May 17, 2020
BRICK, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a suspicious death in Brick Township. At approximately 12:00 p.m. today, Brick Township Police were summoned to 28 Creek Road. Upon arrival, Brick Township Police Officers discovered a deceased female. This is an active and ongoing investigation. There is no immediate danger to the public at this time.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
April 24, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – For the first time ever, the annual Congressional Art Competition held by Rep. Chris Smith as part of a national competition for his district’s high school students, will be a “virtual” online show to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers and the interested public.
In response to the coronavirus national emergency, the artwork, which is normally displayed for a month at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lakefront Gallery, will be posted on Smith’s congressional website ensuring that the students who have worked for many months can still take part in the national competition.
“For these young student artists whose school year has been turned upside down by coronavirus, I am happy we found a way forward and I am grateful to the parents, judges and teachers for making needed adjustments,” Smith said.
“We received strong support for a virtual art competition rather than cancel the show outright due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Smith said. “Safety is paramount, and a virtual gallery enables us to proceed safely not only for the students and parents, but for the patients and workers at RWJ-Hamilton, which has in the past, graciously hosted the show,” he said.
“I am delighted that this year’s show wasn’t canceled, but continued as an online competition,” said Wall High School art teacher, Jill Alexander, who has been preparing her students to enter the show every year for the past six years. “Students in the 4th district are thankful for the great show that Congressman Chris Smith puts on each year, but especially this year because of the challenges everyone is facing.”
“We love going to Robert Wood Johnson’s impressive gallery, and unfortunately that just wasn’t possible this year. My students start working in September preparing their best artwork to submit, and this show is the highlight of the year for us.
“High school students across the country will miss the opportunity to participate in many events this year, including proms, sporting events and even graduation,” Alexander said. “We are really pleased the art competition survives.”
The 2020 show will be exhibited in a virtual art gallery, will use online judging, with winners to be announced in May. Smith’s three-member team of professional judges, whose works are also normally displayed at the show, will also have artwork posted in an online gallery.
This year, students who place in the competition—as best-of-show, and first, second and third runners-up and honorable mentions—will receive ribbons and all participants will be mailed Congressional Certificates, instead of being presented them in person.
The best-in-show winner will be displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington along the busy public corridor/tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building for one year with other winners from across the nation. All the artwork entered into Smith’s competition this year will be displayed in his online gallery for one year.
Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Currently, the Institute plans to accept the top winning artwork from every congressional show in America by June 18 and hold a reception in Washington on July 22.
For information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.
“American Graffiti,” by Jordan Heine of Wall High School won Best in Show in 2018.
April 14, 2020
The Executive Board of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) regrets to announce the passing of PFANJ President Dominick Marino. President Marino passed away suddenly Tuesday afternoon at home.President Marino served for over 25 years as a firefighter in the North Bergen Fire Department and North Hudson Regional Fire Rescue, retiring from active service in 2011. He held multiple leadership positions in the firefighter union locals in both departments. President Marino served for many years as 2nd Vice President and Treasurer of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, the chartered state association of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), before becoming President in 2008.President Marino leaves behind his wife Ellen, three children, and two grandchildren.
Additional details and services information will be made available once arranged.
Statement by Governor Murphy on the Passing of Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey President Dominick Marino
“Dominick Marino didn’t just run into burning buildings, he knocked down walls to protect his fellow firefighters. He put his heart and soul into everything he did for his members, and in doing so he exemplified everything you ever could want from a leader. One of the great honors of my governorship was to sign the Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act, but that bill could just as easily have carried Dominick’s name because of the dedication he showed in getting it passed. I will miss his friendship and good counsel, and his regular check ins, including this week. He was one of a kind. My deepest condolences go out to his family, his membership, and the entire New Jersey firefighting community.”
- PFANJ President Dominick Marino at the PFANJ Convention on May 30, 2018
- PFANJ President Dominick Marino testifying at the State House on June 16, 2011
MidJersey.news file photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
IAFF PFANJ President Dominick Marino at NJ State House Senate Committee 6/16/2011
It’s with a heavy heart that I inform our Brick Football Family of the passing of our amazing friend and Coach Don Marino. RIP 🙏🏻 🏈 🐉 pic.twitter.com/iexQ9NwVQi
— BRICK FOOTBALL (@BrickCoachZ) April 14, 2020
It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the untimely passing of President Dominick Marino of the PFANJ.
We all make up NJ Bravest. No matter what patch wear or what banner you fly we are bonded together by the fire service and public safety.
Donnie was a fierce advocate for Firefighters, EMT’s and Paramedics. We worked alongside each other in many situations. When we put our collective voices together we could truly accomplish so much in the interest of our members.
