association Of Chief’s Of Police – Member
New Jersey State Association Of Chief’s Of Police – Member
PRESIDENT – Bergen County Police Chief’s Association – 2012
Lodi Housing Authority – Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Chairman / Commissioner
Lodi Board of Education – Trustee – Nov. 2007 to Present
Lodi Moose Lodge – Member
Lodi Fire Department – Honorary Member

CLIFFVIEW PILOT photos: Courtesy SHERRI CIAROCCO-TOSTO

SHOUT OUT: A 1½-year-old German Shepherd found abandoned at the Duck Pond in Ridgewood this week has caused a stir at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro.

The shelter has received so many calls about the dog that “it has impacted on the care of our other animals,” the shelter said in a release early this evening.

“While we understand people are concerned, we ask them to hold off until when and if the dog becomes available for adoption,” the shelter said.

“Stray dogs are not available when they arrive at the shelter,” the release says. “We observe the New Jersey regulation that requires we hold them for one week to give an owner the opportunity to reclaim them.

“After the one week, the dog is evaluated both behaviorally and medically. If he/she passes these evaluations and is deemed adoptable, he or she is scheduled for spay/neuter surgery.

“When the dog is ready for adoption, we post the information both here on our Facebook page and on Petfinder.com,” the shelter added. “Until that time, we do not answer adoption questions about that particular animal.”

SHOUT OUT: State authorities are preparing to distribute $173,780 to 100 New Jersey police departments that bought defective bulletproof vests from a manufacturer that filed for bankruptcy a decade ago.

For years before Second Chance Body Armor, Inc. finally went bankrupt, its Zylon-based vests “had the potential to put police officers’ lives at risk,” state Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

The divisions of Law and Consumer Affairs began pursuing restitution after the Michigan-based company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2004.

They obtained an order from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court last August for the distribution of funds and recently received a payment.

“It is hard to imagine a more unconscionable business practice than the sale of defective bulletproof vests for New Jersey police officers,” Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve Lee said. “The officers who daily risk their lives to protect their fellow New Jerseyans deserve better.”

State authorities are determining the pro-rated amount to be distributed to each police department.

More than 260 New Jersey police departments purchased 5,000 or so Second Chance Body Armor vests, primarily through a firearms and sporting goods store in North Plainfield, from 1999 through 2003.

Then it was discovered that Zylon, a synthetic polymer, fails and deteriorates over time. In 2003, bulletproof vests used by an Oceanside, California police officer and a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania police officer failed. The California officer died of his injuries while the other sustained a severe gunshot wound.

By order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the $173,778.90 restitution was calculated by offsetting the money the U.S. Department of Justice paid for the vests, as well as the total of $1.2 million that New Jersey police departments previously received through a separate class action lawsuit against Second Chance Body Armor, which was concluded in 2006.

Although state officials said they are reaching out, acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said interested police can obtain more information at: 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Kant, of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group within the Division of Law, represented the state.

SHOUT OUT: The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police have added a bicycle unit to park patrols.

The unit “allows officers more advantages with public outreach and response,” PIPP Chief Michael Coppola said. “The officers will gain mobility in their patrol operations by reaching more remote locations in less time but also allow them to patrol more crowded areas where patrol vehicles are impractical.”

It also better connects the department with the enormous bicycling community — amateur and professional — that uses the New Jersey section of Palisades Interstate Park.

When the idea came up, Coppola said, he reached out to the department for volunteers.

Carine Joannou, president of Jamis Bicycles in Northvale (www.JamisBikes.com)

Within a few hours, nearly a dozen officers responded, he said.

“The members were tasked with equipment research, policy creation, and uniform design,” Coppola said. “The members also created the Class A division patch which is only worn by those members active in the Bicycle Unit.”

Detective Lt. Roman Galloza is overseeing the unit, whose day-to-day operations are supervised by Sgt. Fabricio Salazar.

All unit officers must meet certain requirements, including health and wellness levels.

Six are being trained now, and the rest will be completed by summer’s end, Coppola said.

