Day: April 23, 2020

“Echoing Our Appreciation” to Healthcare Workers & The Front Porch Project

April 23, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police, Robbinsville Township Police, Hamilton Township Fire Dept., Robbinsville Township Fire Dept., Hope Fire Company, Mercer County Sheriff Officers, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Mayor Jeff Martin, Mayor David Fried and many others came together tonight to honor and show thanks to healthcare workers at RWJ University Hospital at Hamilton.

A large American Flag hung from Hamilton Township Fire Department’s Truck 17 and police cars surrounded the truck with their lights on. At one point during the event sirens from the emergency vehicles were activated to show appreciation. Almost everyone in attendance cheered, clapped, held a variety of thank you signs for health care workers and many signs read “Heroes work here” The event was held at the evening shift change near the employee entrance. All in attendance were required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing as much as possible.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Freeman said at the event, “I am here representing Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton and all our heroes. On behalf of our heroes who are working every single day taking care of our community, I am so proud of them and this effort that the mayors have put on just shows how much you are appreciated. It is really important to understand that the work you do will always, always be appreciated and well beyond this crisis. You are making a statement that this hospital is here for our families, our friends and our community. So bless you all and you are all heroes.”


As the event was happening at RWJ Hamilton Hospital the surrounding communities took part in the Front Porch Project to honor health care workers. Even the Robbinsville Township Council got involved prior to their meeting tonight. More on Front Porch Project tomorrow since several photographs and videos were sent to the Hamilton Mayor’s Office and will be shared in another story.



WANTED-On The Run: Paul Grandmaison, 41 For Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault, Eluding And Receiving Stolen Property – More Charges Expected, Police Chase Ended In Trenton

UPDATE HERE: Captured In NY State After Another Chase

April 23, 2020

UPDATE FROM YESTERDAYS BIZARRE INCIDENT IN TRENTON YESTERDAY’S MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORY HERE

Yesterday’s Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

BURLINGTON CITY, BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON), TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–This incident originated on 4/22/2020 at approximately 4:28 pm in front of the Grab & Go Mart located at 420 Keim Blvd. in Burlington City. 

A witness contacted police and reported that a female located outside the store was being assaulted by a male by punching her and “head-butted” the victim. The victim had visible injuries and advised the witness that her male acquaintance had been “beating her all day”.  Burlington City officers responded and observed the couple enter a Burgundy Chevy Truck and attempted to effectuate a stop of the vehicle to investigate the domestic assault allegations.  The vehicle operator then fled from officers at a high rate of speed and Burlington City PD immediately issued an alert requesting assistance in locating the vehicle and occupants.

The vehicle was then observed by Bordentown Township Police at approximately 5:35 pm pulling into the Petro Truck Stop located at 402 Rising Sun Rd. in Bordentown Township.  A stop was attempted and the operator again fled at a high rate of speed which resulted in a police pursuit.  During this pursuit the operator of the Chevy Truck struck a gray Toyota Tacoma on Rt. 130 in the area of Ward Ave. and continued fleeing from police.  The operator of the Toyota was uninjured and Bordentown Township officers continued to pursue the vehicle as it entered Interstate 195 west and then continued into the City of Trenton.  The vehicle was then able to elude police and the pursuit was terminated.

As officers continued to search for the vehicle the Trenton Police Department received a call complaining that it was operating “aggressively” and subsequently located it disabled as a result of a collision in the area of Calhoun and West Hanover streets.  The female victim, 34 years old from Portland, ME was rescued by officers at this time and the male suspect fled on foot.  The vehicle was determined to have been stolen in Portland, ME and its license plate was also recently reported stolen in Philadelphia. 

An extensive search ensued for the suspect with assistance from the New Jersey State Police along with their aviation unit, Trenton Police Department, NJ Transit Police and Mercer County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit.  Despite these efforts the suspect was unable to be located and is identified as Paul Grandmaison, age 41, of Portland, ME.  Burlington City PD has issued a warrant charging Grandmaison with domestic violence aggravated assault, eluding and receiving stolen property.  Bordentown Township Police will file similar eluding and receiving stolen property offenses.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Grandmaison should contact the Burlington City PD at 609-386-3300 or Bordentown Township PD at 609-298-4300.  All tips will remain confidential.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Paul Grandmaison, age 41, of Portland, ME. An extensive search ensued for the suspect with assistance from the New Jersey State Police along with their aviation unit, Trenton Police Department, NJ Transit Police and Mercer County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit.  Despite these efforts the suspect was unable to be located and is identified as Paul Grandmaison, age 41, of Portland, ME.  Burlington City PD has issued a warrant charging Grandmaison with domestic violence aggravated assault, eluding and receiving stolen property.  Bordentown Township Police will file similar eluding and receiving stolen property offenses.

Trenton Corrections Officer Passes From COVID-19

April 23, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–NJ PBA Local 105 and NJ Department of Corrections has reported that Correctional Police Officer Maria Gibbs has lost her battle with the coronavirus. A total of 3 corrections officers have been lost in NJ bringing the police total to 9 known police officers who have fallen to this terrible disease.


List of first responders in NJ who have passed of COVID-19 if made public.

