Linda Mika, 70, and Paul Mika, 74, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 50, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. Kenneth Mika was additionally charged with two counts of making false statements.
May 26, 2022
TRENTON, N.J. – Three New Jersey, individuals were indicted today for their role in a years-long scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized under the governing contracts, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Linda Mika, 70, and Paul Mika, 74, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 50, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. Kenneth Mika was additionally charged with two counts of making false statements.
According to documents filed in this case:
From at least March 2016 through April 2020, the Mikas conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and one of its combat logistic support arms, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. Paul Mika was the founder and owner of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement hardware for DoD’s military branches. Linda Mika, Paul Mika’s wife, and Kenneth Mika, Paul and Linda Mika’s son, were employees of Monmouth Marine.
The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers or suppliers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA in packaging disguising the parts’ identities in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.
During an audit of Monmouth Marine conducted in February 2020, Kenneth Mika falsely stated to DLA auditors that Monmouth Marine had been authorized by certain representatives of the Defense Contract Management Agency to substitute parts under DLA contracts. Kenneth Mika repeated these false representations to FBI and Defense Criminal Investigation Service agents in July 2020.
Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Each count of making false statements is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum $250,00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Messenger with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
22-200
Defense counsel:
Linda Mika: Dennis C. Carletta Esq., Cedar Grove, New JerseyKenneth Mika: Eric W. Moran Esq., New York
Paul Mika: Timothy R. Anderson Esq., Red Bank, New Jersey
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On April 15, 2022, an 80 year old Hamilton resident received a telephone call from a male identifying himself as working for the F.B.I. The “F.B.I.” employee stated that the victim’s daughter was in their custody for possession of one hundred pounds of marijuana. To secure her release, the victim would have to produce 10 percent of a $200,000 bail. The victim called back the F.B.I. employee after securing $15,000 of the funds, the F.B.I. employee stated he would be sending someone to pick up the money.
The victim was able to reach his daughter and found she was safe and not in custody. The victim realized this was a scam and contacted Hamilton Police Division Criminal Investigations. Detective Thomas Clugsten, who responded to the scene along with Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit officers, located and arrested Mildreth Santamaria-Tirado 40 years of age from Corona, NY as she was speaking to the victim on the porch of his residence attempting to complete the pickup. Santamaria-Tirado was transported to Hamilton Police Division Headquarters where she was charged with Theft by Deception and processed accordingly. Santamaria-Tirado was released from Hamilton Police custody pending a court date.
Anyone who has additional information relevant to this case is urged to contact Detective Thomas Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 581-4027 or by email: [email protected]. Information can also be left of the Hamilton Police Division’s Crime Tip Line (609) 581-4008.
The Hamilton Police Division would like to warn the public that if a phone call is received from persons posing as officials demanding cash money and arranging for pickup, please keep in mind, these calls have been found to be scams.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mildreth Santamaria-Tirado 40 years of age from Corona, NY
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)-The City of Trenton’s paving season is well underway with the Department of Public Works already having paved 16 streets (segments) and 5 alleyways as well as installing 32 humps.
Street paving has included Franklin Street, Park Avenue, Melrose Avenue, Quinton Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, Gouverneur Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, Arlington Avenue, Kulp/Summit Street, Lenape Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Riverside Avenue, Hermitage Avenue, Sullivan Way, and Calhoun Street.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora remarked, “I would like to thank Director of Public Works Wahab Onitiri and our entire Department who work tirelessly to keep our streets clean and paved. Ultimately, this would also not have been possible without this current Trenton City Council, which under Council President Teska Frisby has been so supportive of investments in our public infrastructure.
”Alleyway paving has included five alleyways including Page Alley, Cadwalader Heights Alley, Burks Alley, Cunningham Alley, and Swan Alley. Similarly, 32 speedhumps on Edgewood Avenue, two on N. Dean Avenue, two on N. Eastfield Avenue, two on Cadwalader Terrace, two on Moreland Avenue, two on Oliver Avenue, two on Brinton Avenue, four on Quinton Avenue, three on Fountain Avenue, three on Rossell Avenue, three on Wayne Avenue, and two on E. State Street.