In order for the new unit to be successful we felt it was important to collaborate with those who are experts in the field on a daily basis. In doing so,

Helping create the unit was Carine Joannou, president of Jamis Bicycles in Northvale New Jersey (www.JamisBikes.com).

Coppola said his team discussed “what the needs of the bicycle community were, how we could meet them, and what the bicycle community would benefit most from a unit such as ours” with her.

Joannou then donated six new model Trail X3 bicycles and helped the department get the necessary equipment for each rider.

“It is a perfect alignment for our company to work with the law enforcement community on a project that is designed to enhance bicycle safety in the community,” Joannou said. “We feel the Trail X3 bicycles were perfect for their patrols on the roadway, as well as the rugged off road terrain they have in the area.”

TOP PHOTO (l. to r.): Sgt. Fabricio Salazar, P.O. Joseph Villone, P.O. Gregory Kimbro P.O. Jeffrey Lamboy

SHOUT OUT: A freshman lawmaker from Paramus says he hopes legislation he is co-sponsoring will help fight heroin and prescription pill abuse in New Jersey.

Under the measure co-sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Lagana, doctors and pharmacists both will have to review a patient’s full history of drug use before prescribing or dispensing medications.

Pharmacies also would have to submit information on dispensed prescriptions at least once each business day, or according to a schedule determined by the director of the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

Those in the industry who illegally prescribe medications would be subject to a $10,000 minimum fine for the first violation and at least $20,000 for each after that, under the proposed bill.

The measure isn’t limited to medical professionals, however.

It would also make it a crime for anyone to build or use hidden compartments in motor vehicles to stash drugs.

And it would give police great access to prescription monitoring information, allow the Division of Consumer Affairs to gather information on any significant business relationships involving the medical practice of a licensee of the State Board of Medical Examiners and require the board to establish clear standards for the use of prescription drugs in pain management.

Lagana said he has talked to several community service workers, from police to firefighters to EMTs, and “the number of overdoses is staggering.”

The bill would is based on recommendations from a State Commission of Investigation report titled: “Scenes from an Epidemic: A Report on the SCI’s Investigation of Prescription Pill and Heroin Abuse.”

It is one of several law enforcement initiatives that have developed in response to a growing number of deaths from drug abuse. It is also a priority of the state Attorney General and the Bergen and Passaic county prosecutors, who’ve been working together on “heroin interdiction” for the last year in response to an unprecedented number of heroin deaths.

(There were 28 heroin overdose deaths in Bergen County during 2012, more than double that of the prior year.)

As part of the interdiction Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli is working closely with Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdez in prosecuting heroin crimes “up the chain” from user to major distributor.

Uldis Mende of Mahwah, 22, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in state prison last month after taking a friend who later died of an overdose to Paterson to buy heroin.

Three other drug-induced homicide cases are pending in Bergen County courts:

Eric Carter, Kaleif F. Easton and Timothy Volpe are all charged in the overdoes death of Brendan Cole in Allendale in January;

Darius Ghahary of Upper Saddle River and his daughter, Alynn, are charged in the death of Daniel Latjerman of Ramsey last February;

Christopher Benvenuto and Jesse are charged in the death of Doreen Leach of Emerson last June.

Lagana’s bill was released from the Assembly Judiciary Committee last week and now goes before the Appropriations Committee.

Co-sponsors are Assembly members Marlene Cariddi of Ridgefield, Jack McKeon of West Orange, and Vincent Mazzeo of Northfield.

Lagana is working with state Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Teaneck to move the bill on her side of the house.

STORY: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter

SHOUT OUT: Adoptees in New Jersey will be able to obtain birth records beginning in 2017 under a bill signed into law today by Gov. Christie.

Birth parents of children adopted before Aug. 1, 2015 have until the end of 2016 to request their names be removed from the birth certificates, under the New Jersey Adoptees’ Birthright Bill.

If they do, they’ll be asked to give a family health history.

Birth parents will be able to choose their preferred means of contact — directly, through a confidential intermediary or no contact at all.

(The confidential intermediary between birth parents and adoptees – which Christie originally insisted on — was made an option.)

