TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced Chief Richard Kraemer as the new Mercer County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator.
Kraemer comes to Mercer County after spending over 20 years in Hamilton Township Fire Service and eventually serving as Executive Head of the Hamilton Township Fire Division. Prior to his appointment as Executive head of Hamilton’s newly-consolidated fire service, he served as Chief for Hamilton Fire District 6. Kraemer will be replacing recently retired OEM Coordinator Robert Hartmann.
“With the recent pandemic, changing landscape of natural disasters, and the new requirements of emergency preparedness, Mercer County Emergency Management finds itself at a critical point. Strong leadership will be required as we navigate the challenges ahead. Thank you to County Executive Benson for the opportunity to continue serving the community,” said Richard Kraemer, newly appointed Mercer County OEM Director.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint someone of Chief Kraemer’s caliber. He will be invaluable in establishing and maintaining the strong relationships with our local, county, and state emergency management partners,” said Ana Montero, Deputy Administrator of Public Health & Safety.
“Chief Kraemer is an outstanding choice for OEM Director. He has my full faith and confidence that he will ensure we have a top-notch Office of Emergency Management,” said Mercer County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman John A. Cimino.
“Chief Kraemer did a first-class job running the Hamilton Fire Division, and I know he will bring that same decisive leadership to Mercer County,” said County Executive Dan Benson.
Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin along with Hamilton Fire Chief Richard Kraemer unveiled the Hamilton Township Fire Division plaque on July 1, 2021
Update: According to Robbinsville Township OEM Route 130 has been reopened.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:35 a.m. Robbinsville Police, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS responded to the area of 1203 Route 130 between Woodside Road and Gordon Road for a crash with entrapment. A person was extricated and transported to the hospital. The roadway is currently closed for a serious crash investigation. No additional details are available at this time. Avoid the area if possible.
Robbinsville Township Office of Emergency Management states Route 130 is closed between Woodside Road and Meadowbrook Road in both directions due to a motor vehicle crash. Please avoid the area.
TRENTON (Mercer) – City firefighters were busy once again this weekend as they fought another working fire Sunday night (April 28, 2024). Coming on the heels of two separate fires on Cass Street and Hills Place on Saturday, Sunday’s blaze at 26 Humboldt Street was reported just after 7:45 p.m. Flames were visible at the roof line of the home when firefighters arrived. Multiple hose lines were put in service and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down by crews from Engines 1, 8, 10 and 7, Ladders 1, 2 and 4 and Rescue 1. A neighboring home reportedly suffered some minor damage. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – A two-alarm fire ravaged a row of houses on Hills Place, between Bridge and Furman streets, Saturday afternoon (April 27, 2024).
The blaze was reported about 1:40 p.m. as firefighters were just clearing up from extinguishing a garage fire a few blocks away at the rear of a property on Cass Street, near Centre Street. Because they were so close, firefighters quickly arrived on Hills Place to find flames shooting from several windows of one of the middle homes of a row of four. It was not immediately clear if all of the houses in the row were vacant or if any were occupied.
Despite firefighters mounting an aggressive interior attack, flames quickly spread to the adjacent houses. With interior conditions deteriorating and flames raging throughout the attic spaces, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structures and switch to defensive operations. Multiple large hoselines and Ladder 2’s aerial master stream were used to throw water on the flames from the exterior.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries. The blaze was finally declared under control at 4:41 p.m., however firefighters were still on the scene at the time of this report dousing hot spots and assisting fire marshals and police arson investigators.
Multiple crews from Trenton Emergency Medical Service (TEMS), a mutual aid air unit from Hamilton Township Fire Department, and Signal 22, the city’s volunteer fire and police canteen unit, were all on scene assisting Trenton firefighters and police officers.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–It’s back! Mark your calendars for Art All Night Trenton 2024, presented by Artworks Trenton. This 24-hour event will feature art, music, and more for the whole family.
In-person programming will take place at the Trenton War Memorial on Saturday, June 29th from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and begin again on Sunday, June 30th from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. A virtual component will take place for the full 24 hours and be accessed on the Art All Night website and socials.