I am truly saddened by this loss. It is a reality check for me that the stresses of this job are deep and real. Donnie and I both shared a passion to help and a strong conviction to advocate on behalf of our members. Although sometimes we traveled down a different path we ultimately met up and and accomplished the goal together.
NJ lost a great a man and Union leader. His family lost a husband, father and grandfather.
On behalf of the over 5,000 members of the NJ FMBA I have the privilege to represent we offer our condolences to the PFANJ and the Marino family. If there is anything we can do, consider it done.
Rest Easy Donnie….
Eddie http://www.njfmba.org/
April 9, 2020
TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions against violators of Governor Murphy’s Emergency Orders related to COVID-19:
- Newark Enforcement. The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 34 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered two non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 8.
- Sean M. McGuire, 42, of Camden, was charged yesterday, April 8, with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency, third-degree endangering, and fourth-degree risking widespread injury. McGuire allegedly refused to follow medical advice to self-quarantine and said he did not “give a [expletive] who he infected.” He allegedly threatened security staff at Cooper University Hospital and refused to cooperate with officers of the Camden Police who encountered him at the Walter Rand Transportation Center.
- Willie Boles, 50, and Charles E. Scotton, 51, both of Pennsauken, were charged on Tuesday, April 7, by the Camden Police with violating the emergency orders and gambling in public. The two men allegedly held a large craps game on Marlton Avenue in Camden with approximately 19 people present. They were warned last month when they organized a similar gambling event.
- Albert E. French, 33, of Milford, was charged in Clinton Township on Tuesday, April 7, with violating the emergency orders and disorderly conduct for walking back and forth along Route 22 displaying obscene poster boards and making obscene gestures to motorists.
- Moshe Knopfler, 55, of Union City, was charged with violation of the emergency orders (disorderly persons offense) and failure to disperse (petty disorderly persons offense). Police had warned Knopfler on several prior occasions when he held gatherings on his property. He was charged on Tuesday, April 7, when police found approximately 13 people on his property.
- Elizabeth Fernandez, 56, of Woodland Park, and Juan Rosario, 60, of Paterson, were charged by the Paterson police on Tuesday evening, April 7, with two violations of the emergency orders for opening Quilvio Tavern at 933 Main Street, where police found customers gathered inside and drinking at the bar.
- Armin, Mahesh, 59, of Iselin, was charged with violating the emergency orders and alcoholic beverage control regulations at the liquor store he owns with his wife. Police responded to Medina Liquor Store at 709 East Jersey Street on a report that groups were gathering at the store and drinking alcohol. Officers found a number of patrons consuming alcoholic beverages in a back room of the store in violation of regulations and the emergency orders. Authorities shut down the business, where responding inspectors found multiple code violations.
- Ibrahim Muhammad, 25, and Ashley Appleton-Tims, 25, both of Brick, were charged yesterday, April 8, with violating the emergency orders for opening the Coliseum Barbershop & Hair Salon in Brick. Ibrahim is the owner of the business, and Appleton-Tims is a salon employee who was assisting a client when police arrived yesterday.
- Cheyenne M. Scott, 19, of Clayton, was charged with harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense, for spitting on a man yesterday in Clayton and then claiming she had COVID-19.
- Richard Mariano, 66, of Randolph, was charged yesterday, April 8, with violating the emergency orders, theft by unlawful taking (disorderly persons offense), trespassing (petty disorderly persons offense), and disorderly conduct. Mariano allegedly entered the Randolph Township Recycling Center, stole a refrigerator from one of the recycling containers, then violently dismantled it by the side of the road while yelling at township employees
- Steven C. Singleton, 29, Camden, was arrested on April 5 at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, where he loitered for approximately 20 minutes, interacting with various persons and not taking any transportation. When he was approached by police, he allegedly resisted arrest and was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and two ecstasy pills (methylenedioxymethamphetamine—MDMA). He was charged with possession of ecstasy (3rd degree), possession of marijuana (disorderly persons offense), and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense).
- Madison L. Greenetz 25, of Cherry Hill, was charged on April 2, with violating the emergency orders, providing alcohol to minor (disorderly persons offense), and trespassing in violation of a local ordinance (petty disorderly persons offense). She allegedly was drinking alcohol in a township park with a juvenile.
- William L. Joseph, 20 , of Lindenwold, was charged yesterday, April 8, with violating the emergency orders and defiant trespass, both disorderly persons offenses. Joseph was previously warned that outdoor basketball courts in the borough are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but police found him playing basketball in a park. Signs also indicated that the court was closed.
“Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis. Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.” “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. Police have charged a number of persons with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency for claiming to have COVID-19 and threatening to infect law enforcement officers or others by coughing, spitting, or otherwise exposing them. That charge carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.
