LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal police shooting that occurred on November 6, 2021 in Long Branch, N.J. One male civilian sustained fatal injuries.
The decedent has been identified as Mark D. Walker II, 34, of Woodbridge, Va. The members of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team who fired at Mr. Walker are Patrolman Eric Voorand of the Manalapan Township Police Department, Patrolman Daniel Murphy of the Howell Township Police Department, and Patrolman Omar Akel of the Middletown Township Police Department.
According to the preliminary investigation, members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office were attempting to execute a warrant in connection with a homicide investigation at 274 Chelsea Avenue, Apartment 1, in Long Branch on the evening of November 5. As officers were executing the warrant, Mr. Walker moved into a room of the apartment and shot one of the officers in the lower leg as the officer approached the room. At that point, the officers repositioned outside the apartment and Mr. Walker barricaded himself inside. Members of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team were deployed to the scene.
Around 2:00 a.m. on November 6, a fire erupted in the apartment and Mr. Walker fled the building, discharging a firearm multiple times as he exited. Officers Voorand, Murphy, and Akel returned fire, hitting Mr. Walker, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The officer who was shot in the lower leg was transported to a local hospital and discharged later in the evening.
This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any 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, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today presented the 2021 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Award to 849 employers from across the nation at a virtual ceremony. The annual awards recognize employers across the nation for their investment in recruiting, employing and retaining veterans.
As of 2021, the department has presented more than 2,200 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards to more than 1,400 employers.
During the event, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh led a discussion with three employers who have received the award. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ramón Colón-López thanked this year’s recipients for their commitment to veterans in the workforce.
“More than 1,400 U.S. employers have now earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. These companies recognize the unique value that veterans bring to the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “These employers are demonstrating their commitment to employ, retain and support America’s military veterans, and doing their part to recognize and repay the sacrifice made by those who have served our nation.”
Administered by the department’s Veterans Employment and Training Service, the department presents HIRE Vets Medallion Awards at the Platinum and Gold levels to large, medium and small employers. VETS assesses award nominees on criteria including veteran hiring and retention, providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, compensation programs and tuition assistance programs.
Governor Establishes New Interim Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal and Announces $33 Million Investment in Clean Transportation Projects
November 10, 2021
MOUNT OLIVE – Governor Phil Murphy today announced a series of climate actions to further secure New Jersey’s clean energy future and protect residents, the economy, and the environment from the worsening impacts of climate change.
Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 274, which establishes an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 50 percent below 2006 levels by 2030, strengthening New Jersey’s path to achieve an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Leveraging the proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Governor Murphy also announced a $13.7 million investment in electric buses and trucks to reduce emissions and improve air quality in overburdened communities. Additionally, the Governor announced a $20 million expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP) into the greater Jersey Shore area. Together, these initiatives will reduce vehicle emissions from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey and a major contributor to global warming and climate change.
“We must meet the devastating impacts of global warming and climate change, with bold intentional action,” said Governor Murphy. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying our transportation sector, we are taking the critical steps to solidify New Jersey’s clean energy future, while also improving air quality in our underserved communities.”
“New Jersey is committed to continued actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby limiting the worsening effects of climate change,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner LaTourette. “With Governor Murphy’s unyielding focus on creating opportunity from out of the Garden State’s greatest long-term challenge, we will accelerate our efforts to confront climate crisis and in the process create family-sustaining jobs that can lift all of our communities.”
“The electrification of our transportation system is a key part of the Energy Master Plan which is the pathway to reaching Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “With today’s announcement, we are supporting electric vehicles and reinforcing our commitment to reducing auto emissions in overburdened communities which have, in the past, borne the burden of bus and truck pollution.”
“New Jersey’s ideal location along the Northeast corridor make us a prime spot for transportation and logistics businesses and organizations seeking to access the entire Eastern seaboard,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “By expanding the NJ ZIP program, the NJEDA has the opportunity to double down on its efforts to support entities seeking to ‘go green’ and reduce their carbon footprints by helping them remove financial barriers that can impede their access to clean energy resources.”
