Day: May 31, 2023

Cape May, Cape May

Coast Guard Training Center Cape May Celebrates 75 Years of Recruit Training

May 31, 2023

Story by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney

CAPE MAY, NJ — The Coast Guard could be considered a “diamond in the rough” amongst the U.S. military branches. It is small but mighty, performing 11 statutory missions across the globe with an active-duty workforce just over 11% the size of the Army. Founded in 1790, the beginnings of the Coast Guard can be traced back to when the very first U.S. Congress – and George Washington himself – authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling, a fleet later known as the Revenue Cutter Service.

Despite operating under a different name, the Coast Guard proudly served as the nation’s only armed force afloat until the Navy was established in 1798. It wasn’t until 1915 when Congress merged the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service that the official name “U.S. Coast Guard” was established.

Throughout centuries of successful operation within the maritime domain, the Coast Guard gained popularity and the United States consolidated more and more mission objectives into the service. In 1939, the Lighthouse Service merged with the Coast Guard, and in 1946 the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation was merged into the service as well, which swept merchant marine licensing, merchant vessel safety and aids to navigation maintenance into its already broad purview.

During this rapid expansion of the service, World War I, Prohibition, and World War II came and went, and throughout that time Coast Guard members were entering the service at a rapid rate. Before the start of WWI, basic training for Coast Guard personnel was practically non-existent since the majority of men joining the service were experienced watermen or local mariners. Once WWI started, Coast Guardsmen began getting assigned to boat stations and cutters to receive hands-on training after entering the service.

When the United States entered WWII, the urgent need for lots of trained manpower led to the establishment of training centers and receiving stations across the nation to prepare inexperienced civilians for service in the Coast Guard. Some of the more prominent locations included Port Townsend, Washington; New Orleans, Louisiana; Alameda, California; Manhattan Beach, New York; and the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland. After WWII ended, the Coast Guard’s desire to centralize enlisted recruit training to one location became a top priority.

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., the Coast Guard’s only accession point for the enlisted workforce, was originally built as an airfield by the Navy in 1917 and was used for reconnaissance operations during World War I. When the U.S. entered Prohibition, the Coast Guard began using the base jointly with the Navy to deter and interdict rum runners in the Delaware Bay. In 1924, the Coast Guard established air facilities on the property and throughout the next 20 years, military operations varied between the Coast Guard and the Navy. But in June 1946, the Coast Guard took exclusive ownership of the base.

At that moment in time, the Coast Guard still had two main locations for enlisted recruit training: one in Alameda, California, and one in Mayport, Florida. In 1948, the recruit training center in Florida closed and relocated to Cape May where on May 31, 1948, Coast Guard Receiving Center Cape May officially opened as a recruit training center. Nearly 48 years later in 1982, the Alameda training base also closed and Training Center Cape May earned its renown as the sole enlisted training center for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Back then, Training Center Cape May was capable of handling up to 200 recruits monthly, and over the years, basic training varied in length from eight to 12 weeks. Over the past 75 years of recruit training, the facilities have expanded rapidly, which has allowed the Coast Guard to increase the targeted number of recruits trained and graduated to approximately 4,000 recruits in 2023 alone. Over 80% of the Coast Guard’s workforce has passed through the gates at Cape May to receive the training necessary to protect, defend, and save the nation they selflessly serve.

“The Coast Guard’s missions have continued to expand and Training Center Cape May has, and will, continue to expand with it,” said Capt. Warren Judge, 33rd commanding officer of Training Center Cape May. “As Coast Guard women and men are deployed worldwide overseeing and carrying out the Coast Guard’s 11 statutory missions, Training Center Cape May continues to work vigorously to produce basically trained, physically fit, fleet-ready women and men for the world’s best Coast Guard. The Coast Guard’s mission and our training mission never stop; therefore, our staff works tirelessly to execute excellence for our fleet.”

Keeping in step with the service’s expansion, Training Center Cape May has more than $50 million in authorized projects to expand its recruit living quarters and begin planning for the construction of a new multi-purpose, all-weather training facility.