 As of 4/23/2020 not all families make COVID-19 deaths public. I know of a few that did not want public and are not listed. If you know of any that need to be included use contact link above and send in information with verification.

Firefighters:

March 2020

March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS**Also listed under EMS has 2 jobs.

April 2020

April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3  Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.***

April 15, 2020 Michael Burke, Singac Fire Company #3, Little Falls Fire Department

April 16, 2020 Richard Campbell, Edison Fire Department

April 16, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown, Port Monmouth Fire Company and Middletown First Aid Squad

April 18, 2020 David Clark, Bay Head Fire Company

Police:

April 2020

April 1, 2020 Bernard Waddell, Sr., Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Correction Officer.

April 3, 2020 Tolbert A. Furr, Newark Police Department.

April 9, 2020 Nelson Perdomo, NJ Department of Corrections, East Jersey State Prison, Avenel, Woodbridge.

April 12, 2020 AlTerek Patterson, Sergeant, Bedminster Police Department.

April 12, 2020 Francesco Scorpo, Sergeant, Paterson Police Department.

April 14, 2020 Daniel Francis, Newark Police Department.

April 16, 2020 Alex Ruperto, Union City Police Department

April 17, 2020 John Careccia, Chief, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad

April 22, 2020 Maria Gibbs, NJ Department of Corrections, Central Reception and Assignment, Trenton

EMS:  

March 2020

March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS** Also listed under fire department works 2 jobs.

April 2020

April 1, 2020 Reuven Maroth, Hackensack Volunteer Ambulance

April 5, 2020 Liana Sá, EMT, Watchung Rescue Squad

April 8, 2020 Kevin Leiva, EMT, North Bergen, Prime Healthcare EMS, Saint Clare’s Hospital.

April 9, 2020 Robert Tarrant, EMS Educator, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health

April 9, Frank Molinari, MD, NJSEA EMS

April 10, 2020 Terry Billington, MONOC EMS (Retired)

April 10, 2020 Solomon Donald, Trinitas EMS

April 13, 2020 Scott Geiger, Atlantic Ambulance Corp.

April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3** Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.

April 15, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue, Port Monmouth Fire Company**Also listed under Fire since having 2 jobs.

April 17, 2020 John Carrecia, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue

Medical:  

March 31, 2020 Doctor Frank Gabrin, East Orange General Hospital, and NYC.

March 31, 2020 Kim King-Smith, EKG Technician, Newark University Hospital.

Military:

March 30, 2020 Captain, Douglas Linn Hickok, NJ Army National Guard, Physician’s Assistant

NJOHSP Leads New Jersey’s Efforts to Combat Spread of COVID-19 Disinformation

April 23, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) is leading New Jersey’s efforts to combat COVID-19 disinformation, rumors, and scams that may impact residents and businesses throughout the State.

NJOHSP is collaborating with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey Regional Operations Intelligence Center, and New Jersey State Police to provide the public with guidance regarding false and fraudulent information and activity stemming from the pandemic. A webpage, “COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation Updates,” launched in mid-March is updated as new information becomes available.

“As we continue to aggressively fight the coronavirus through strict social distancing, the spread of inaccurate information on the impact and response related to this crisis is also dangerous,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The only way to beat this pandemic is if each of our 9 million residents continues to follow social distancing measures, guidance from public health officials, and by supporting each other. We must remain on course, and our administration is determined to keep everyone safe with reliable information.” 

The webpage, https://www.njohsp.gov/covid19, features unclassified intelligence products on COVID-19 disinformation, details about scams that New Jersey residents and visitors might be susceptible to, and cybersecurity alerts regarding potential threats to individuals and businesses caused by the pandemic. 

“The sharing of disinformation is one of many tactics gaining traction by those seeking to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, both across the United States and around the world,” said Jared M. Maples, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “These actions can be harmful and detract from the efforts of our frontline workers in healthcare and law enforcement. In partnership with our federal, State, and local partners, my Office is committed to increasing awareness of these practices with a convenient and routinely updated resource.”

Multiple foreign nations are leveraging the pandemic to sow anti-US sentiment and undermine the credibility of the United States. This includes nation-state actors such as China and Russia using disinformation campaigns via multiple mediums to alter the views of individuals and distort facts. Additionally, individuals and groups domestically are using false or misleading information about COVID-19 to target their perceived adversaries and conduct scams.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, a division of NJOHSP, has reported an increase in targeted cyber threats and attacks toward healthcare institutions and various companies throughout the State supporting work-from-home solutions, such as video teleconferencing platforms.

NJOHSP encourages the public to use legitimate and credible organizations for accurate information, as well as to fact check claims from competing sources. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, and the spread of disinformation can be stopped by choosing trusted sources of information. NJOHSP urges the public that if they “See Something, Say Something” by reporting suspicious activity to local authorities or the Counterterrorism Watch Desk by calling 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or emailing tips@njohsp.gov.

Breaking News: A Bizarre Afternoon In The City

April 22, 2020

Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A bunch of bizarre events in the city this afternoon led to crashes and a possible man hunt. No official information is available but there was an accident at 129 and Hamilton in front of the Arena, another vehicle crash involving a pickup truck in another location and police were looking for someone with bloodhounds on Calhoun Street. Check back once we find out what’s going on we will let you know.