Council President Teska Frisby affirmed, “I’m glad that under this Council, my colleagues and I have prioritized the people of Trenton over politics; this means significant investments in our public infrastructure and especially our roadways. Together, we’re getting things done.”
Tickets Now on Sale for the “Under the Italian Sky” Themed Event
May 3, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is proud to announce their 7th annual We vs. C® fundraising event. It’s time to embrace all things Italian . . . and for a great cause!
Celebrate La Dolce Vita with a tremendous presentation of Italy’s finest from culinary creations, an exotic car exhibition featuring Ferrari and Maserati, live entertainment, and much more. The Under the Italian Sky themed event benefits the Holistic Program at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. The immersive evening will take place in a one-of-a-kind rustic setting on Saturday, June 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., and will include a free flowing evening of interactive guest experiences, signature culinary and spirit offerings, art, live entertainment, event themed giveaways and more.
The event venue, Glenmoore Farm, nestled in a magical and historic area of Hopewell, N.J., welcomes guests to enjoy an evening of Italian cultural pursuits while enjoying masterful culinary creations, distinctive experiences, and signature cocktails in a one-of-a-kind beautiful space. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis now through May 24, 2023, and are priced at $175 for a single guest ticket and $325 for a pair of guest tickets. The event will also be offering a range of sponsorship tiers, starting at the “Cia Bella” level at $1,500 to the “That’s Amore” at $15,000.
There will be countless tastings and experience stations including cheeses, olive oil, Italian street kabobs, truffles, pizza, caviar, a Campari Cafe, wine tasting with a Master Sommelier, risotto, a fresh pasta making demonstration, espresso, and a wide variety of desserts. There will be a vintage Fiat on display for photo opportunities, as well as a beautiful Vespa to help guests imagine their own journey through the scenic roads of Italy. Various forms of live art will be on display including, a Venetian Glassblower who will be creating an original work of art. The “Ciao Bella” Beauty Bar will feature cosmetic and hair advice and touch-ups, as well as samples and amazing gift baskets for guests.
“Each year, our We vs. C fundraising event reminds us of the power that holistic healing holds not only towards the life of one person, but on the greater community,” said Donna Bouchard, event Co-Chair and Board Member of the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation. “It is through the generosity and commitment of our supporters that this event continues to be a success year after year and allows us to continue providing holistic services to our patients battling cancer. We are truly excited for this year’s Under the Italian Sky themed event and look forward to seeing everyone on June 3.”
From fresh local honey and lavender, to micro-greens shooters – – there will be no shortage of wonderful surprises around every corner of the vast venue that provides a bucolic setting for a summer evening. This year’s We vs. C event sponsors include Campari, Vucciria, Processo Doc, Nobu Hotel and Ferrari to just name a few.
For over 20 years, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton has practiced healing through Integrative Medicine to positively impact the mind, body, and spirit of patients and their families. In partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials. Through their full-service Holistic Program, the Cancer Center has succeeded in improving the quality of life for thousands of patients. This year’s We vs. C fundraising event seeks to not only educate the community on the importance of holistic healing practices such as Reiki, music therapy, art workshops, spiritual counseling and more, but raises funds for the continuation of the program’s complimentary services for years to come.
“Since its inception, our full-service Holistic Program has provided a countless number of patients with life-changing services,” said Richard Freeman, President & CEO of RWJUH Hamilton. “These programs have proven to be a transformative force for the patients they serve while they are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. We at RWJUH Hamilton are honored to have provided so many individuals with the holistic services they so deeply deserve at our Cancer Center and are excited to continue utilizing these Integrative Medicine techniques far into the future.”
Join us in the fight against cancer and help support the holistic program, a Holistic Approach to Cancer Care, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Cancer Center.
