October 26, 2024
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Wall Township man was arrested and criminally charged in connection with an armed robbery in the same town, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Thursday.
Jeffrey L. Kniffin, 50, was charged with one count of first-degree Armed Robbery, one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and one count of fourth-degree Possession of Hollow Point Bullets.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at approximately 3:24 p.m., officers from the Wall Township Police Department were dispatched to a Bank of America branch located on State Highway 35 for a reported robbery. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials learned that a man wearing a mask, glasses, ball cap, black hoodie and gloves had entered the bank, brandished a firearm and stole a large amount of cash, in excess of $5,000, prior to fleeing the scene.
An off-duty Wall Township police officer was driving in the vicinity of the bank when he learned of the robbery. As the officer proceeded towards the location, he observed a male matching the description of the suspect riding a bicycle. The officer followed the suspect, later identified as Kniffin, to the front of Kniffin’s residence on M Street, where he would ultimately be apprehended.
Kniffin was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where he is currently being held pending his first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information regarding Kniffin’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Archdiocese of Newark to Celebrate 31st Annual Blue Mass Honoring Active, Fallen Police
Liturgy Celebrated by Cardinal Tobin will Recognize 11 Deceased NJ Law Enforcement Officers
October 26, 2024
Newark, N.J. – The Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate the 31st Annual Blue Mass honoring the dedication and sacrifices of New Jersey law enforcement personnel on Thursday, November 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will preside over the Mass, which will be attended by law enforcement officers of all faiths representing federal, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies. They will be joined by the families of the deceased being recognized as well as multiple police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers. Numerous community members — including several high-ranking public officials — will also be present to show their support.
“The Blue Mass is a reminder of the sacrifices police officers make, but it’s also a chance for the community to come together in prayer, reflection, and unity,” said Lieutenant Christopher Whiting of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, who is co-chairman of this year’s Blue Mass. “In a time when law enforcement faces numerous challenges, this event is an opportunity to bridge divides and reinforce the support that officers need, both spiritually and from the public. The Mass serves as a powerful reminder that the work they do impacts everyone, and they deserve our appreciation and respect year-round.”
This year’s Blue Mass will pay tribute to nine local police officers who died in the line of duty within the past few years, including many who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses: New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Elizabeth Police Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi, Port Authority Police Captain Richard L. Ruiz Sr., Port Authority Police Captain John M. Collins, Port Authority Police Officer David J. Lee, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa, Port Authority Police Officer John M. Cortazzo, and New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble.
Additionally, Millburn Police Officer Luke Lyons and Fairfield Police Detective James Ciampi — two police officers who passed away outside of duty — will be recognized for their years of commitment to law enforcement.
“The officers being honored this year were individuals dedicated to their profession, embodying courage, selflessness, and a deep sense of duty,” Whiting said. “They always put the safety of others above their own, and they were highly respected within their departments and communities. Their passing is a profound loss, but their legacy of service and sacrifice will be remembered and celebrated during the Mass.”
For more information on the Blue Mass, contact Vincent Nardone and William Schievella at 1-800-427-7651 or [email protected]
New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea of Florence, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi of Toms River, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa of Hazlet, and Officer Luke Lyons of Randolph will be honored at the Archdiocese of Newark’s 31st Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Blue Mass is a tradition that pays tribute to all New Jersey law enforcement personnel, with 11 deceased officers being celebrated this year.
October 26, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced yesterday, that Lieutenant William Swanhart has been named the next Robbinsville Township Police Department, Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2025.
Swanhart, 43, will take the reins from outgoing Chief Michael K. Polaski, who announced his retirement effective December 31 after 25 years of exemplary public service, in August.
“Lt. Swanhart’s experience, training and steady hand certainly rose to the top during this process,” Fried said. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a deep and talented pool of qualified candidates, and I would have been proud to have any one of them as my chief. Mike will be greatly missed. He was the right man, at the right time, and at the end of the day I feel the exact same way about Lt. Swanhart.”
Swanhart joined the department in December of 2006. Prior to his appointment with the RTPD he worked for New Jersey Transit Police. Swanhart served as a patrolman until being assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit in October of 2012. In July of 2013, Swanhart was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he was assigned supervision of the Criminal Investigation’s Unit. Swanhart reached the rank of Lieutenant in July of 2016.
Since 2022, Swanhart has served as Administrative Lieutenant with duties that include oversight of the department’s Internal Affairs function, Public Information Officer, Field Training Officer Program, Traffic Unit, and School Resource Officers. During his career, Swanhart has been a Drug Recognition Expert, Evidence Custodian, Internal Affairs Officer, Department Training Coordinator, member of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Task Force, and worked with various federal, county, and local law enforcement partners.
“I’m very humbled by the opportunity to lead this great agency,” Swanhart said. “The groundwork was set for me by Chief (Marty) Masseroni, Chief (Chris) Nitti and Chief Polaski and I am excited to keep us moving forward. When you start at the academy as a recruit this is the pinnacle. Just incredibly proud to serve not only this agency, but the citizens of Robbinsville and I am looking forward to building a great relationship with them.”
Among his achievements, Lt. Swanhart garnered the State of New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Top Gun DWI Enforcement award. In 2014 and 2015, he received training from the United States Secret Service in Hoover, Alabama in the area of computer forensics. After completing the FBI-LEEDA Law Enforcement Development Course in 2017, Lt. Swanhart graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2023, Session 285.
“I would like to congratulate Lt. Swanhart and his family of this achievement,” Chief Polaski said. “Lt. Swanhart has been an integral part of this agency for 18 years and possesses the knowledge and skill set to face the challenges that may lay ahead. The department is in good hands, and this will be a very smooth transition.”
Lieutenant William Swanhart has been named the next Robbinsville Township Police Department, Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2025.