“We’re in crisis, in NJ, here in Budd Lake, as well as Manville and Mullica Hill both of which were devastated by Ida, on Long Beach Island, and in my home town of Newark. People are sick, they’re struggling economically. They’re being disrespected — from the pandemic, the challenge to our democracy, racial discrimination, the struggle for a living wage, and the climate emergency,” said Kim Gaddy, Clean Water Action Environmental Justice Director. “The Governor understands we can’t afford incremental change, we can’t be patient, we have to do better not only in NJ, but worldwide. The science tells us that we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and that is what the Governor’s EO will do — otherwise we will face cataclysmic affects to our environment that cannot be reversed
“New Jersey LCV was the first environmental organization to endorse Governor Murphy because he’s led the way with the most ambitious agenda to fight climate change and address environmental injustice in the nation,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “There’s still more to be done, and today’s announcement of a 50% greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 benchmark, is an important step and another example of Governor Murphy’s strong leadership and bold climate and justice agenda. We look forward to working with him and the legislature to build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient state for our children and grandchildren.”
Since February 2021, New Jersey has committed nearly $71 million in RGGI proceeds to purchase electric vehicles and install charging stations in environmental justice communities. The latest round of RGGI funding will enable local governments and private operators to purchase 46 electric school buses to serve Bogota, Dover, Camden, East Orange, Garfield, Haledon, Lakewood, Leonia, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Trenton and Weehawken. It also funds the purchase of three public works trucks in Pleasantville.
The RGGI proceeds also funds the expansion of the NJZIP program, which builds on the momentum generated since the launch of the clean energy initiative, which is currently available in the greater Newark, Camden, and New Brunswick areas. Beginning December 1, 2021, businesses and organizations within the Greater Shore Area can apply for vouchers to offset the cost of purchasing new, zero-emission medium-duty vehicles. For the purposes of this pilot expansion, the Greater Shore Area is defined as the overburdened communities within or intersected by a line set at a 10-mile distance from New Jersey’s eastern Atlantic shore, spanning approximately from Sandy Hook Bay to Delaware Bay.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 274, click here.
For a list of projects funded in this latest round of RGGI auction proceeds, visit NJDEP – StopTheSoot.org
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton hosted a pre-Veterans Day community celebration of Flags for Heroes on Saturday, Nov. 6 at RWJUH Hamilton.
A total of 300 full-sized American flags raised by 80+ volunteers affixed with personal messages to local heroes have been placed on the grounds of the hospital and will continue to fly through Nov. 19. Flag sponsorships were purchased by area residents and businesses through the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton to honor heroes in their lives, including members of the military, COVID-19 essential workers, family members and others.
“We’re privileged to have partnered with the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton to once again recognize our local heroes through such a powerful display ahead of Veterans Day,” said Richard Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJUH Hamilton, “This year we not only honored our local military veterans for their service but also some of our own healthcare heroes for their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We’d like to thank members of the local community who made this event possible through their flag sponsorships.”
“This event is an ideal way to bring the town together,” said Joe Bellina, Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary President. “It allows people to commemorate and acknowledge someone that has or had such a profound impact on their lives. We expanded our flags from 200 to 300 this year and that is meaningful.”
The public ceremony included a short program with guest speakers and community leaders, including Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin. A portion of the proceeds from flag sponsorships will be provided to the Mercer County Military Action Council (MCMAC) to help service members travel home for the holidays.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On September 9, 2021, Detectives from the Hamilton Police Criminal Investigations Section, along with Officers from the Hamilton Police Anti- Crime Unit, conducted surveillance of a section of Hamilton that has been plagued with a substantial increase in porch package thefts over the past several months. Investigators were able to identify 38 year old Trenton resident, Calvin T. Stevens, as a suspect responsible for many of these thefts.
On September 9, 2021, officers conducting surveillance of the area witnessed suspect Calvin T. Stevens, remove a package from a porch on the 2100 block of S. Broad Street, and attempted to ride away on his bicycle with the proceeds. Mr. Stevens was stopped and placed under arrest for the theft of the package. Further investigation revealed he also had proceeds of one additional porch package theft from Independence Avenue, that was delivered on the same date.
Calvin T. Stevens was charged with an additional (5) five previously reported package thefts in Hamilton. Hamilton Police Detectives are still reviewing cases involving Calvin T. Stevens for additional charges.
Calvin T. Stevens was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is awaiting arraignment for these charges.
The Hamilton Police Division is asking the public to be aware of the dates their packages are being delivered during the holiday season, and retrieve them from their porches as soon as they are delivered to avoid these types of thefts.
Hamilton Police are asking the public if anyone has additional information regarding porch package thefts in their neighborhood possibly involving Calvin T. Stevens, to contact Detective Patrick Quick of the Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 581-4111 or via email at pquick@hamiltonpd.org or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
By Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales Joint Base MDL Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community celebrated a monumental milestone for the installation as it welcomed its first KC-46A Pegasus to its new home in an arrival ceremony Nov. 9, 2021. The event marked the beginning of new total force aerial refueling operations at the joint base, making it the first and only joint base with KC-46 lead operations.
