January 1, 2021
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At 10:49 am, the Hope Fire Company of Allentown was dispatched to I-195 east bound at mile maker 11.2 for a well involved car fire. Firefighters arrived quickly with two engines and extinguished the fire. No further information was available.
Hamilton Township Fire Division Swearing In Program
January 1, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–After years of trying, the nine Hamilton Township fire districts have finally been dissolved, and the Township of Hamilton now provides fire service under the Hamilton Township Division of Fire, starting 12:01 this morning.
In a social distanced swearing in ceremony that started shortly after 9:00 am this morning, Mayor Martin swore in the entire department, about four members at a time with a fifteen minute break in-between. Each individual ceremony was broadcasted live on Facebook. A large swearing in with the entire department at one time was not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to provide social distancing.
Mayor Jeff Martin said in a statement, “Today is an extraordinary moment in Hamilton Township and New Jersey’s history – a day that has taken over 25 years and multiple administrations to work towards. Today, Hamilton Township has one unified Fire Division. While this day is one to be celebrated, it is unfortunate that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to scale back the planned ceremony today as we swear in the our first Fire Chief, Richard Kraemer and the entire Hamilton Township Fire Division. We will properly, and safely, celebrate this achievement later this year. I sincerely thank all of those involved in the process of consolidating Hamilton’s nine independent Fire Districts into one unified Fire Division including Governor Murphy and his administration, our Legislative leaders – Senator Greenstein, Assemblyman DeAngelo, and Assemblyman Benson, our Township Council, our fire consolidation subcommittee members including — Councilman Pat Papero, Jr., Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Jr., Mark Murranko, Joe Monzo, Chief Richard Kraemer, Scott Goldsmith, Nick Buroczi, Shane Mull, Richard Braslow, and all of the Hamilton Firefighters.”
Related MidJersey.news stories here:
Mayor Martin Signs Ordinances and Memorandum of Agreements to Consolidate the Hamilton Township Fire Division
DCA Local Finance Board Approves Dissolution Of Fire Districts # 1 through 9 In Hamilton Township
January 1, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–There were reports of two people removed from a house fire this morning around 8:40 am in the 600 Block of Parkway Avenue. With reports of entrapment, Ewing firefighters called for a full first alarm sending firefighters from multiple companies in Ewing Township and Lawrence Township to the scene. A person was rescued from the 2nd floor and reports of another was assisted getting out of the basement. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters. It appeared the two that were rescued from the fire were wrapped in blankets and at the next door residence. A fire marshal and building inspector were on their way to the scene for the investigation.
This is a breaking news report from radio reports and on scene reporting, once we receive other details about the fire the story will be updated and any corrections made.
Above photos provided by: Jeff Ritter
Above photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
January 1, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Police Department responded to Hibiscus Lane for a chimney fire just after 2:00 am. When police and firefighters arrived they found smoke and fire coming from the walls of the home near the fire place and called for an “all hands” fire sending additional units from Hamilton Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Department, Windsor Fire Company and Hope Fire Company of Allentown to the scene.
Firefighters pulled multiple hand lines and laddered the structure to combat the fire. Firefighters found fire in the walls around the chimney and fire was extending up the chimney wrap to the top of the chimney. Firefighters used saws and axes to open walls and the exterior chimney to extinguish the fire. The bulk of fire was quickly knocked down but took an approximately 30 minutes to fully bring the fire under control and extinguishing hot spots.
The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal was en route to the scene to investigate the fire. No cause will be released until after the investigation is completed. No further information is available at this time.
January 1, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Ed Forchion, NJ Weedman has opened up the first citizen dispensary and is now selling marijuana at the NJWeedman’s Joint. According to Forchion he sold the first “legal” weed in NJ at 12:01 am this morning. There was a party with a band and a Champaign toast at midnight celebrating what he said was the first legal sale in NJ.
NJ Weedman, Ed Forchion said, “New Jersey Public Question 1, the Marijuana Legalization Amendment, was on the ballot in New Jersey as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 3, 2020. Public Question 1 was approved. A “yes” vote supported this constitutional amendment to legalize the possession and use of marijuana for persons age 21 and older and legalize the cultivation, processing, and sale of retail marijuana.”
Forchion told MidJersey.news that current State Government’s legislation is designed for big business and cuts out the small guys. He stated that the people voted for legal marijuana and not for big business. Marijuana should be for everyone that wants it.
Currently the Public Question passed during the General Election allowing legal marijuana in NJ starting January 1, 2021. The legislature and Governor have not worked out all details on a legal marijuana bill and the bill has been delayed. Some say it would create problems if sales are challenged in court of law until a marijuana law is passed.
See related MidJersey.news story here: New Jersey’s Cannabis Law May be Different Than You Thought, NJ Weedman Files Suit
NJWeedman Ed Forchion unveils a sign that will be hanging in front of the NJWeedman’s Joint across from City Hall at 322 E State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
The band, Urban Shaman Attack plays at the NJWeedman’s Joint
A customer only identified at “Ginger” inspects marijuana for sale with NJWeedman Ed Forchion
NJWeedman Ed Forchion shows some of the products he has for sale on January 1, 2021
January 1, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Happy New Year 2021! The “Trenton Makes – The World Takes” bridge is lit in a multitude of colors tonight for New Years Eve.
The “Trenton Makes – The World Takes” bridge is lit in a multitude of color for New Years Eve 2021