TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, November 23, 2020, in honor of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Richard Asey Samaroo, who tragically passed away while on active duty in South Korea.
Samaroo was a resident of North Brunswick. “Senior Airman Samaroo was taken from us far too soon, at the young age of 21,” said Governor Murphy. “Richard served his community, his state, and his country with honor and distinction. Tammy and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Senior Airman Samaroo’s family, friends, and colleagues during this time.”
Rico Samaroo passed away while on active duty at Osan Air force Base in South Korea. He was 21 years old.
Rico was born in Guyana and came to the United States in 2003. He resided in New Brunswick, Parsippany, Flemington and Northampton Pennsylvania before moving back to North Brunswick where he has lived since.
He attended Livingston Park Elementary, Linwood Middle School and North Brunswick High School where he graduated class of 2017 with honors. He soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force. Rico completed his basic training at Lackland Airforce Base in Texas then completed his military schooling at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. Rico served in Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany for two years and Osan Air Force Base in South Korea since May of 2020.
He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, The Global War on Terror Medal, the M-16 Expert Qualifying Medal and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
He was predeceased by his Grandfather Albert Samaroo.
Rico is survived by his parents Richard and Bibi Samaroo, a sister Zhane Samaroo, His grand parents along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Friends and family may visit from 5-9 MP on Thursday evening at the Gleason Funeral Home 1360 Hamilton Street in Somerset. A brief funeral ceremony will take place on Friday morning at 8:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veteran Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Due to cemetery restrictions, graveside services at the cemetery will be by direct invitation from the family.
Please know due to the COVID-19 outbreak we must limit capacity inside the funeral home. Face coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing must be observed.
We also ask you please enter the funeral home, pay your respects to the deceased and the family, then please take your leave so others may come inside.
By request of the family, please do not send flowers.
We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, Governor Murphy signed the following bill:S-238/A-1106 (Singleton, Sarlo/Murphy, Stanfield, Schaer) – Revises law governing training and duties of Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary members.
The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Committee Substitute No. 1106.
As reported and amended by the committee, Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly No. 1106 revises current law regarding the Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary.
Under current law, a person between the ages of 14 and 21 who obtains permission from a parent or guardian may become a member of the Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary with a volunteer fire department. This committee substitute reduces the age limit for membership to persons between the ages of 14 and 18.
The committee substitute also allows a fire district, regional authority, or county in this State that maintains a paid or volunteer fire department to establish a Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary. Under current law, only volunteer fire departments are permitted to establish a Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary.
In addition, the committee substitute requires Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary applicants to be interviewed by officers of the fire department with a parent or guardian present. Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary applicants also are required to submit documentation from a qualified physician verifying that the applicant is medically able to perform the activities of the auxiliary.
Current labor law provides that minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from participating in certain work-related tasks, but allows an exemption for members of the Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliary who are 16 years of age or older and perform authorized fire-related duties. This committee substitute reduces this age exemption from 16 to 14 years of age.
The committee substitute also requires entities establishing Junior Firefighters’ Auxiliaries to provide a minimum amount of workers’ compensation insurance to auxiliary members who perform certain duties. Current law requires auxiliary members to be provided with insurance coverage identical to that provided to regular members of the fire department or district.
The committee substitute also grants the Commissioner of Community Affairs authority to promulgate regulations pertaining to the training of Junior Firefighter Auxiliary members and establish the duties they may perform at training events and emergency scenes. The regulations are to become effective immediately upon being filed with the Office of Administrative Law and remain in effect for 180 days. Thereafter, the commissioner is required to amend, adopt, or readopt the regulations in accordance with “Administrative Procedure Act.” Finally, the committee substitute replaces the term “firemen” with the preferred, gender neutral term, “firefighter.”
As reported by the committee, Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly No. 1106 is identical to Senate Committee Substitute for Senate No. 238 which also was amended and reported by the committee on this date
BREAKING NEWS REPORT: This if from on scene, sources and radio reports. If official information is released the story will be updated. We have a reporter and photographer on scene and will have more photos and information as it becomes available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The carnage continues in a city of horror as three more people were shot tonight just before 5:00 pm. in the 700-800 Block of Stuyvesant Avenue near Hoffman Avenue.
Sources tell MidJersey.News that Trenton Police received a “Shot Spotter” activation with at least 17 rounds fired, and was immediately followed by a 9-1-1 call from a male stating he was shot in the abdomen. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded.
