Editorial by: PFANJ, Professional Firefighters of NJ
The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system in New Jersey has long been in need of revamping and overhauling. Since 2010, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) has been working with the New Jersey State Legislature to enact critical changes to our EMS system that will help keep our communities safe. In fact, a law to rebuild the system was passed by the Legislature in 2012, but was vetoed by Governor Christie.
State Senator Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr. (R-13) is taking advantage of the union-busting shut-down of MONOC – New Jersey’s Hospital Service Corporation on April 1 to advocate for swift passage of a bill he is sponsoring (S-617) that would fundamentally change EMS delivery in New Jersey. Make no mistake, this bill will impact the method in which emergency medical help is provided to every neighborhood and family in our great state. The O’Scanlon bill is not the lifeline the NJ EMS system needs.
Instead of strengthening New Jersey’s EMS system, O’Scanlon’s bill lowers standards. It takes highly trained paramedics out of advanced life support units and replaces them with lower-paid EMTs with significantly less training and life-saving capabilities. While O’Scanlon’s bill claims to allow more staffing flexibility, it merely gives hospital systems shortcuts to higher profits. Some of these same hospital systems are the very ones responsible for the dismantling of MONOC.
MONOC, which provided ALS service in New Jersey for 40 years, is being dismantled and shutting its doors on April 1, 2020. MONOC was run by a board of directors that included management from RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health and CentraState Healthcare System. These hospitals systems now will absorb MONOC’s service area. MONOC’s International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union EMS professionals will all lose their jobs and are offered no guarantee of employment in these takeover areas.
Senator O’Scanlon has stated that MONOC’s business model was no longer sustainable. One must ask, if these hospital systems were responsible for MONOC when MONOC collapsed, how will they effectively run this new EMS service?
The needed overhaul of our EMS system should be about giving the citizens of New Jersey the best possible emergency medical services available. The PFANJ and Professional Emergency Medical Service Association PEMSA – IAFF Local 4610 (PEMSA) have worked constructively in the past with Senator O’Scanlon on this overhaul, but more work needs to be done before this current and flawed legislation moves forward.
Paramedics know that hurrying through an emergency scene can lead to unintended mistakes. Deliberative care is always best for the patient and results in a better long-term prognosis. The same can be said for legislation. Instead of rushing to pass legislation like O’Scanlon’s bill that front-line EMS professionals are uncertain will help our communities, it is far more prudent to work with all stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that will have a proven positive impact on how EMS is delivered.
The citizens of New Jersey deserve the best emergency medical system the world has to offer. The PFANJ looks forward to continuing to modernize and increase professionalism of our state’s EMS system. We fear that the forced closure of MONOC and the rushing of O’Scanlon’s bill takes us in the wrong direction and makes us all less safe.
Don MarinoPresident
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
Continues Support of Local and Regional Firefighter Departments Across New Jersey
May 2, 2023
PARAMUS – Governor Phil Murphy today visited Paramus Fire Company 3 to highlight his proposed addition of $10 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding for Fiscal Year 2024 to support the continuation of the Firefighter Grant Program, which first launched in May 2022. The ARP Firefighter Grant Program provides funding to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment.
“The firefighters of our state provide an essential service and they deserve to do so with the best equipment the market has to offer. That is why I was pleased to announce an additional $10 million dollars towards the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program in my proposed budget,” said Governor Murphy. “Our first responders risk their lives daily to make sure our communities are safe and healthy, and this Administration will continue to prioritize their needs to keep them safe while they do their jobs.”
During last year’s round of funding, the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) awarded a total of 293 fire departments up to $56,000 to cover the costs of much needed equipment, including:
protective clothing (turnout clothing ensembles, pants, garments, helmets, hoods, gloves, footwear, etc.); cleaning and advanced cleaning equipment; oxygen equipment; personal protective equipment (PPE); and other fire/virus protection equipment as determined to be appropriate by DLGS.
