September 11, 2021
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—Princeton held a dedication for a new memorial and a 9/11 ceremony at noon today. The Princeton 9/11 Committee dedicated a permanent memorial containing an 8-foot piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The Princeton 9/11 Memorial is located in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad at 2 Mount Lucas Road.
September 11, 2021
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony was held at the Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road this evening.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
September 11, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police Chief James M. Stevens, along with the Hamilton Police Division, took part in a somber event today during the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony and Memorial Rededication. Members of the Police & Fire Divisions, along with Mayor Jeffery S. Martin, Hamilton Council Members, Distinguished Guests, and Friends & Family gathered to pay respect to the men and women who lost their lives during the attacks that took place in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania 20 years ago today.
Gilbert Lugossy (Former Mercer County Sheriff), Deacon Robert Tharp (St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Colonel Robert Watson (ret. Director of Military Support, NJ Army National Guard), Chief James M. Stevens (Hamilton Police Division), Chief Richard Kraemer (Hamilton Fire Division), Mayor Jeffery S. Martin, and NJ State Parole Board Chairman, Samuel Plumeri Jr., spoke about the tragedies that occurred that day, the courage of the first responders and the resilience of Americans.
Mayor Jeffery S. Martin paid tribute to the five Hamiltonians who perished during the attacks; William Reed Bethke, Daniel Leonard Maher, Susan L. Schuler, Jeannine Damiani-Jones, and Richard Guadagno.
Today a redesigned 9/11 Memorial Grove was dedicated with a renewed pledge to NEVER FORGET 09.11.2001. Memorial wreaths were placed in the grove and a moment of silence was observed.
A special thank you to the Hamilton Police Division Honor Guard and Hamilton Township Fire Division Pipe & Drum Band for their Presentation and Retirement of the colors.
The ceremony was made possible by:
Office of Mayor Jeffery S. Martin
Hamilton Township Office of Emergency Management
Hamilton Township Department of Public Works
Hamilton Township Division of Recreation
Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee
Hamilton Township School District
EMS Squad 11 – Robert Wood-Johnson University Hospital of Hamilton
Emma Johnson, Shaughn Aderhold, Mckenna Fowler & James Murray – Hamilton Township School District Choir Students
Fiori’s Flowers for generously donating our Memorial Wreath
Hamilton PBA 66 and the Hamilton Career Firefighters Foundation for their Donation of Memorial Wreaths
Sean’s Landscaping for their Donation of Materials and Time in Constructing the Redesigned Memorial Grove
Photos by: Colin McCormick
September 11, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 was remembered today in Robbinsville at the 9/11 memorial on Lake Drive. The memorial is dedicated to Robbinsville Township resident Pamela Gaff and all others who lost their life on September 11, 2001.
Chief Daniel Schaffener said, “Twenty years ago today a terrible National tragedy unfolded in front of us, the worse terrorist attack against our nation killed thousands, including hundreds of firefighters and police officers. A beautiful September morning turned into a horrific chapter of our history. Although we can never erase those memories, we gather today to remember the fine Americans whose lives were taken from us.”
Robbinsville resident Pamela Gaff worked with the insurance broker Aon Corporation on the 102th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. She reported to work that beautiful September morning as did so many other Americans not knowing the terrible fate before them. According to Pamela’s family she was scheduled to become vice president of Aon in April of 2002.
Two wreaths were placed in the memory of Pamela Gaff and the 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City Police Officers, 37 Port Authority Police Officers and all those who died on September 11, 2001.
A signal 5-5-5 was transmitted using a bell for all those who died on September 11. A moment of silence was held for signifying the collapse of the South Tower collapse of the World Trade Center at 9:59 a.m. on September 11, 2001. The names of 343 New York City firefighters were read.
September 11, 2021
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Two 9/11 ceremonies were held in the township today. At 8:00 a.m., a remembrance ceremony was held at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township. The Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; was held at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.