“These new buildings would be revolutionary for our program and our people,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Radford Hoffpauir, command master chief of Training Center Cape May. “We’ve needed a new gym and indoor track for our recruits to safely take their physical fitness tests during our rainy, snowy, or extremely high temperature days. This facility would also include a multi-purpose facility for large indoor functions such as our weekly recruit graduations, official ceremonies, and all-hands meetings and inspections. Admiral Linda Fagan, our commandant of the Coast Guard says, ‘Tomorrow looks different, and so will we,’ and we’re really embodying that here because in addition to expanding our facilities, we’re expanding our reach for potential recruits too.”

The Coast Guard has recently found success with the new joint-service English Language Training Program (ELTP), which allows the service to take prospective recruits with limited English language capabilities and send them to school with the U.S. Army to learn English full-time. They return to Coast Guard boot camp once they have graduated the language program and integrate back in with a company to train toward becoming a Coast Guard service member. As of May 2023, five recruits have attended and graduated from the ELTP; all five also successfully completed Coast Guard basic training and are now working in the fleet. Training Center Cape May currently has four more recruits enrolled in the ELTP, with two more slated for the near future.

In addition, Training Center Cape May has also recently tested the limits and capabilities of the current eight-week recruit training program itself by piloting a new 10-week recruit training beta program. With the extended two weeks of recruit training, the training center has incorporated more physical fitness sessions, more stretching and recovery sessions, and has introduced a new “Coast Guard Toughness” program into their new basic training beta company to develop stronger, more resilient recruits to send to the fleet.

Training Center Cape May’s mission is to transform the recruits of today into the Coast Guard men and women of tomorrow. They take civilian volunteers and put them under eight weeks of pressure, sharpening their wits and reaction times, forging them into the hardworking, dedicated servicemembers that shine and embody the Coast Guard’s core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. They forge diamonds for the fleet, and it’s only appropriate that the Coast Guard celebrates their training center’s 75th anniversary – their diamond anniversary – with a bit of a flourish and recognize their most important training asset: Their People.

“As we pay homage to all Coast Guard members and their families for the past 75 years, please know when you visit Training Center Cape May, you are always welcome home,” said Capt. Judge.

Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a public Memorial Day Weekend Sunset Parade to honor Coast Guard Gold Star families, May 28, 2023, in Cape May, N.J.. The Coast Guard Gold Star Program is the Coast Guard’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Coast Guard members who die while in an Active status. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a public Memorial Day Weekend Sunset Parade to honor Coast Guard Gold Star families, May 28, 2023, in Cape May, N.J.. The Coast Guard Gold Star Program is the Coast Guard’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Coast Guard members who die while in an Active status. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Quebec-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 12, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Quebec-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 12, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Quebec-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 12, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Quebec-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 12, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Sierra-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 26, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Graduates from recruit company Sierra-203 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 26, 2023. Training Center Cape May personnel develop an aligned, positioned and trained workforce employed to provide efficient and effective services, and ensures the workforce receives the tools, resources and training to maximize our mission effectiveness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Lakewood, Ocean County

Suspicious Death Investigation In Lakewood, NJ

May 31, 2023

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 30, 2023, the Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court in reference to a wellness check.  Responding Officers found the body of a deceased female.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating. 

“This is a suspicious death and this remains an active and ongoing investigation.  There is no danger to the public and more information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

If anyone has any information concerning this investigation they are urged to contact Detective Olga Brylevskaya of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027 or Detective Matthew Richardson of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.

State of NJ

Bridgeton Man Found Guilty in Connection with Shooting of NJ State Police Detective in 2020 in Pittsgrove

May 31, 2023

SALEM, N.J. — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the conviction of one of the defendants charged in the shooting of a New Jersey State Police detective in 2020 while the detective was investigating a home invasion at a Salem County mobile home park.

Tremaine Hadden, 30, of Bridgeton, N.J., was found guilty of six counts by a Salem County jury: aggravated assault, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain persons not to possess weapons — all second-degree offenses — as well as third-degree riot. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of attempted murder. 

Hadden was one of 14 defendants indicted in connection with an incident on Saturday, April 25, 2020, that culminated with the shooting of New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Detective Richard Hershey in Pittsgrove, N.J.

“Those who resort to violence against our courageous men and women in uniform as they try to do their duty and protect the public will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Law enforcement officers daily put themselves in danger in service to their communities, and my office will prosecute criminals who threaten or injure them to the fullest extent of the law. We look forward to bringing the remaining defendants in this case to justice.”