Tickets are on sale now online and corporate and individual sponsorships are still available. For more details and event information visit rwjbh.org/wevscundertheitaliansky or email [email protected].
Pictured left to right at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation We vs. C ’22; Louis Tsarouhas, MD, Shankar Santhanam, MD, Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, Sara Ali, MD, Richard Freeman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Marc J. Levine, MD, Giacomo Mangiaracina, MD, Arthur Pacia, MD
In 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
July 18, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted receiving images of child sexual abuse and inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
David M. Frew, 41, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2017, Frew used an online messaging service to communicate with a minor victim. At Frew’s request, the victim sent Frew sexually explicit images.
In 2008, Frew was convicted of three counts of unlawful contact with a minor and one count of criminal use of a computer in Pennsylvania after sending sexually explicit photos or videos to investigators in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit, who were posing as minors online. Also in 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
Because Frew is a previously convicted sex offender, the charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a statutory maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Technical Crime Unit; the RCMP National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre; the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Hawkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Wall Township Police Department in conjunction with Special Olympics New Jersey would like announce the unveiling of a special patrol car that is dedicated to the hard work that the athletes of Special Olympics put in every day.
The law enforcement community and Special Olympics have a special relationship whereas multiple fundraisers throughout the year provide necessary funds so the athletes of Special Olympics New Jerey may compete free of charge. The Law Enforcement Torch Run Community is dedicated to fundraising all year long thorough local fundraising events in addition to special events such as the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the Plane Pull presented by United Airlines, the Adopt-a-Cop campaign, various golf outings, Three Polar Bear plunges, and the Annual Torch Run.
The Annual Torch Run is the heart of the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 34 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially. Now each year, thousands of officers take to the streets of their local communities on 1 of 26 separate routes to help carry the “Flame of Hope” to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. The 2024 Annual Torch Run is on Friday, June 7th.
The idea behind this vehicle came from Capt. Michael Hurden from the Wall Township Police Department who found that multiple law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma showcase different athletes on their patrol cars for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and wanted to do the same here on one of our vehicles. It was at that time we reached out to Special Olympics New Jersey who were ecstatic to hear we wanted to do a project like this. This is when the planning process started as we have a special connection to one of the Special Olympics athletes. We reached out to a local detailing company, Daylan’s Mobile Detailing, where they worked with their graphic designer at DPi Creative to come up with the graphics for the vehicle and created a great rendering for the vehicle. This is all because of one of our own officers Ptl. James Yannazzone’s brother, Anthony Yannazzone, is an athlete with Special Olympics and we thought he would be the perfect candidate to be showcased on the vehicle. A little background on Anthony who is 34 years old and has Down Syndrome. Anthony has been a Special Olympics athlete for over 15 years and participates in the swimming, basketball, and snow shoeing.
The patrol car will be leading our portion of the Law Enforcement Torch Run from Bentley Diamond, located at 1860 State Hwy 35, Wall Township, to the Belmar/Avon-By-The-Sea boarder. The full run, Run 7, starts at Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park and ends at the Perth Amboy ShopRite. This leg of the run covers over 59.65 miles with over 200 estimated runners participating. Ptl. Yannazzone will take our Law Enforcement Torch Run vehicle to this year’s Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey to cheer on his brother throughout the weekend.
“I am extremely proud of our officers for coming up with this idea to support and raise awareness to such a great cause. We are fortunate to have one of our own officers family members lead us in this endeavor” Chief Sean O’Halloran
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognized East Windsor Senior Center Volunteers for their service during National Volunteer Week and presented Certificates of Appreciation for their valuable contributions to the operations of the Senior Center. Mayor Mironov noted, “Each year in East Windsor Township we observe National Volunteer Week because we are very blessed to have a great number of citizens who volunteer their time, skills and talents to participate in our government, and during this time we recognize individuals who have embodied the spirit of volunteerism and have particularly contributed to the programs and activities in the Township.”