September 11, 2021
Governor Phil Murphy attended 2021 Commemoration Ceremony for the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks held in New York City with President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama.
A ceremony was held in Jersey City at the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation’s Empty Sky Remembrance Ceremony. See Governor Murphy’s remarks below.
The U.S. Coast Guard held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ.
A 9/11 ceremony was held at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs campus in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Remarks by Governor Phil Murphy in Jersey City:
It is truly an honor to join you all for this commemoration.
I am honored to be among many friends … Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker … from my cabinet, the Adjutant General, Brigadier General Lisa Hou and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette … Mayor Steven Fulop … New York Waterway CEO and Chairman Armand Pohan … Survivor Wendy Lanski … 9/11 Memorial Foundation Chair Faith Miller.
Thank you, as well, to all the performers and units with us.
I will be brief. Not just because I want everyone I just mentioned to have time to share their thoughts, but also because today is not a day for words.
Today, words give way to reflection and remembrance. Today is a day to renew our commitment to the ideals upon which this country was founded, and which have flourished over more than 200 years – the ideals which were under attack 20 years ago today, liberty and unity.
For every generation, there are moments seared into our collective memory – the events we can recall, without hesitation and with near-perfect clarity, no matter how much time has passed, exactly where we were, and what we were doing.
September 11th is one of these days.
We feared for friends and loved ones – many who, to our great relief, were safe, including the thousands of precious lives that New York Waterway ferried to safety.
But there are also the 750 New Jerseyans – among the many, many hundreds more – who, to our extreme grief, were lost.
And there are also the towers, removed from the skyline in a matter of hours.
A span of twenty years means that while so many of us were alive to witness the attacks and their aftermath – whether we watched on television, gazed across the Hudson River from this spot, or stood on the streets of lower Manhattan – there is now an entire generation for whom 9/11 is just pictures and words.
They are a generation who never viewed the silhouette of the Twin Towners against a rising sun. They never experienced the rite of so many schoolchildren before them of a class trip to the roof – where it seemed you could touch the sky itself.
And, hard as it is to believe, twenty years means they are now entering adulthood.
For them, there is a new tower. But, for us, we will always remember the Twin Towers, and empty sky of the night of September 11, 2001.
Faith and the 9/11 Memorial Foundation, along with survivors and their families, are doing tremendous work to ensure that September 11th isn’t ever relegated to textbooks. The Empty Sky memorial is vital to this effort, as are the countless stories we must remember.
But the work is not theirs alone.
As we commemorate this 20th anniversary, all of us must ensure this and future generations continue to honor all those lost on that day…
…The men and women who went to work, and the families who boarded planes, not knowing what lay ahead.
…The first responders who rushed to help, whether it be the those receiving the wounded here in Jersey City, those rushing into the once-proud towers in New York, those racing to the smoking ruins at the Pentagon, or those called to an open field in the small town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
And we honor the ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary resolve in extraordinary times.
There is a saying, “Time heals all wounds.” Of course, for every saying, there is an exception. Today is certainly one. Time may have dried our collective tears, but time will never erase the names and the stories of those who were lost.
They will always be in our hearts. Their memories will live within us, and as we look toward the heavens, the sky will never truly be empty.
Governor Phil Murphy ordered that U.S and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Saturday, September 11, 2021, in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 innocent people, of whom nearly 750 were New Jersey residents, that were killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
“20 years ago, hundreds of New Jerseyans left home for the last time,” said Governor Murphy. “Their lives were stolen in the September 11th attacks, along with thousands of other innocent men and women. We will never forget those taken from us that day, nor will we forget the sacrifices and efforts of first responders who saved the lives of countless civilians. We must also remember all the members of our armed forces and intelligence agencies who have defended our nation during the last 20 years, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
On September 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., police officers from the Wall Township Police Department attended the September 11th Memorial Service at the Wall Township Municipal Complex. Also in attendance were Wall Township Volunteer First Responders, Wall Township Committee members and families of 9/11 victims. During the ceremony, Chief Kenneth Brown Jr. spoke about the police department’s response to Ground Zero.