“Art All Night will happen this year! This event has been a huge fundraiser for Artworks. We are looking for donations, volunteers, and most importantly art submissions from the community. Since Art All Night is at the War Memorial, we want to highlight the local businesses and restaurants in the area,” said Craig Shofed, Managing Director of Artworks Trenton.
“I am thrilled to see the return of Art All Night, a beloved tradition that celebrates the vibrant creativity of our community,” Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “This event not only showcases the incredible talent within the capital city area, but also serves as an economic engine and opportunity to support our local business and restaurants. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for June 29th and 30th to experience the incredible art, music, and culture, that will be on display at the War Memorial.”
Not only is Art All Night Artwork’s biggest fundraiser but it encompasses what the creative hub does all year round in one event. Artworks strives to provide artists of all skill levels a professional platform and diverse interactive programming accessible to all. Overall, inspiring, empowering and inviting the world to witness the incredible artistry and culture within the Capital City.
“Art All Night can only happen with the support of our sponsors, donors, and most importantly, the volunteers. Things will look a little different this year in our beautiful new home, the Trenton War Memorial, but you can expect all the fan favorites like hundreds of pieces of art, master classes and demos, musical performances, the film festival, and more!” said Addison Vincent, Artistic Director of Artworks Trenton.
To find out more info, become a sponsor, volunteer, donate, and submit art, please go to www.artallnighttrenton.org
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stated, it is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the closing of the Capital City’s only Starbucks Community Store located on South Warren Street. While saddened by this closure, I want to express my gratitude to Starbucks Corporate for their collaboration with the city throughout this process.
From the outset, our priority has been to ensure that the dedicated Trenton workers impacted by this closure are supported in finding suitable opportunities. I am pleased to report that Starbucks has been proactive in offering these employees positions at other locations within their network, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of our community.
While the closure of the South Warren Street store is indeed a loss, I remain optimistic about the future. The City of Trenton and Starbucks have maintained an open dialogue, exploring potential avenues for future collaboration and investment in our community. Together, we are committed to fostering growth and opportunities for our residents.
I urge our residents to continue supporting local businesses, as they are the lifeblood of our community. As we navigate this transition, let us remain resilient and united in our efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant Trenton downtown for generations to come.
TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Network has resulted in the charging of two suspects in connection with the 2008 robbery and fatal beating of Leroy Julious in Ewing Township, New Jersey.
Breyon Goodman, 36, of Trenton, and Jason Howard, 41, are each charged by complaint with Murder (1st degree), Felony Murder (1st degree), and Robbery (1st degree). Goodman was arrested in Trenton on April 15, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. Howard, 41, was served his complaints in Rhode Island, where he is incarcerated for an unrelated incident.
According to the public documents filed in the case, on May 9, 2008, Ewing Police responded to the report of a caller stating that the victim, Leroy Julious, was injured and on the ground, bleeding. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked diagonally in front of a residence at the scene. There were multiple individuals on scene, including Howard, who was standing outside of the open driver’s door of the vehicle. Witnesses directed officers to Mr. Julious, who was lying on the ground in a gravel lot. The victim had severe head trauma, with blood on his face, head and neck, and officers noticed his pockets were turned inside out. Mr. Julious was pronounced dead at the scene.
As alleged, investigation revealed robbery to be a potential motive in the case. Officers learned that Mr. Julious was known to carry money and that his wallet was not on him when he was found. As alleged in the complaint affidavit, investigation also indicated that the assault on Mr. Julious started in the garage carport of a nearby house and his body was dragged to the empty gravel lot.
In March 2023, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force received new information and the case was reopened. At the direction of Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA’s) Regional Cold Case Task Force. In the fall of 2023, all viable physical evidence was resubmitted to the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence. Technological advancements in forensic science provided new information related to the case.
“For 16 years the senseless, cruel death of Leroy Julious has gone unsolved,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “But law enforcement did not forget, and did not give up. We hope the charges bring a measure of relief to the victim’s grieving loved ones.”