When Police, Fire and EMS arrived it was discovered that three people were shot and needed emergency care. Additional ambulances, two more paramedic units and one additional fire engine were send to the scene for help. After fire and EMS treated the patients all three were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
An email has been sent to official police sources for comment. Trenton Police usually does not provide comment if the shooting is not fatal in nature. Once the shooting is reported as fatal the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office issues the information. What is contained in this report is what we know and if different official information is received the story will be updated, corrections and additions made.
Sources also tell MidJersey.News that a shots were fired about an hour earlier on Styvasant Trenton Police were looking for a Silver Nissan Altima that was possibly stolen with a shooter in the back of the vehicle. The vehicle drove off towards Prospect Street.
There was also a reported car jacking at 7:30 am this morning. Police are looking for a Toyota Vienna that is beige or silver in color. Reportedly 2 men car jacked the vehicle using a hand gun and an AR-15 style weapon, the guns fit the descriptions of one used in the Pearl Street homicide.
There have been 37 murders in the City of Trenton and many, many other shootings, stabbings and other violence that usually does not get reported in the media. The last murder on November 17, 2020 tied the all time record of 37 set in 2013.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–All 3 South Brunswick fire companies – Kendall Park, Kingston, and Monmouth Junction fire departments responded to a house fire on Richford Road today. At 2 pm today, South Brunswick Officer Greg Boldizar and Sergeant Anthony Pisano spotted smoke coming from a home on Richford Road. The officers immediately notified dispatch and went to the residence. The family had already evacuated the home. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on one side of the house which had spread along the wall into the attic and roof. Kendall Park Fire Chief Chris Perez said, “We used a transitional attack moving from the exterior to the interior to push back the flames. It was a total team effort to bring the fire under control in 15 minutes.” Two nearby homes were evacuated while firefighters battled the blaze.
In addition to the South Brunswick fire companies, the Franklin and North Brunswick fire companies were on the scene as well as South Brunswick EMS and North Brunswick First Aid Squad. There were no injuries.
The preliminary indication of the cause of the fire was a lawnmower caught fire on the outside of the home, which set the house on fire. A nearby propane grill also caught fire. The South Brunswick Fire Marshal is conducting the investigation and will make a final determination.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 2:00 pm this afternoon multiple fire departments were sent to the 1st Block of Richford Road in the Kendall Park section for a 2-Alarm fire. Heavy fire was on the right side of the building and was burning in the area of the garage. There were no reported injuries in the fire but the home suffered extensive damage. No further information is available at this time.
Multiple fire departments working at house fire on Richford Road in Kendall Park section of the Township. No injuries but home heavily damaged. pic.twitter.com/61DRFMTQSe
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A truck traveling on the NJ Turnpike south bound in the outer roadway in the area of 63.7 south bound lost control in a crash and overturned between the inner and outer roadway. (Truck and car lanes). The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS was originally sent for a person trapped in the truck but turned out the drive was able to get out on their own power. One person did suffer non-life-threating injuries and was transported to a local hospital. No further information was available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (A1649), which protects the home addresses and telephone numbers of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers from public disclosure. The bill, known as “Daniel’s Law,” is named in honor of Daniel Anderl, the late son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. Daniel fell victim to a senseless act of gun violence committed by an individual who had compiled a dossier of personal information about Judge Salas, including the judge’s home address.
“This is a renewed commitment to ensure our judiciary, prosecutors, and members of law enforcement who answer the call of justice can do so without fear for their personal safety, or that of their loved ones,” said Governor Murphy. “By shielding the home addresses and private contact information for those who serve on the bench and enforce our laws, we are demonstrating that in the face of unspeakable tragedy, New Jersey responds not with thoughts and prayers, but with concrete action.”
“My husband, Mark, and I would like to thank Governor Murphy and all the men and women of the New Jersey State Legislature for enacting this trailblazing legislation,” said U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. “We hope this law can be a steppingstone to improving the security of my sisters and brothers who serve as federal judges throughout the country. Nobody should be forced to endure the kind of pain my family has experienced ever again. Together we can work to ensure that all members of the judiciary (federal, state, and municipal courts) can perform their duties without fear of retribution or harm. Daniel used to say, ‘Mom, I love talking with you.’ I know Daniel is listening now, and he is smiling down on us today because he knows that with this bill signing, we are doing our part to ensure that his death will not be in vain.”
The bill amends the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”) to exclude from the definition of a government (i.e., public) record the portion of any document which discloses the home address of any active or retired 1) judge, 2) prosecutor or 3) law enforcement officer.
Further, the bill prohibits government agencies, individuals and businesses from knowingly publishing on the internet, or otherwise making available, the home address or unpublished home telephone number of any active or retired judge or any active or retired prosecutor.