September 11, 2021
WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)– The 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony was held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., on Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony.
Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes.
September 11, 2021
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 1:00 p.m. Monroe Township fire companies were dispatched to a house fire in the 1st Block of Sherry Lane. A column of smoke could be seen in the sky and a 2nd alarm was called around 1:04 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters reported having a large amount of fire showing on the second floor and extending to the attic. Three lines were pulled and in operation to knock down the fire according to radio reports. Jamesburg, Hightstown, East Windsor and Plainsboro were dispatched for mutual aid and a fire coordinator was called to the scene. Firefighters reported the bulk of the fire knocked down around 1:16 p.m. and an ALS unit was called for smoke inhalation.
No further information is available at this time.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
September 11, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–In statements released by both Ewing Township Police and Ewing Township Board of Education stated that a fight broke out after halftime at Lawrence Township at Ewing Township High School last night after 6:00 p.m. Police and high school staff broke up the fight and police found a handgun on a juvenile. The fight involved juveniles not involved with either of the schools that were playing the game.
See statements from the Ewing Township Board of Education as well as Ewing Township Police below:
District Statement on Incident at EHS Football Game on September 10th, 2021
On Friday evening at 6PM, Ewing High School hosted Lawrence High School for a varsity football game.
This was our first major athletic event with spectators since March of 2020 and a large crowd was in attendance.
Shortly after halftime, a fight broke out between a group of individuals on the home side of the athletic complex.
These individuals were not students at Ewing High School, nor were they students of Lawrence High School. This incident had nothing to do with students of either school, any kind of dispute between the schools, or the game being played.
Ewing Township police and our district staff responded quickly to the fight. In breaking up the fight, it was discovered that one of the individuals had a firearm in his possession.
As police addressed the situation and arrested the individual, the decision was made to clear the athletic complex of spectators, and the game was paused.
The game later resumed and concluded in front of only a small group of family members, staff and police.
We are very disappointed that this incident occurred and saddened and frustrated that a group of individuals could ruin what should be a fun and positive event.
It is clear from this incident that certain security concerns in the climate of Covid-19 are heightened. The administration will reflect on this occurrence, review with stakeholders including the Ewing Township police, and make adjustments in our scheduling, site supervision plan and procedures to prevent something like this from occurring again.
The district would like to thank the Ewing Township police for their assistance, and apologize to anyone who was negatively impacted by this incident.
Statement from Ewing Township Police Department:
September 11, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:33 a.m. the Hamilton Township Fire Department was dispatched to 16 Glendon Road for a house fire with possible entrapment. Numerous 9-1-1 calls were reporting heavy fire and when firefighters arrived they reported a house was fully involved in fire with fire through the roof. Firefighters quickly stretched a 2 1/2″ hand line and made entry to combat the fire and attempted a primary search. Firefighters had to back off and switch to an exterior operation as the roof collapsed and electrical service to the home fell to the ground. Eventually four handlines were stretched to bring the fire under control in less than 20 minutes after arrival.
The Hamilton Township Fire Marshal was called to the scene as well as the Construction Official and Electrical Inspector.
There is no further details available at this time. Radio reports indicated that the home was recently sold and was possibly under a renovation and was vacant at the time of the fire.
September 11, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive, Brian M. Hughes said, It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since the terrorist attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Tragically, we’ve lost many more since; heroic first responders and others who spent weeks and months working at Ground Zero, and who have since died from cancer or respiratory illness.
While 20 years may seem like a long time, we continue to mourn the loss of innocent life on that fateful day. In Mercer County, many residents lost loved ones and friends, and continue to bear the scars of having their lives changed forever by senseless violence. So, every year on this date, we honor the victims of September 11 by coming together in solemn remembrance, quiet reflection and in service.