Grant awards were prioritized towards volunteer fire departments, like Paramus Fire Company 3, as well as departments in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
If included in the final budget approved by the Legislature, the grant program would once again be administered by the Department of Community Affairs.
“The Firefighter Grant Program is meeting a huge need for fire departments across the state, which is why Governor Murphy and I are continuing this important program,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “We see that sometimes fire departments can’t replace equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus facemasks, respirators, protective hoods, and turnout gear like helmets, jackets, boots, and gloves when they should because they don’t have the funding necessary. This program is making a measurable difference in getting our firefighters the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively in emergency situations.”
“When it comes to protecting all of our first responders, whether that’s firefighters, law enforcement, or EMTs, we know that we have to invest to protect. That’s why we are here today, standing together. We need to reinvest in our American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for Jersey — for our local fire departments to purchase the gear and equipment they need,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “These are dollars that don’t have to come out of town budgets. These are our tax dollars that are actually coming back from the federal government to help our families and communities here in Jersey – and not going to the Moocher States.”
“I am thrilled to see Governor Phil Murphy allocate $10 million in American Rescue Plan funding to ensure our first responders have the support they deserve,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell. “As a longtime advocate for New Jersey’s fire services, I know firsthand the critical role our brave firefighters play in protecting our communities. This investment not only safeguards the wellbeing of our residents, but also demonstrates Democrats’ unwavering commitment to the heroes who put their lives on the line every day.”
“Our local firefighters and first responders work around the clock to keep our communities safe, and answer the call when the alarm sounds,” said Senator Joseph Lagana. “These resources will help make sure needed equipment and tools are up to standard, that protective gear is up to date, and that emergency vehicles are maintained and in good working order. The continuation of this grant will safeguard first responders, and allow them to properly and professionally do their jobs on a moment’s notice.”
“The health and well-being of New Jersey’s firefighters remains a top priority. These men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, and we must ensure they have all of the equipment necessary to stay safe in the line of duty,” said Assemblymembers Lisa Swain and Chris Tully. “Through the continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program, we will uplift local and regional fire houses, putting critical resources within reach to support our bravest citizens. This important investment will help keep our families, neighbors and first responders safe.”
“As a two-time fire chief with over 47 years of experience in the fire service, I understand how critically important it is for first responders to have the resources and tools necessary to perform on a moment’s notice and at the highest level,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “I applaud Governor Murphy and his administration’s commitment to the fire response community through new the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program, which will provide essential funding to our local and regional departments across New Jersey.”
“I thank Governor Murphy for visiting our station today to highlight his continued support of our state’s first responders,” said Vincent Torre, Assistant Chief and Volunteer Firefighter.
“As we gather here today to support this much needed grant, our very own legislative chairman Bobby Allen Paterson FMBA local 2 is undergoing a 10 hour surgery as he continues his battle against Cancer. This disease is a real concern for Firefighters across our Country and on behalf of our over 6000 members I say thank you to our Governor for standing shoulder to shoulder with us as battle against cancer,” said Edwin Donnelly, President NJ FMBA.
“The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey are honored to stand with the governor to announce the reauthorization of the 10 million dollar Firefighter grant. PFANJ firefighters across this state run into harms way everyday, this funding allows departments to purchase the equipment we need to effectively do our jobs,” said Steve McConlogue. President Professional Firefighters Association of
New Jersey, IAFF, AFL-CIO.
“The NJ State Firefighters Association applauds Governor Murphy for his continued commitment to the health and safety of our volunteer and career firefighters through his Adminstration’s Amercian Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program,” said NJ State Firefighter’s Association President Robert Ordway. “As first responders, our 54,000 members are committed to protecting New Jersey’s residents and property when called upon. We stand proudly with the Governor and his team as he protects the health and safety of our firefighters through his proposed investment of an additonal $10 million to ensure fire departments are able to procure essential protective and sanitization equipment.”