The Mayoral Proclamation, noting that, “volunteerism is one of the basic traits in the American character, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to recognize and honor the generous people who volunteer their time and services to an organization or cause to help better our communities,” recognizes that, “the Senior Center Volunteers help in the development, coordination and integration of the various programs and services available to senior citizens.” The Proclamation continues, “the East Windsor Township Senior Center Volunteers realize the important part of giving back to their senior community by volunteering to assist in classes, games, arts and crafts, reading, exercise programs, special events and many other activities, in addition to the Mercer County Nutrition Project, which serves lunch to more than 70 seniors daily,” and “expresses appreciation to our volunteers for their excellent and dedicated efforts to the East Windsor community.” Mayor Mironov continued, “The East Windsor Senior Center Volunteers help to oversee senior center operations, including office needs, coordinating and assisting with senior programs and events, and offering direct volunteering to other seniors. The Senior Center volunteers are indispensable to the ability of the Township to operate the Center and offer the broad array of services and activities for our senior community. We treasure and appreciate all of our wonderful caring volunteers and their tremendous contributions to our Township.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented Proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Week to Township Commission on Aging Chairperson and Members at a celebration for the Senior Center volunteers. Pictured (from left to right) are: Helen Feng; Dylis Henninger; Barbara Gilbert; Linda Feldstein; Amy Lerner; Chairperson Sydelle Norris; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Fay Fisch; Jennifer Worringer; Karen Goldman, and Vice Chairperson Deborah Thomas
Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented Certificates of Appreciation to East Windsor Senior Center volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Volunteers (listed alphabetically) are: Brunetta Allen, Sara Bierman, David Brandes, Mary Brandes, Sam Chao, Sirish Dave, Nancy Demme, Dennis Devers,Ke-Ling Fang, Linda Feldstein, Helen Feng, Barry Fisch, Fay Fisch, Linda Fowler, Mindy Gerber, Barbara Gilbert, Karen Goldman, Sharon Goldstein, Terry Goldstein, Kathleen Griffin, John Guarniere, Theresa Hann, Dilys Henninger, Robert Kashman, Amy Lerner, Derrick Lynch, Scott Marshall, Wanda McGuinness, Veronica Nash, Chairperson Sydelle Norris, Hope Pakula, Mark Pakula, John Palmieri, Larry Parker, Paula Parker, Marc Platizky, Miguel Rivera, Debbie Schipmann, Tim Schipmann, Margaret Steadman, Deborah Thomas, Joseph User, Valerie Vaughan, Jennifer Worringer and Morteza Zarnani
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–St. Michael’s Church, with the support of Mercer County Culture & Heritage Commission, is holding a 3-day festival of music and talks from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18, 2024 See https://www.stmichaelstrenton.org/announcements/
Beginning on Friday evening is a “musical talk” structured like an old Southern sermon –songs and jazz improvs on a theme: “Technology & Mental Health for Tomorrow’s Children.”
This continues on Saturday afternoon with a celebration of Marcus Garvey’s birthday, telling his story between music & dance acts of the Rhythm & Motion Festival, including drill teams and a performance by one of America’s top young award-winning drummers – Kwesi Robinson. This is followed by a gospel concert brought to us by music producer Sheldon Price and a band made up of the joint ministries of North Phila’s Baptist churches. Sunday at 4:30 is the writer of Marvel Comics’ Spiderman, Daredevil & Echo along with Marvel collectible creator for Hazbro Toys, Dave Vonner (both S. Jersey guys) talking about the impacts of A.I. on the industry, and how we shall surf this new world. Equally exciting, however, is that their panel talk will occur between sets of 3000-year-old African harp of Malang Jabarta from NYC/Senegal, one of the nation’s top kora players.
There is a spiritual connection holding the weekend events together….which is the spiritual role of narrative in holding people, and the experience of life together.