But honoring their memory isn’t limited to a formal ceremony on or near the anniversary date.
The County’s September 11 Memorial – which opened in Mercer County Park in West Windsor on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 – was designed to be a special place where people can go for solace and comfort 365 days a year. I encourage everyone to visit that memorial when the time is right for you, to spend a few moments in quiet reflection and remembrance.
And most importantly, each and every day, we can honor the memory of the victims of September 11 by embracing peace and hope, and not losing sight of the principles on which America stands, such as tolerance, inclusion and caring. Each and every day, we can honor their memory by celebrating our oneness as a nation and our unity in the face of adversity.
8 a.m., New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township.
8:30 a.m., Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.
9:45 a.m., Robbinsville Professional Firefighters Association will conduct its 20th annual ceremony at the 9/11 memorial site on Lake Drive.
10 a.m., Hamilton Township September 11th 20th Anniversary Ceremony; Memorial Grove, Veterans Park, Klockner Road Entrance, Hamilton.
10 a.m., East Windsor Township 9/11 Program & Wreath Laying Ceremony, East Windsor Municipal Building, Lanning Blvd.
10:30 a.m., Ewing Township 9/11 20th Anniversary Ceremony, Ewing Township Municipal Complex, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing.
11 a.m., Hopewell Valley 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Woolsey Park, presented by the Sept. 11th & Emergency Services Memorial Committee.
12 noon, Princeton’s 9/11 Memorial Dedication, 2 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. The 9/11 Committee will dedicate a permanent memorial containing an 8-foot piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
7 p.m., West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony; Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road.
September 11, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced yesterday that FEMA has approved a Major Disaster Declaration in Mercer County, allowing individuals impacted by Tropical Storm Ida last week to register at www.disasterassistance.gov for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery.
Mr. Hughes urged those who were impacted by last week’s storm to register for assistance that may include home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans and other programs. FEMA advises individuals who have homeowners or renters insurance to file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, but those who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for federal assistance.
“I greatly appreciate FEMA’s response to the situation here in Mercer County, where residents in some of our communities are in dire need of assistance,” Mr. Hughes said. “And I thank the Biden Administration, Senators Booker and Menendez, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Governor Phil Murphy, as well as our county Office of Emergency Management, for their help in getting Mercer much-needed federal aid and accelerating our recovery process. I also thank our residents for their patience and perseverance during this difficult time.”
The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
When you apply for assistance, FEMA advises having the following information readily available:
• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security number
• A general list of damage and losses
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.
• For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits, up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.
• For homeowners: up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.
Businesses and residents canapply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.For information and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage.
In addition, residents in need of assistance with damage from Tropical Storm Ida may call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups that may be able to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring and appliances, tarping roofs and mitigating mold. The hotline will remain open through Sept. 17.
September 11, 2021
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Holly Township Police Chief Richard Spitler announced that a 29-year-old Mount Holly resident was charged Friday with fatally stabbing the man whose body was discovered earlier this week behind a Mount Holly convenience store.
Jimir Wynn, of the 100 block of Washington Street, was charged with Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (Fourth Degree).
Wynn, who was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, will have a first appearance today in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began the afternoon of September 7, when Mount Holly police officers were dispatched to Millerie’s Market & Deli at the corner of Rancocas Road and King Street for a report that an adult male’s body had been found behind the store.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the victim, Sean Reynolds, 31, of Brick Township, had been stabbed multiple times.
The investigation revealed that Reynolds had been killed the night of September 6. The investigation further revealed that Reynolds was with Wynn near Wynn’s home earlier that evening. The motive for the slaying is still being investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Mount Holly Township Police Department.
Assisting agencies include the Westampton Police Department, Pemberton Township Police Department, and Burlington County Sheriff’s Department.
The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Brian Cunninghan, BCPO Detective Melyssa Alonso and MHTPD Detective Nicholas Dell-Priscoli.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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