Governor Murphy announces an additional $10 million in his Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal to support the Firefighter Grant Program on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in Paramus. Govenor’s Office Photos
Today Jackpocket, the #1 lottery app in the U.S.,* announced that a 50-year-old grandmother of ten from Gloucester County, New Jersey won $1 million after using the app to order a $2 Powerball lottery ticket on her phone. This is Jackpocket’s 28th person to win $1 million or more on a single ticket to date and the app’s fourth millionaire so far in 2023.
The lucky individual woke up at 3 a.m. and saw an email alerting her of her win, but at the time, she didn’t think it was real. Then, after a double take, she realized she was a big winner! After that, she couldn’t go back to sleep and was pacing around until around 7 a.m., when she called her friend to tell her the news. “I didn’t believe it at first. But when I realized it was for real, I was pretty happy!”
Her Quick Pick ticket matched all five regular numbers drawn on April 15, 2023, 1-33-34-56-59, just missing the red Powerball number. She “had a feeling to play” before she ordered her tickets and ended up winning big!
She plans to spend the bulk of the winnings on her grandchildren, including the youngest who is turning two next month. She mentioned vacations and trips to Disney are in their future.
To date, she is one of nine New Jersey-specific players to win over a million dollars using Jackpocket. Since the app’s launch in 2021, there have been over 255 thousand Jackpocket winners in New Jersey who have claimed a total of $59.5 million in lottery prizes. Nationwide, more than 1.5 million individuals have won using Jackpocket, totaling over $270 million in prizes.
*According to data from AppFollow. Must be 18 or older to play the lottery. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, residents of NY call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369); NJ call 1-800-GAMBLER. Please visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms of service.
NJ Grandmother of 10 Wins $1M Powerball Prize With Jackpocket
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced charges against a Montclair State University (MSU) student who was arrested at his residence on the school’s campus in Essex County, NJ, for allegedly possessing and creating Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) involving children he contacted online. The arrest is the result of an investigation led by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Cybercrime Bureau/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce.
Keyon Luff, 21, of Edgewater Park, NJ, is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child for manufacturing CSAEM, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child for possession of CSAEM, and third-degree impersonation.
Luff, a junior at MSU, was taken into custody after detectives with the DCJ Cybercrime Bureau, assisted by the Montclair State University Police Department (MSUPD), executed a search warrant on Luff’s dorm room shortly before 7 a.m. on May 3, 2023. As a result of the search, detectives seized numerous digital devices from Luff’s room and determined that Luff was not only in possession of CSAEM, but also created fictitious social media accounts to contact underage children and engage in sexually explicit conversations. In some of those conversations, Luff directed children to perform sexual acts, record them, and send them to him via social media platforms. Luff was processed by MSUPD and transported to the Essex County Jail where he is being held pending a detention hearing.
“I commend the work of the dedicated men and women of the Division of Criminal Justice for their ongoing work on this case and the countless other cases against individuals who use the internet as a means to gain access into the lives of children,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Through our tireless efforts, we are working to identify and bring to justice those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable members of society – our children.”
The investigation that led to Luff’s arrest was initiated by the DCJ Cybercrime Bureau following a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization that assists with the location of missing children, reduction in child sexual exploitation, and prevention of child victimization. It also is an international clearing house that gathers information from law enforcement agencies and the public regarding issues of missing and exploited children. Cybertips are also reported to NCMEC when there is an allegation of a child being exploited over the Internet. NCMEC will then disseminate the information to the appropriate agencies for investigation.
Specifically, in this investigation, NCMEC reported that a cloud-based file hosting service reported that several files of suspected CSAEM were uploaded to its platform. Through investigative measures, investigators were able to determine that the Internet Protocol (IP) address used to upload the CSAEM files was associated with Montclair State University. Further investigation identified Luff as a suspect.