“Dogged detective work, technological advances, inter-agency cooperation, and a shared, unflagging desire for answers and accountability for this terrible crime have brought about these charges,” said Thomas J. Eicher, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “This development in this long-dormant case demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooperation and capabilities of the Cold Case Network.”
“These detectives are relentless in the pursuit of justice,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “The technological and investigative resources made possible through this collaboration of law enforcement agencies are invaluable, and I’m grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for the formation of the Cold Case Task Force. Now we are able to announce charges and provide Mr. Julious’ family with answers after all of these years.”
“We are continuing to investigate this murder and are asking for the public’s help,” Prosecutor Onofri continued. “Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact MCHTF detectives at (609) 989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org.”
Attorney General Platkin and Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the New Jersey Cold Case Task Force’s participating agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. They also expressed their appreciation to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences, the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, and the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes, for their assistance.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
First-degree Murder and Felony Murder crimes carry a sentencing exposure of 30 years to life in state prison and fine of up to $200,000. First-degree Robbery crimes carry a sentence of up to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash this morning April 22, 2024, at 2:17 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike south milepost 64.1 on the inner roadway in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County.
Based on a preliminary investigation, in the area of milepost 64.1, a BMW 428i and a BMW X3 were involved in a collision, becoming disabled within the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway. A BMW 328i was traveling southbound and collided with the unoccupied and disabled BMW 428i. After the collision, the driver of the BMW 328i parked on the right shoulder and exited the vehicle. A Hyundai passenger vehicle was traveling southbound and collided with the disabled 428i, subsequently striking a pedestrian and the rear of the parked 328i.
As a result of the crash, the pedestrian associated with the BMW 328i, Alton Smith, a 30-year-old male from Levittown, PA, sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Hyundai sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. There were no other injuries reported. The crash remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available.
Demolition of Shuttered Buildings Sets Stage for Construction of In-Demand Industrial and Flex Space, Completing Township’s Parkway Avenue Redevelopment Zone
April 22, 2024
Ewing Township, NJ (MERCER)– In a significant step towards realizing a decades-long vision for infusing new vitality into Ewing Township’s landscape, demolition has officially begun on the decommissioned United States Naval Air Propulsion Center, paving the way for a modern era of industrial innovation, economic opportunity, and community revitalization.
Designated Redeveloper KRE Group joined Ewing Township Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, fellow municipal officials, and other dignitaries on Monday, April 22nd to mark the start of the transformative effort, which is being hailed as a pivotal moment in furthering the Township’s overarching goal for a vibrant Town Center and complementary uses that enhance residents’ quality of life and foster economic growth.
Once a bustling hub of military innovation, the Naval Air Propulsion Center now bears witness to the passage of time, with long-vacant and deteriorated industrial buildings, decommissioned facilities, and remnants of its storied past silently occupying the property. Spanning approximately 26.28 acres, the site is poised for redevelopment, bordered by Mercer County Airport to the north, a Conrail railroad line to the east, Parkway Avenue to the south, and Jack Stephan Way to the west.
KRE Group’s comprehensive redevelopment plans include four new buildings, featuring a single-story warehouse spanning 285,152 square feet, and three standalone flex space structures each measuring 20,000 square feet. Additionally, extensive site improvements will encompass new stormwater management infrastructure, thoughtfully planned landscaping and lighting, a new NJ Transit bus stop, surface parking, a landscaped walking trail, roadway improvements to Parkway Avenue, and the addition of a traffic circle at Parkway Avenue and Jack Stephan Way.
Jonathan Kushner, President of KRE Group, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this revitalization effort and are proud to be the ones capable of moving this important project forward after so many years of inactivity. This redevelopment initiative, long championed by Mayor Steinmann, will complement the progress already made within the Redevelopment Zone while laying the groundwork for an innovative future.”
Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann said, “Today’s demolition day is a long-awaited step in our redevelopment plan that promises to breathe new life into this historic property. As the bricks begin to fall, we are at the crossroads of history and innovation, and I am excited about the future.”