The aircraft, delivered by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, and Brig. Gen. Neil Richardson, Air Mobility Command’s Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Operations deputy director, will be operated and maintained by the 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings, and will receive installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing.
“The arrival of the KC-46 at JB MDL signifies the continuation of a great tradition of air refueling in the 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings,” said Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th AMW commander. “A tradition underscored by a strategically located installation that is postured to provide increased and enduring capabilities to execute our nation’s most important missions. The KC-46 is now part of an impressive lineage of aircraft and great aviators.”
Joint Base MDL was selected to receive the KC-46 in 2017 by meeting all operational mission requirements within the U.S. Air Force’s tanker recapitalization strategy. The installation, with co-located operations between active and reserve components, expects to receive 15 additional aircraft during Fiscal Year 2022, with nine more planned for Fiscal Year 2023.
”The Reserve Citizen Airmen of the Freedom Wing are honored to be a part of the historical arrival of the KC-46,” said Col. William Gutermuth, 514th AMW commander. “We look forward to the next generation joint partnership we have formed with our mission partners across the installation and will continue to provide mission ready Airmen ready at a moment’s notice to augment our active duty counterparts.”
The KC-46 maintains air refueling edge through the use of both the refueling boom and drogue systems, allowing for simultaneous air refueling of multiple aircraft with wing pods. The KC-46 is designed to refuel allied and coalition aircraft and provide multifunctional support, like passenger and cargo transport along with medical and humanitarian relief.
On top of its air refueling, cargo, and passenger capabilities, the KC-46 will amplify next-generation capabilities such as the Advanced Battle Management System, which demonstrates the ability to collect, process, and share data from air, land, sea and space domains at exponential rates.
“Today, we send KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders around the world to enable Global Reach…providing capabilities only this country can provide [and] options to our senior leaders no other nation can offer,” Wiederholt said. “From this day forward, the aircrew, maintainers, Port Dawgs and support personnel will place their indelible mark upon our nation’s tanker legacy in the KC-46.”
The arrival of the KC-46 on Joint Base MDL reinforces the role of the installation in enabling global reach.
“Today highlights the important role our installation has in delivering warfighting capabilities for combatant commanders anywhere in the world,” said Col. Wes Adams, Joint Base MDL commander. “The arrival of our first KC-46 is the result of close coordination with our community and mission partners who worked hard over the years to bring this mission to JB MDL. Today we celebrate this incredible milestone in our joint base’s history.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, gives remarks during the KC-46A Pegasus welcome ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., on Nov. 9, 2021. The arrival of the KC-46 on Joint Base MDL reinforces the role of the installation in enabling global reach. The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings will operate and maintain the aircraft with installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing.
U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Erik Brine, 514th Air Mobility Wing vice wing commander, salute Pudgy 01, the first KC-46A Pegasus part of a welcome ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 9, 2021. The event marked the beginning of new total force aerial refueling operations at the joint base, making it the first and only joint base with KC-46 lead operations.
The flying crew of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s first KC-46A Pegasus arrive to the welcome ceremony at the hangar, Nov. 9, 2021. The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings will operate and maintain the aircraft with installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing. The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings will operate and maintain the aircraft with installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing.
The joint base honor guard marches past the KC-46A Pegasus as part of a welcome ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 9, 2021. The arrival of the KC-46 on Joint Base MDL reinforces the role of the installation in enabling global reach. The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings will operate and maintain the aircraft with installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing.
An airman assigned to 605th Maintenance Squadron marshals in a KC-46A Pegasus on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 9, 2021. The arrival of the KC-46 on Joint Base MDL reinforces the role of the installation in enabling global reach. The 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings will operate and maintain the aircraft with installation support from the 87th Air Base Wing.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–At 8:11 a.m. on November 8, 2021, South Brunswick Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on New Road near the Kendall Park Fire House. Upon arrival, responding officers found the victim, a 66 year-old Kendall Park man, injured on the roadway, along with a 2019 Toyota pickup truck and it’s 76 year-old driver, a Princeton Junction man.
The pedestrian was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, where he has listed in critical but stable condition.
On speaking with the driver, he stated that he had been traveling eastbound on New Road when he struck the pedestrian, who he stated was in the roadway at the time of the crash. The driver also stated that he was experiencing significant sun glare at the time of the crash.
The crash is still under investigation by the South Brunswick Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau. No summonses have been issued. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jesse Blake at (732)329-4646.
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