“We are gratified that the jury convicted Tremaine Hadden after he shot one of New Jersey’s finest while acting in the line of duty,” said Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). “Hadden and the other defendants demonstrated contempt for the law and for law enforcement. By heroically confronting this mob and putting his own life at risk, Detective Hershey likely saved others from injury or worse.”

“This brazen assault on Detective Richard Hershey endangered the lives of innocent bystanders, and by standing his ground while outnumbered and under a barrage of gunfire, Detective Hershey undoubtedly prevented this from becoming a mass casualty incident,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We never relented in our pursuit to hold these individuals accountable for their violent criminal conduct.”

The conviction stems from an investigation by NJSP, OPIA and the Division of Criminal Justice. According to the evidence, Detective Hershey was investigating a home invasion in which a woman was beaten and robbed at the Harding Woods mobile home park on Harding Highway in Pittsgrove on April 25, 2020.

While Detective Hershey was at the scene of that crime, which had occurred several hours earlier, a hostile mob of 15 people linked to the assailants in the home invasion arrived in a caravan of five vehicles — intending to attack and injure a resident at the mobile home park and damage her residence. The members of the caravan were armed with at least two handguns, one knife, and one bottle.

Some members of the caravan exited their vehicles and confronted Detective Hershey, who identified himself as a law enforcement officer and gave commands in an effort to control the intruders. Hadden along with two others, Najzeir “Naz” Hutchings and Kareen “Kai” Warner, who are both from Bridgeton and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault earlier this month, opened fire on Detective Hershey at approximately 10:40 p.m. 

Hadden fired at Detective Hershey numerous times from one vehicle, while Hutchings and Warner shot at him numerous times from another vehicle. Detective Hershey was struck in the hip and seriously wounded. He returned fire with his service weapon and the suspects fled the scene.

Hadden faces over 40 years in prison when he is sentenced by state Superior Court Judge John Eastlack presiding in Salem County on August 11, 2023.

The remaining suspects were charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and third-degree rioting, while some were additionally charged with weapons offenses.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Erik Daab and Deputy Attorneys General Nicole Wise and Jennifer Davis, along with Trial Assistants Nathalie Kurzawa and Maureen Hitchens, DCJ Media Specialist Erika Neary, Deputy Attorney General Abigail R. Holmes, Deputy Chief of the OPIA Integrity Bureau Debra Conrad, and OPIA Executive Director Eicher.

The shooting investigation was conducted by the New Jersey State Police, specifically the Major Crime Unit South, Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office, Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Cold Case Unit of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Division of Criminal Justice, and arrests were made by the New Jersey State Police Fugitive and TEAMS Units. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Defense attorney for Hadden: Jordan G. Zeitz, Media, PA

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Burlington, Chesterfield

Chesterfield Township Police Department Issues Crime Alert For Catalytic Conveter Thefts

May 31, 2023

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Chesterfield Township Police Department has issued a Crime Alert for catalytic converter thefts. Numerous reports of catalytic converter thefts were reported to Chesterfield Township Police Department by residents in the Old York village section of the township. These thefts occurred to vehicles overnight / in the early morning hours of Wednesday May 31, 2023. Please be aware and observant and report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or central communications at 609-723-8300. Chesterfield Township Police Department is actively investigating the thefts. If you have any tips or leads please call CTPD at 609-291-0912

Catalytic converter theft is a National problem due to the valuable metals inside the converters. Recent MidJersey.news stories on catalytic converter theft:

Governor Murphy Announces Comprehensive Plan to Combat Auto Theft in New Jersey
Raids In New Jersey As Law Enforcement Takes Down Nationwide Network Of Catalytic Converter Thieves, Dealers And Processors For Roles In Conspiracies Involving Stolen Catalytic Converters Sold For Tens Of Millions Of Dollars
Yesterday’s Catalytic Converter Raid Nets 200 Pallets Of Catalytic Converters, $2Million in Exotic Autos, $1Million Currency, 29 Ounces Of Gold Bars, Jewlery And High-Value Handbags, In Operation Heavy Metal
Catalytic Converter Thieves From Minnesota Arrested In Toms River, NJ
Bordentown Township Police Bust Pair In $13K Catalytic Converter Thefts
Trenton Man Arrested In Ewing With Drugs And Burglar’s Tools Used In Catalytic Converter Type Thefts
Theft Arrest In Hamilton Township