Deputy Attorney General Robert Guarni is prosecuting the case for the DCJ Cybercrime Bureau, under the Supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Lisa Rastelli, Bureau Chief Jillian Carpenter, and Deputy Director Derek Nececkas. The investigation was led by the DCJ Cybercrime Bureau under the supervision of Lieutenant Richard DaSilva.
Attorney General Platkin thanked the Montclair State University Police Department and its Detective Bureau for their assistance.
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 2021 Robbinsville Memorial Day Commemoration was held at Community Park by Robbinsville Township and the Robbinsville American Legion Post 530.
Robbinsville Township Mayor Fried said, “We are a grateful Nation, we always been a grateful Nation, we always appreciated those who sacrificed who have given before us and will continue to give after us and continuing to give right now.”
“This weekend is a day to remember, a day to give thanks, a day to be grateful and this is the greatest place on Earth to live and we all need to be thankful and grateful we have the honor of living here and continue to remember that every day.” said Mayor Fried.
Councilwoman, Deborah Blakely said, “We owe so much to the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, for our piece of mind and for our safety. Special souls who fought for a country they so loved, freedoms they cherished and for people they did not even know.”
“Today and always Robbinsville, honors you, remembers you and will forever be grateful for the men and women who courageously gave their lives for us.” said Council Woman, Blakely.
Councilman Ron Witt said, “My father went to the United States Naval Academy, and went onto flight school, served on the USS Yorktown and the USS Intrepid. He flew off those carriers in the Vietnam Conflict, an incredible man, and I get goosebumps thinking about my father, who passed away four years ago, but I think about him each and every day.”
“From the bottom of my heart, to every service member, law enforcement, and first responders that are here I thank you for everyone past, current and future that will lay down, support and do what is necessary to preserve our way of live, I sincerely thank each and everyone of you. said Councilman, Witt.
Commander John Poland from the Robbinsville American Legion Post 530 said, “How important for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes. This recognition must include the approximate 1,400,000 men and women who serve today in our Nation’s military. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and this year most people are looking forward to ridding their selves of their masks and grabbing a burger and a cold one. But first we must remember that those throughout the years who have gone to do our country’s bidding and have not returned home or have come home broken and hurting. We always must remember their sacrifices and be thankful for our freedoms.”
Robbinsville American Legion Post 530 Adjutant Mel Boyce played “Taps”
A wreath was placed at the base of the of the American Flag in Robbinsville Community Park at the conclusion of the commemoration.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 2:30 p.m. Trenton Police responded to the area of Pennington Avenue and Prospect Street for a reported shooting. The shooting was located on Hoffman Avenue near Pennington Avenue. One person was transported by TEMS and Captial Health Paramedics to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center with reported serious injuries. Trenton Police Department is actively investigating. No further details are available at this time. If official information becomes available the story will be updated.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police reported that on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 7:34 p.m., West Windsor Township Police’s Communications Center received calls regarding a Serious Motor Vehicle Collision on Old Trenton Road at Mercer County Park involving a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was reported to have serious injuries. West Windsor Township Divison of Fire & Emergency Services, Capital Health Paramedics, and Robbinsville Township Fire Rescue all responded to the scene. The motorcyclist was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with severe and life-threatening head injuries. Initial investigation revealed the following; a 2020 Harley Davidson Motorcycle was traveling northbound on Old Trenton Road when it struck the rear of a 2004 Freightliner Tractor. The Harley Davidson continued into the southbound lane of Old Trenton Road and struck a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The motorcyclist was dismounted into the southbound lane. The Harley Davidson re-entered the northbound lane of Old Trenton Road and was struck by a 2020 Ford F-150. The F-150 driver was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with a non-life-threatening back injury.
Police report that this incident’s investigation is fluid and ongoing. The WWPD is actively seeking anyone with pertinent information into this incident. If you have any information, please contact Traffic Officer F. Sabatino at (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or [email protected]. The roadway was closed in the area of the collision for just over (4) hours.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Earlier today the City of Trenton issued a statement about an ongoing personnel investigation at the Trenton Police Department.