Biological parents of children adopted after Aug. 1, 2015, won’t have the option.

Christie said the law will bring “fundamental, responsible changes” to the way adopted children and adoptive families access birth records in New Jersey.

New Jersey joins nine other states that have unsealed adoptee records since 1995. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering doing so, as well.

The measure took more than 30 years before lawmakers in Trenton gave it final approval last Thursday.

As a result, adoptees 18 and older will be able to obtain vital family medical and genealogical information.

Christie conditionally vetoed the bill with recommended changes for a second time before he and the state Legislature reached an historic compromise in late April.

The Assembly OK’d the measure, 57-18, followed by a 29-5 Senate vote last Thursday.

PHOTO: Governor’s Office/Tim Larsen

SHOUT OUT: One and possibly two military dogs and their handlers are expected this Sunday for the 4th annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and the U.S. War Dogs Association.

The event, hosted by PBA Local 233-350-399, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The 10 a.m. opening ceremonies will include the Nam Knights, the Bergen County Police Pipe and Drums and the national anthem sung by a local high school student.

There will be raffle of a hot rod grill, along with food, door prizes, a 50/50, vendors, kids face painting, goodie bags, a clown — and a monster truck. Children also get to vote on a special trophy.

(Rain date: June 15)

Pre-registration is $15/person. Or $20 at the door.

CONTACT: NVHOTRODS@aol.com (Bill)

SHOUT OUT: Members of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Force were among several agencies honored by New Jersey Transit police yesterday for their work at this year’s Super Bowl in East Rutherford.

Accepting the award were several members of the RDF command staff:

New Milford Police Chief Frank Papapietro
Englewood Cliffs Deputy Police Chief Michael McMorrow
Fair Lawn Police Capt. Robert Kneer
Palisades Park Police Capt. Anthony Muccio
Carlstadt Police Sgt. Damir Blagec
Bergen County Police Department Detective Gidget Petry

The RDF, which is run by the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, was tasked with securing the five-mile rail link between the Secaucus Junction station and MetLife Stadium.

“Several crossings and bridges were manned on a rotational basis throughout the event,” Papapietro told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

The RDF was established in anticipation of World Cup events in 1994. It operates under its own command structure and is comprised of officers from municipal departments, Bergen County Police and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.

The unit is activated when a local police chief requires manpower above and beyond his department’s manpower capabilities. The local chief maintains command of the situation and is assisted by the RDF staff.

Besides the Super Bowl, the RDF has been called out for a pair of Garden State Plaza incidents — one involving a gunman and the other a scare caused by panicked shoppers.

“We have also been used for humanitarian and crime scene missions and are often placed on alert when municipalities host events that draw large crowds,” Papapietro added.

NJT Police Chief Christopher Trucillo yesterday thanked all of the agencies that provided assistance during the event.

Also recognized were the Amtrack Police Dept., FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, US Customs and Border Patrol, Hudson County Rapid Deployment Force, New Jersey State Police, NJ Department of Corrections, NJ National Guard, Norfolk Southern Police Dept., Port Authority Police Dept., TSA Screeners, TSA Federal Air Marshals, TSA Science and Technology, U.S Secret Service.

Trucillo also honored several of his officers and civilians for actions above and beyond the call of duty, promoted officers, swore in new officers and graduated a civilian police academy class.

SHOUT OUT: The weather cooperated nicely as the 31th Annual Special Olympics Torch Run made its way through Bergen County this morning.

More than 3,000 dedicated law enforcement officers today are helping carry the “Flame of Hope” nearly 1,000 miles across the state, with some of the event’s 26 legs stopping or passing through just about every Bergen municipality.

The Garfield PD contingent and their supporters

The ultimate destination: The College of New Jersey in Ewing, where the torch will light the cauldron officially launching the Special Olympics New Jersey 2014 Summer Games around 7:30 tonight.

The games run through the weekend, with more than 2,500 athletes competing in seven sports: aquatics, bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, tennis and track & field.

PHOTO: Boyd A. Loving

What’s more: The Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted by New Jersey from June 14-21. Nearly 3,500 athletes will compete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 70,000 family members, friends and spectators.