Dave Posmontier (Fri 8/16 @ 6:30)
Magnetic Force Drill Team (start at 1:25) (Sat 8/17 @ 2:30)
By Lt. Gillian Gerton & Chief Petty Officer Cynthia Oldham
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Coast Guard is celebrating 25 years of operations at Air Station Atlantic City, a helicopter unit based at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
Since Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City’s creation in 1998, after Air Station Brooklyn and Air Station Cape May merged, the southern New Jersey-based helicopter crews have flown on more than 7,000 search and rescue cases, dedicating more than 11,000 flight hours to aiding people in distress − and have accumulated more than 182,548 flight hours (equal to more than 20 years) supporting critical Coast Guard missions.
When Air Station Brooklyn and Air Station Cape May combined two-and-a-half decades ago, the new air station’s area of operations spanned both the First and Fifth Coast Guard districts, providing aerial mission support to New England and the Mid-Atlantic. The newly formed air station was the Coast Guard’s newest and largest single airframe unit, where its crew stood ready to respond at a moment’s notice to an emergency along much of the East coast.
Although established in 1998, the longstanding history of the air station’s pioneers, idea-makers, and true heroes, solidifies that Air Station Atlantic City’s impact is greater than that of a military unit. Today’s operational successes flourished from nearly a hundred years of hard work, innovation, and lessons from previous Coast Guard aviators.
One of Air Station Atlantic City’s two predecessor units, Coast Guard Air Station Cape May, was commissioned in 1926 as the Coast Guard’s first air station. In October 1926, Chief Petty Officer Charles Thrun, the Coast Guard’s third pilot and first enlisted aviator, flew the first of three amphibian biplanes into Cape May, New Jersey. In 1935, Thrun became the service’s first aviation-related death after his aircraft crashed into the waters off Cape May.
In honor of Thrun’s legacy and commitment to lifesaving service, the Coast Guard’s air assets and crews continued to grow their capabilities. Air Station Cape May aircrews soon became a reliable and critical resource for search and rescue, prohibition enforcement, and even presidential support.
Cape May aircrews conducted the first aerial security patrol in U.S. history when they supported Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fleet Review off the entrance to New York Harbor. Unbeknownst to the Coast Guard aircrew providing presidential support, their mission foreshadowed the formation of Air Station Atlantic City’s current Rotary Wing Air Intercept Mission.
A critical mission today, Air Station Atlantic City pilots and aircrews who serve the Coast Guard’s unique Rotary Wing Air Intercept Mission, fly in our nation’s capital region protecting the airspace over Washington, D.C., and across the country, providing air support and security for the president.
The National Capital Region Air Defense Facility was established in 2006 at Washington National Airport as a sub-unit of Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City − the only Coast Guard operated facility supporting Operation Noble Eagle, a North American Aerospace Defense Command mission initiated to protect the airspace of the U.S. and Canada following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
In its first year of operations, NCRADF Coast Guard aircrews made 93 intercepts. Over the last decade, Coast Guard helicopter crews halted more than 240 unauthorized aircraft and provided more than 2,400 hours of support to presidential security missions.
The other half of Coast Guard aviation history that inspired the establishment of Air Station Atlantic City, was the influential success of Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn in New York.
When New York’s first municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field, opened in 1931 its airfield was mostly used for general aviation and ideal for record breaking due to its long concrete runways and unobstructed approaches over Jamaica Bay. The airfield drew many high visibility pilots such as Wiley Post, Howard Hughes, and Amelia Earhart.
Nearly five years after the Brooklyn airfield opened, New York Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia announced that the city of New York signed a 50-year lease for the U.S. Coast Guard to run operations out of the field.
Two years later, in April 1938, the Coast Guard established Air Station Brooklyn.
Shortly after the Coast Guard’s commissioning ceremony, a civilian plane crashed into the bay. Coast Guard rescue aircrews from the newly established air station quickly launched and rescued five survivors from the wreckage.