In addition to Mayor Steinmann, also delivering remarks were Ewing Council President Kevin Baxter, Jeffrey Persky, Executive Vice President, KRE Group; Helen Kull, local historian; Chuck Latini, Executive Director, Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency; Hal English, CEO, Princeton-Mercer Regional Chamber; and Lucylle Walter, Mercer County Commissioner.
Operated by the U.S. Navy as a vital jet engine test facility from 1951 until 1997, the Naval Air Propulsion Center played a crucial role in bolstering America’s military capabilities. The site’s narrative dates back even further, with the General Motors Inland Fisher Guide manufacturing plant on Parkway Avenue being requisitioned by the government during World War II in December 1941. The plant swiftly transformed into Eastern Aircraft, a division of GM, retooling to produce the Avenger, the US Navy’s primary torpedo bomber. While the GM plant focused on aircraft production, the Navy utilized 1000 acres across the street, which it had purchased from GM, for a different purpose — to build a testing facility for jet engines. This strategic decision led to the establishment of the Naval Air Turbine Test Station (NATTS) in 1951, which became operational in 1956 and contributed greatly to advancing aviation technology.
The redevelopment of the former Naval Air Repulsion Center is the second and final phase of the Township’s Parkway Avenue Redevelopment Plan, which was first adopted in 2013. The endeavor follows the successful transformation of the former General Motors factory into the bustling Ewing Town Center which offers a mix of retail and residential uses.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora has issued Executive Order 24-01, signaling a pivotal moment in the City’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by its animal shelter. The order details the reorganization of the Bureau of Animal Control and the establishment of an Animal Welfare Advisory Board, aiming to tackle issues of overcrowding, animal welfare, and public safety.
The City of Trenton has grappled with a surge in animal surrenders and strays, exacerbated by the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and prior disruptions in shelter management. With the Trenton Animal Shelter (TAS) operating beyond capacity and facing overcrowding issues, Mayor Gusciora recognizes the urgency for a comprehensive solution.
“The welfare of our city’s animals is a priority,” Mayor Gusciora stated. “We owe it to our residents and our furry companions to provide a shelter environment that upholds standards of care, public safety, and animal welfare.”
Mayor Gusciora noted that the new chief at the Animal Shelter will be Trenton Police Lieutenant Alexis Durlacher, who has had past animal control experience.
Executive Order 24-01 outlines a multifaceted approach to address these challenges:
1. New Operational Model: A Chief of the Bureau of Animal Control will be appointed, tasked with implementing a revised operational model. This model will prioritize animal welfare, adoption services, pet ownership education, and humane animal control enforcement, ensuring best practices are upheld.
2. Community Engagement and Partnerships: The Bureau of Animal Control will focus on community education programs, low-cost spay/neuter initiatives, volunteer programs, and partnerships with non-profits. The creation of the Trenton Animal Care Team (TACT) will foster collaboration among stakeholders for effective animal shelter management.
3. Rabies Control Compliance: The City will maintain compliance with rabies control regulations, ensuring timely reporting and investigation of animal bites. The Health Officer will continue to oversee rabies control activities and utilize Animal Control Officers for enforcement.
4. Animal Welfare Advisory Board: A five-member Animal Welfare Advisory Board will be established, tasked with advising on strategies to reduce unwanted pet populations. This board will engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders in identifying concerns and developing solutions.
Mayor Gusciora emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping Trenton’s animal welfare policies, “We invite the participation of all stakeholders in our efforts to improve animal shelter management and promote responsible pet ownership.”
Executive Order 24-01 reflects Trenton’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its animal residents and fostering a collaborative approach to animal welfare.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is addressing lead contamination at three public parks in the East Trenton neighborhood. In January 2024, the EPA coordinated with the City of Trenton to collect and analyze soil samples at the Sony Vereen Playground, Breunig Avenue Park, and Grant Avenue Playground.