Bergenfield, Dumont and New Milford teamed up for a five-mile leg, with nearly 20 officers participating.

“I run for the athletes, to show that we care for those who need us,” New Milford Frank Papapietro told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “I also run for their parents. This is such a great cause. I’m honored to participate.”

Papapietro ran along with Bergenfield Police Chief Michael Carr. Dumont Chief Joseph Faulborn and Bergenfield Detective Capt. Cathy Madalone were among the motor escort officers.

Some of the day’s first runners set off at 5:30 a.m. from Oakland. By 9:15 a.m., the torch had made its way to Ho-Ho-Kus, where local police waited eagerly at Nellie’s Place on Franklin Turnpike to take it from neighboring Waldwick.

Ho-Ho-Kus Detective Anthony Balestrieri led a team of eight from his department. The officers were joined by local athletes from the Bergen Wildcats team, which is supported by the work of the Special Olympics of New Jersey.

Some of the athletes are students at the Ho-Ho-Kus based ECLC, a school for children and adults with special needs.

Fellow students cheered as the officers and athletes ran down Franklin Turnpike.

Stops in Ridgewood (photo, top) included the Willard and Ridge elementary Schools, where soggy but smiling law enforcement officers were cheered on by pupils, teachers and staff members. Two students contributed to the cause and posed for photos with the torch and the runners (photo, below).

Several runners got high fives.

“The Torch Run is the culmination of the many hours that members of law enforcement volunteer each year,” Port Authority Police Chief Robert Belfiore said. “It is symbolic of the commitment and dedication that New Jersey law enforcement has for Special Olympics athletes in this state and the camaraderie that has developed between law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes.”

Special Olympics New Jersey relies mostly on individual, corporate, civic and foundation contributions. One of its top grassroots contributors, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is part of an international campaign coordinated and managed by all divisions of law enforcement officers and officials from throughout the world.

MORE INFO / DONATE:
http://www.sonj.org/

Last year, the LETR for Special Olympics New Jersey raised more than $2.7 million.

Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon launched the International Torch Run in 1981. New Jersey held its first run in 1984, from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick.

The international event has expanded throughout the U.S. to 35 nations and 12 Canadian provinces.

Special Olympics New Jersey provides free year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

PHOTOS: Boyd A. Loving. In addition, Alana Quartuccio Bonillo contributed to this article.

PHOTOS: Boyd A. Loving

SHOUT OUT: River Vale Liquors teamed up with local teens and police this week for “Project Sticker Shock,” a campaign aimed at reminding the public that providing alcohol to underage youth is illegal.

Seven local youngsters joined store owner Brij Chopra and police Detective Sgt. John DeVoe in placing florescent green “warning” stickers on multi-packs of alcohol and glass refrigerator doors.

“ ‘Project Sticker Shock’ should serve as a reminder that providing alcohol to underage persons, or allowing them to drink in a place under your control, is against the law,” DeVoe said.

The Sticker Shock campaign is run by the Bergen County Prevention Coalition, which is an initiative of The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources (a program of Children’s Aid and Family Services).

River Vale Municipal Alliance Coordinator Ada Vassallo organized Tuesday’s event along with the sergeant.

Also participating were Township Administrator Gennaro Rotella and Police Officer Jared Arcidiacono.

“A strong community message is sent when a business like River Vale Liquors takes responsibility for speaking out against underage drinking,” Vassallo said.

To learn more about underage drinking and how you can help prevent it, visit The Center for Drug and Alcohol Resources website: www.TCADR.org

SHOUT OUT: Fair Lawn Police Chief Glen Cauwels will host a community forum on Wed., June 11.

A question-and-answer period will follow the session, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Fair Lawn Community Center, 10-10 20th Street.

Cauwels invites the public to attend “and learn what the Fair Lawn Police has accomplished in the past year and to see what is planned for the future.

“Topics that will be discussed include: current crime trends, traffic safety, parking issues, new community programs, juvenile issues, crime prevention and community notification.”

Refreshments will be served.