Full statement below:
In response to a series of articles, published in The Trentonian with incorrect information about an ongoing personnel investigation within the Trenton Police Department that relates to five officers at the Trenton Police Department, please be aware of the following:
This matter was referred to both the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Attorney General’s Office. This case was referred back to us to handle administratively.
There is an ongoing investigation as to whether several officers misrepresented their sick/vacation time; any speculation by local media outlets should be disregarded until the ongoing investigation has been completed.
Computers at the Trenton Police Department were not “hacked.” All officers involved were administrative and therefore had “access” to the relevant systems.
Finally, only Pensions makes the decision whether to award a pension to a retiree. Pensions does a background check and seeks clearance from the appointing authority before making the decision to award a pension.
Please be advised that there are no easy choices here, but we do not take this lightly nor is anyone getting away without repercussions.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—West Windsor Police Department reported on May 6, 2023 at 2:57 p.m., the WWPD Communications Center detailed Traffic & Patrol Units to area of 15 Roszel Road for a Serious Motor Vehicle Collision. West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services attended to the victim, a 73-year-old resident of Princeton, and the sole occupant of a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The driver sustained a head injury and was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton by West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services. The victim’s injuries were considered life threatening.
Police say that the initial investigation revealed the following, the VW Jetta was traveling Southbound on Roszel Road on straight portion of roadway. The VW Jetta entered into the Northbound lanes and continued in a southeasterly direction where it struck the Northbound curb. The Jetta continued off of the roadway and struck a utility pole and came to its final resting place. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. It is believed that this incident may have been the result of a medical event for the driver.
Traffic & Patrol Units were able to maintain an open roadway during the investigation. If anyone has any pertinent information to share about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer F. Sabatino #83 at (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or [email protected]
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Francis Delacruz Abad, 21, of Trenton, N.J., who was injured in a crash while he was driving away from Hamilton Township Police Detective Brian Davis on May 25, 2021. Davis was attempting to pull over Mr. Abad who was on a scooter, when Mr. Abad collided with a third-party vehicle. Mr. Abad died of his injuries two days later.
Mr. Abad’s death was investigated by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the directive.
The investigation included interviews of witnesses, photographs, review of body-worn camera footage, and autopsy results from the medical examiner. This evidence, including video of the aftermath of the incident, was presented to a state grand jury. After hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations Monday, May 8, 2023, and voted “no bill,” meaning the grand jury concluded no criminal charges should be filed against Detective Davis.
According to the investigation, the crash occurred just after 9 p.m. on May 25, 2021 near the intersection of Route 33 and Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Detective Davis was in an unmarked police vehicle when he attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. Mr. Abad did not stop, but continued traveling westbound on Route 33 and collided with a Dodge Caravan, whose driver was attempting to turn left into the Mercerville Shopping Center from Route 33 eastbound. Mr. Abad was thrown from the scooter and struck the windshield of the van. He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he died at approximately 3 p.m. on May 27.
A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved. The grand jury is instructed on the elements of the potential criminal offenses, including criminal homicide offenses, that could be brought and, as required by statutes, the grand jury is instructed on self-defense and other forms of legal justification.
A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and no actual or potential conflict of interest was found involving any individual assigned to the investigation. Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher in accordance with the policies and procedures established for these presentations in the SOPs.
At the conclusion of these investigations, pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA determines whether any principal should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for administrative review in accordance with the AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA monitors any resulting review and takes such actions as are necessary to ensure that the review is completed in a timely fashion, and that appropriate actions are taken based on the results of the review.
The Independent Prosecutor Directive is posted on the Attorney General’s website at this link:
Click to access ag-Directive-2019-4.pdf
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the directive is found at this link: https://www.njoag.gov/independent-prosecutor/
Police investigating serious crash involving moped-style bike
NJ Grandmother of 10 Wins $1M Powerball Prize With Jackpocket