File photo of catalytic converters from a raid in North Hanover Township, NJ in 2022

State of NJ

NY Man Pleads Guilty To Transporting Minors Across State Lines Into NJ To Engage In Illicit Sexual Conduct

On Feb. 24, 2021, Norman invited two female victims, both minors, to travel with him from Ohio to New Jersey. Norman traveled from Ohio to New Jersey and from New Jersey to New York with victims with the intent to engage in a sexual act with them or for the purpose of producing child pornography. On Feb. 27, 2021, Norman engaged in sexual acts with one victim. On Feb. 28, 2021, Norman and the victims traveled to New York City.

May 31, 2023

TRENTON, N.J. – A New York man admitted transporting minors across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Berry Norman, 35, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court on May 30, 2023, to an information charging him with interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

“Sexual crimes involving children are among the most serious crimes we prosecute,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “The conduct admitted by this defendant is reprehensible, and he will now face the appropriate punishment for his crime.”

“Berry Norman’s actions were despicable by luring innocent minors down a dark path of horrific abuse and emotional trauma,” Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Newark, Ricky J. Patel said. “The deceptive ways Norman and other human traffickers conspire to appear trustworthy to their victims has far-reaching consequences. Rescuing these victims is of utmost importance to HSI Newark and we remain committed to protecting and assisting victims while bringing traffickers to justice.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Feb. 24, 2021, Norman invited two female victims, both minors, to travel with him from Ohio to New Jersey. Norman traveled from Ohio to New Jersey and from New Jersey to New York with victims with the intent to engage in a sexual act with them or for the purpose of producing child pornography. On Feb. 27, 2021, Norman engaged in sexual acts with one victim. On Feb. 28, 2021, Norman and the victims traveled to New York City.

The charge of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; and the New York Police Department, under direction of Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie Kaiser of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Steven Goldstein Esq., Mountainside, New Jersey

norman.informationDownload
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
East Windsor, East Windsor, Mercer County

East Windsor Mayor Janice Mirnov Administers Oath Of Office To Two New Police Officers

May 31, 2023

EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to new police officers Daniel Burgess and Anthony Clayton at a recent ceremony.

Police Officer Daniel Burgess, an East Windsor Township resident, graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in April 2022 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Justice Studies from Montclair University.  Prior to joining the East Windsor Police Department, Officer Burgess worked as a Law Enforcement Officer for the Surf City Police Department, and will be assigned to Uniform Services.

Police Officer Anthony Clayton, who also will be assigned to Uniform Services, graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in February 2023.  Prior to joining the East Windsor Police Department, Officer Clayton worked as a Law Enforcement Officer for the Seaside Park Police Department. 

Mayor Mironov welcomed family members and police officers in attendance, and stated,  “This is an exciting evening for East Windsor Township and our Police Department, as we welcome two new police officers to our department.  I congratulate new Police Officers Burgess and Clayton who successfully passed the selection process to become part of our East Windsor team. We wish them a great and satisfying career here, and look forward to their service to our community.”

East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Anthony Clayton (center left) and new Officer Daniel Burgess (center right) in a ceremony attended by Chief of Police James Hart (right), elected officials and other police officers.

Ocean County, Seaside Park

Toms River Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Seaside Park Stabbing

May 31, 2023

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 30, 2023, Christopher Mawson, 28, of Toms River, was charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with an incident that occurred in Seaside Park on May 30, 2023, resulting in serious bodily injury to a male victim.

On May 30, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Seaside Park Police responded to the area of North Ocean Avenue in response to a 911 call stating that a male was laying in the street.  Responding Officers discovered a 22-year-old male victim laying in the street with multiple stab wounds.  The male was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries.  He is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Seaside Park Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit was able to determine that Mawson was responsible for stabbing the victim.  Mawson was taken into custody at Seaside Heights Police Headquarters. He was processed at Seaside Park Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Park Police Department Detective Bureau, Seaside Heights Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Mawson’s swift apprehension.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).