The bill also enables any active or retired judge, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer whose home address or unpublished telephone number is disclosed on the internet or otherwise made available to the public, or whose immediate family member’s name, home address, or unpublished phone number is disclosed on the internet or otherwise made available to the public, to request that the information be removed. The government agency, individual or business would be required to remove the information within 72 hours of receiving such a request in writing.
“Daniel Anderl’s tragic death reminds us that the disclosure of personal information can leave judges and family members vulnerable to threats and violence,” said Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. “We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for taking this important step to provide common sense protections for active and retired judges and their families, along with others in the justice system, in the hope that a future tragedy can be prevented.”
“Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers all play vital roles in keeping the public safe, but in doing so, they often jeopardize their own safety, becoming targets of vengeful criminals or litigants,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “We need to protect them as they protect all of us. This commonsense law will go a long way to ensure the privacy and security of these public servants and their families.”
“To everyone who played a role in getting this done, I thank you. However, our work does not end here. We must extend these privacy protections nationwide, so that no one lives through what Judge Salas and her husband lived through,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. “We are living in a time of endless vitriol, rising hate crimes, and increased personal attacks. And while we may not be able to eliminate hatred from someone’s heart, we can take action to better protect the men and women of our federal bench. That’s why I am proud to see Governor Murphy sign Daniel’s Law here in New Jersey– and why I remain committed to the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act in Washington.”
“No person who takes on the responsibility of serving as a federal judge should ever have to live in fear that they or their family could be targeted by someone who is able to easily access their personal information,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Judge Salas and her husband, Mark, have gone through something that no parent should ever have to endure. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Murphy, Senator Cryan, and Assemblywoman Quijano as we honor the memory of Daniel with a commitment that this should never happen again.”
Primary sponsors of A1649 include Assemblymembers Annette Quijano, Yvonne Lopez, Craig Coughlin, and Ralph Caputo, and Senators Joe Cryan, Nicholas Scutari, Nellie Pou, and Bob Smith.
“Making tough decisions is part of the job for judges and prosecutors. Sometimes these decisions aren’t popular, and they become a target. It’s frightening to think that disgruntled individuals may be able to find their home addresses and personal phone numbers readily available at the touch of a button.” said Assemblymembers Quijano, Lopez, Coughlin and Caputo in a joint statement. “Our hearts continue to break for Judge Salas and her family. The goal of this bill is to better protect the privacy of judges and prosecutors by prohibiting their personal addresses and contact information from being shared online without their consent.”
“This law will honor the legacy of Daniel Anderl and respect the loving memories of his family,” said Senator Joe Cryan, a former Union County Sheriff who oversaw courthouse security in Union County. “This was a tragic act of violence targeted at a respected judge and her family because the gunman was able to locate their home address. It was also an attack on the justice system that was felt by everyone who serves or has served in law enforcement. They devote their lives to the safety of the public – they should be kept safe as well.”
“We must act to protect our public officials and their families from potential attacks,” said Senator Nicholas Scutari, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The targeting of Judge Salas at her private residence by a gunman, resulting in the tragic death of her son and the serious wounding of her husband, underscores the need for us to do more to protect our judges and their families. Domestic terrorism is a very real threat in today’s society. Not long ago, a gunman attempted to take the life of then-Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, another gunman opened fire at a congressional softball game and, most recently, there was the foiled plot to kidnap and murder the governor of Michigan. This is a vital first step in ensuring the safety of our public officials in New Jersey.”
“Judges and other court officers who serve our legal system deserve to be protected from any possible attack or retaliation for merely performing their sworn duties. What happened to Judge Esther Salas, and her family, and in particular the fatal shooting of her son, Daniel, in his own home, must never happen again,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “This law, restricting access to home addresses of judges and others who work in our court system will add a needed layer of protection for these public servants.”
“As a representative and resident from Middlesex County, I was shocked, heartbroken and angered by the home attack on Judge Salas and her family, which left her husband critically wounded and ended in the death of her son, Daniel,” saidSenator Bob Smith. “The Salas family are among my constituents, so it is important for me that I am a part of any action we take in response to this horrific incident. We have to do more to protect our judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers from violent retaliation, especially in a time when people are actually planning physical violence against civil servants.”
“This measure takes the steps necessary to obscure details about judges that could put them and their families at risk,” said Senator Robert Singer. “There is so much information exchanged online, and a reckless post or an innocuous comment can, in the wrong hands, be dangerous. Enacting this law will help increase security for judges our legal system relies on.”
The bill, known as “Daniel’s Law,” is named in honor of Daniel Anderl, the late son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. Daniel fell victim to a senseless act of gun violence committed by an individual who had compiled a dossier of personal information about Judge Salas, including the judge’s home address.
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