The EPA found elevated levels of lead in the soil at all three of the parks and on Tuesday installed lead awareness signs at each. The EPA is now working with the city to develop a plan that would protect community members from lead contamination. Some areas of the parks will be closed, and others will remain open as EPA works to cover areas of soil and grass that are contaminated to prevent people from being exposed to lead in each park.
Until the EPA has completed its work, park visitors should pay attention to signage and fenced off areas where EPA work is ongoing to avoid being exposed to lead in the soil at the parks. Because some exposure is always possible, people visiting parks should take the simple steps below.
• Avoid digging or disturbing the soil.
• Wash hands thoroughly after visiting the parks, especially before eating.
• Remove shoes before entering homes and buildings to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
• Supervise children closely and prevent them from putting dirt in their mouth.
In 2020, the EPA began investigating the pottery industry as a potential source of lead contamination in the soil in East Trenton. The EPA continued sampling residential properties, public schools, and parks in the East Trenton neighborhood in 2023 and 2024.
So far, the EPA has sampled over 130 residential properties in East Trenton and discovered many with elevated concentrations of lead in the soil. Over the next several months, the EPA will be installing protective measures at impacted residential properties to reduce lead exposure to vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.
The EPA will continue to offer free soil testing to residential property owners inside the East Trenton Study Area in the Spring and Summer of 2024. If you would like the EPA to test the soil at your own property for free, please call Jonathan Byk at (347) 899-6210.
April 18, 2024 — Updated with information from East Windsor Police Department
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—East Windsor Police say that on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 8:41 a.m., members of the East Windsor Township Police Department responded to a reported structure fire at 300 Dutch Neck Road, East Windsor, NJ. The occupants of the residence had already been evacuated from the home.
Upon police arrival, heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from the front right side of the home. The fire was extinguished by responding fire personnel. The residence sustained fire and/or water damage and was deemed uninhabitable. No injuries to residents or fire personnel were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the East Windsor Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. At this time, the fire is believed to be non-suspicious. The displaced residents made temporary arrangements to stay at alternative locations.
Responding Fire Services:
Robbinsville Engine 40
Hightstown Engine L-41
Plainsboro Engine 49
West Windsor Engine 43
Hamilton Engine and Ladder
Monroe Engine 23
Monroe Engine 57
Allentown Engine 82-76
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 1
Responding EmergencyMedical Services:
West Windsor 45-1
Original MidJersey.news story below:
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:41 a.m. East Windsor Police received 9-1-1 calls reporting a fire in area of 300 Dutch Neck Road. A short time later police and a fire officer reported fire showing from a two-story dwelling and a full first alarm was called to the scene sending multiple departments from surrounding communities to the scene. Two hose lines were stretched and by 9:00 a.m. fire was knocked down on the first floor and firefighters were advancing on the fire on the second floor. A short time later most of the fire was knocked down and crews remained on scene for an extended period for overhaul.
At the time of this report firefighters are still on scene. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the East Windsor Fire Marshal’s Office, East Windsor Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Once official information is available the story will be updated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that at approximately 7:00 a.m. today, the New Jersey State Police notified the Trenton Police Department of Bomb threats to two locations in the City of Trenton. One was at Riverview Plaza, and the state police handled that incident. Another was at the Trenton Board of Education, 108 N. Clinton Avenue. Trenton Police conducted a search of 108 N. Clinton and the building was reopened shortly thereafter.
Trenton Public School District reported earlier this morning:
UPDATE: The Trenton Police Department had bomb dogs perform a sweep of the TBOE building and cleared it for re-entry. The building is safe and central office staff can return. Early this morning, the NJ State Police received a bomb threat via email naming three districts including the TPS Central Office building. We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience.
————————————————————————
The Trenton Board of Education Central Office is evacuated due to a bomb threat. The Trenton Police Department is on the scene. The TPS community is asked to stay away from the building until further notice. Central Office staff should report to a nearby school at this time.