The unit’s first lifesaving rescue of five lives reinforced the unit’s value to the region and the Coast Guard’s value to the American people.
Air Station Brooklyn service members expanded their role and grew to take on multiple Coast Guard missions from search and rescue, helicopter training and development, and security patrols during World War II.
Fifty years later, Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn was disbanded after Air Station Atlantic City was established. Its facility is still serving the nation, as home to the New York Police Department’s Aviation Unit.
While Coast Guard sentinels continue to stand watch today from their south New Jersey air station, the most valued air missions are the ones that result in saved lives. Since 1998, Air Station Atlantic City aircrews have saved more than 600 lives and assisted the lives of more than 700 people.
The impact and inspiration from past generations of Coast Guard members is why Air Station Atlantic City search and rescue aircrews could bring 1,310 distressed mariners back to their families on shore.
Coast Guard members who serve at Air Station Atlantic City recognize – every single day – the sacrifices of the Coast Guard men and women who paved the way for today’s Coast Guard. The devotion of Coast Guard crews who served in Cape May and in New York is revered and their courage will continue to inspire future generations of Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City Coast Guardsmen.
Air Station Atlantic City supports a wide range of Coast Guard operations, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, and marine environmental protection for both New England and the Mid-Atlantic. They maintain 12 MH-65D Dolphin Helicopters, two of which are always ready, in a 30-minute response status, to be quickly airborne and enroute at speeds in excess of 175 mph.
Petty Officer 1st Class Troy Lupo-Mack, an aviation maintenance technician stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, is aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during a flight over New York City on April 20, 2023. The air station supports a wide range of Coast Guard operations, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, and marine environmental protection for the Mid-Atlantic and New England. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Carmen Caver)
Petty Officer 1st Class Karah Lupo-Mack, a health services technician stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, is aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during a flight over New York City on April 20, 2023. The air station supports a wide range of Coast Guard operations, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, and marine environmental protection for the Mid-Atlantic and New England, and Lupo-Mack serves as the first line of healthcare and wellness defense for the aircrews in flight and when they return from missions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Carmen Caver)
Petty Officer 1st Class Karah Lupo-Mack, a health services technician, and Petty Officer 1st Class Troy Lupo-Mack, an aviation maintenance technician, both stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, are aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during a flight over New York City on April 20, 2023. The couple serve together at the air station which supports a wide range of Coast Guard operations, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, and marine environmental protection for the Mid-Atlantic and New England. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Carmen Caver)
MORRISVILLE, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police reports that yesterday morning, January 11, 2024, around 6:15 a.m. Troopers from Trevose Barracks responded to North Bound US 1 Toll Bridge Morrisville Boro, Bucks County, for a tractor-trailer striking a pedestrian. It was determined that the unidentified pedestrian was attempting to walk across the toll bridge in the center next to the concrete barriers on the north bound side. A tractor and flatbed trailer was traveling north bound in the left travel lane, struck the pedestrian causing her to strike the concrete barrier, and land in the left travel lane. The pedestrian was then struck by two different vehicles. The tractor-trailer stopped on the New Jersey side at the Route 29 exit. The two unidentified vehicles continued north bound and did not stop. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Attempts to identify the pedestrian were unsuccessful. She is described as a black female approx. 30-40 years old, approximately 5’5″- 5’8″, brown eyes, black hair at the base with some light brown highlights, She was wearing a multi colored wool winter cap, a black hooded sweatshirt overtop a blue jacket with FDR Services Healthcare Laundry Specialist logo on the top right side, black legging pants, and black boots. She was also carrying a light brown colored small purse. The two operators that struck the pedestrian after the tractor-trailer maybe unaware of their involvement. The first vehicle was a white pickup truck and the second vehicle was a dark colored SUV. Anyone who witnessed this crash or can help identify the victim and the two vehicles that left the scene can call State Troopers at Trevose Barracks 215-942-3900.
Mildreth Santamaria-Tirado 40 years of age from Corona, NY
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