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognized East Windsor Senior Center Volunteers for their service during National Volunteer Week and presented Certificates of Appreciation for their valuable contributions to the operations of the Senior Center. Mayor Mironov noted, “Each year in East Windsor Township we observe National Volunteer Week because we are very blessed to have a great number of citizens who volunteer their time, skills and talents to participate in our government, and during this time we recognize individuals who have embodied the spirit of volunteerism and have particularly contributed to the programs and activities in the Township.”
The Mayoral Proclamation, noting that, “volunteerism is one of the basic traits in the American character, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to recognize and honor the generous people who volunteer their time and services to an organization or cause to help better our communities,” recognizes that, “the Senior Center Volunteers help in the development, coordination and integration of the various programs and services available to senior citizens.” The Proclamation continues, “the East Windsor Township Senior Center Volunteers realize the important part of giving back to their senior community by volunteering to assist in classes, games, arts and crafts, reading, exercise programs, special events and many other activities, in addition to the Mercer County Nutrition Project, which serves lunch to more than 70 seniors daily,” and “expresses appreciation to our volunteers for their excellent and dedicated efforts to the East Windsor community.” Mayor Mironov continued, “The East Windsor Senior Center Volunteers help to oversee senior center operations, including office needs, coordinating and assisting with senior programs and events, and offering direct volunteering to other seniors. The Senior Center volunteers are indispensable to the ability of the Township to operate the Center and offer the broad array of services and activities for our senior community. We treasure and appreciate all of our wonderful caring volunteers and their tremendous contributions to our Township.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented Proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Week to Township Commission on Aging Chairperson and Members at a celebration for the Senior Center volunteers. Pictured (from left to right) are: Helen Feng; Dylis Henninger; Barbara Gilbert; Linda Feldstein; Amy Lerner; Chairperson Sydelle Norris; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Fay Fisch; Jennifer Worringer; Karen Goldman, and Vice Chairperson Deborah Thomas
Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented Certificates of Appreciation to East Windsor Senior Center volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Volunteers (listed alphabetically) are: Brunetta Allen, Sara Bierman, David Brandes, Mary Brandes, Sam Chao, Sirish Dave, Nancy Demme, Dennis Devers,Ke-Ling Fang, Linda Feldstein, Helen Feng, Barry Fisch, Fay Fisch, Linda Fowler, Mindy Gerber, Barbara Gilbert, Karen Goldman, Sharon Goldstein, Terry Goldstein, Kathleen Griffin, John Guarniere, Theresa Hann, Dilys Henninger, Robert Kashman, Amy Lerner, Derrick Lynch, Scott Marshall, Wanda McGuinness, Veronica Nash, Chairperson Sydelle Norris, Hope Pakula, Mark Pakula, John Palmieri, Larry Parker, Paula Parker, Marc Platizky, Miguel Rivera, Debbie Schipmann, Tim Schipmann, Margaret Steadman, Deborah Thomas, Joseph User, Valerie Vaughan, Jennifer Worringer and Morteza Zarnani
LAWRENCE, NJ (Mercer) — Two residents and one firefighter were rushed to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation following a small but extremely smoky blaze that broke out Wednesday afternoon (March 17, 2024) in an apartment building for senior citizens. While the blaze was reportedly contained to its room of origin, well over a dozen nearby apartments were said to have been damaged by smoke and water.
The blaze at the Lawrence Plaza Apartments in the 2300 block of Princeton Pike was reported about 2:20 p.m. Responding Lawrence firefighters found a working fire in one room of an apartment on the second floor. The flames were quickly extinguished, but firefighters remained on the scene for more than 90 minutes helping relocate elderly residents to safe areas and clearing away the large amounts of smoke that filled hallways and adjacent apartments. The fire activated the building’s sprinkler system to help contain the flames but this also reportedly caused water damage to some apartments on the floor below. Firefighters from Ewing and Hamilton could be seen on scene assisting with operations.
EMS personnel from Lawrence and neighboring towns transported the three smoke inhalation victims to the hospital. The cause of the fire was under investigation by township officials.
You must be logged in to post a comment.