ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown High School Senior Car Parade, a tradition that was restarted last year due to COVID-19 was held tonight though the streets of Allentown and Upper Freehold Township. The parade started at 6:00 p.m. and featured the Class of 2021. It was reported the tradition was held prior to 1980 and faded away and restarted last year due to the pandemic. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and members/fire police from the Hope Fire Company of Allentown assisted with the parade.
Video and photo gallery from the 2021 Senior Car Parade:
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Dr. Richard (Dick) Fitzpatrick, Upper Freehold Regional School District Superintendent of Schools from 2007 to 2018 has passed away. The notification was emailed and posted online in a statement from Mark Guterl the current Superintendent of Schools. The full statement below:
Dear UFRSD Community,
It is with tremendous sadness that I report the passing of our former beloved Superintendent, Dr. Richard (Dick) Fitzpatrick. Dick’s tenure in the UFRSD was transformative, student-centered and impactful. It is a sad day in the UFRSD, but our many wonderful memories of Dr. Fitzpatrick will definitely be in the forefront of our feelings soon.
Dr. Fitzptrick came to the district in 2007 with an unmatched energy and passion for kids. Anyone who knew Dick or came into contact with him knows that he loved our students…”his kids.” His love for students and people was the foundation for every decision he made, and became the central focus of the UFRSD’s transformation academically and culturally. Patrick Nolan, Board of Education President recalls, “Dr. Fitzpatrick came to us at a moment of great growth in our communities and transition in our district. He influenced our evolution in so many areas, including our current curriculum and our hiring practices. Most of all, he was the biggest cheerleader for our students, no matter what they were doing. Many of the accolades that our district currently enjoys are a result of his passionate leadership. He touched the lives of so many here, and we owe him great thanks.” Dick’s impact on the district will be lasting.
Dick’s belief in our staff and his love for the community was also witnessed day in and day out. He was constantly on the move and loved interacting with as many people as he could every single day of school. Whenever you were talking with Dick, you felt as if you were the only one that mattered at that moment. His personal attention to every member of our district and community gave everyone a model of what it meant to always put people first.
For those who didn’t know Dr. Fitzpatrick, you should know that he would do anything for anyone and was definitely focused on doing whatever he could to make a difference. He cherished his large family and his numerous grandchildren. He loved working with Villages in Partnership and the people of Malawi. He thought highly of the entire community and alway felt that this was a special place to work. Dick believed in kids and loved them as if they were his own. He preached that if students did their “personal best” there was nothing that could stop them.
Fortunately, Dr. Fitzpatrick made all of us want to do our “personal best,” which motivated everyone to be better. This I guess is central to what Dick did for all of us, make us better. The UFRSD will forever be grateful to have had Dick Fitzpatrick as a part of our family.
Dick Fitzpatrick – Superintendent of Schools – 2007 – 2018; Cheerleader for the UFRSDl – Forever.
My best,
Mark Guterl
Superintendent of Schools
. Upper Freehold Regional School District Facebook & Twitter Photo
Dr. Dick Fitzpatrick (Superintendent of Schools at Upper Freehold Regional School District) for receiving the Honorary American FFA Degree in 2013 Photo: NJ FFA Association
Special visitor—Dr. Fitzpatrick-to celebrate the 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Day! He’s wearing 100 Get Well cards from his UFRSD family!! pic.twitter.com/o9OuaIeTbb
The UFRSD is sad to hear of the passing of our former beloved Superintendent, Dr. Fitzpatrick. Please read about this legacy in the UFRSD here – https://t.co/BPdnxArWfk. He was truly #NextLevelRedbirds!
JACKSON, PLUMSTED (OCEAN)-MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP AND UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Jackson Township Police Department has issued a statement on the traffic backup on Route 537 in Jackson Township, entering and exiting Six Flags Great Adventure.
Currently Google Maps Traffic has the backup on Rt. 537 from Six Flags entrance to I-195 (1 Mile)
In the opposite direction on Rt. 537 backup starts in Plumsted Township, near Loveman Road to the main entrance of Great Adventure. (2.75 Miles)
In Upper Freehold Township traffic is backed up on Millers Mill Road all the way to Red Valley Road near the curve according to Google Maps. (1 mile on Millers Mill and an additional 1 Mile on Rt. 537 for a total of at least 2 miles in backup)
Jackson Township Police:
We are WELL aware of the heavy traffic in Rt. 537/Monmouth Road leading to Six Flags Great Adventure. It’s that time of that year. Security and the authorities working there have all been advised. Please be patient and refrain from calling us to further advise us of the traffic situations unless you have a police emergency and need our assistance. Dispatch is being overloaded with calls for the traffic situation. Everyone is doing the best they can to accommodate everyone and get everyone in and out safely. Thank you all and stay cool today!!!!
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The 68th Annual Allentown Lions Club Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service was held today. The parade started at 10:30 a.m. at the north end of Main Street and ending at the Newell Elementary School on High Street. Immediately following the parade the annual memorial service was held and concluded around 12:20 p.m.
A list of participants were, Allentown Lions Club Grand Marshal Dr. Joan Ruddiman, The Allentown Hope Fire Company, The Award Winning AHS Redbird Marching Band, The Allentown First Aid Squad, Jerry Rife and the Rhythm Kings, Allentown Borough Police Dept., The Ancient Order of Hibernian Bagpipe Band, Elected Officials from Allentown and Upper Freehold, New Egypt Fire Co., Larry the Lion, The Shamrock and Thistle Pipe and Drum Band, The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) The Knights of Columbus AHR Color Guard Dragons Lacrosse Team, Special Music Provided by DJ Nebbs, The Upper Freehold Professional Firefighters, The Allentown High School FFA and their Salute to our Agricultural Heritage, Allentown/Upper Freehold Little League and Softball Teams, Uncle Sam, Allentown Troop 180A Boy Scouts, Allentown Boy Scout Troop 55, Jacobstown Fire Co., Allentown Pack 180 Cub Scouts, Allentown-Robbinsville Girl Scouts, Clever Clover 4-H Horse Association of Millstone, Civil Air Patrol Color Guard, Crescent Temple Provost Guard, Shrine Clowns, Tin Lizzies, Chesterfield Hose and Crosswicks Fire Co., The FEZ Float, The Allentown Garden Club, Mid-Jersey Antique Cars and others.
Video and Photo Gallery:
The 68th Annual Allentown Lions Club Memorial Day Parade started on North Main Street and ended at Newell Elementary School where the Annual Memorial Day Service is held.
The 68th Annual Memorial Service was held in front of the memorial at the entrance of the school complex in front of Newell Elementary School.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP-ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” He brought up the idea to Mrs. Folino and Mr. Myslinski.
The missing man table is traditionally part of military dining ceremonies and may also be performed for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. The table has many different items to symbolize the missing soldiers.
The sign in front of the table reads:
“The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration tonight. And, we remember them.”
* The table is small, and set for one — symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors.
* The tablecloth is white — symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation’s call to arms.
* The chair is empty, for they are not here.
* The wine glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us this night.
* The slices of lemon — reminding us of their bitter suffering.
* The grains of salt — representing the countless tears of the families.
* The single red rose — reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return.
* The burning candle and yellow ribbon — symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing.
At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” Story and photo UFRSD
Inspiring idea by @StoneBridgeMS student, Dylan Lacroix – setting up a "Missing Man Table" for Memorial Day. The table is now in the foyer of SBMS. The table has many different items to symbolize the missing soldiers. We are inspired, Dylan! #NextLevelRedbirdspic.twitter.com/RgkDWmfp7L
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The 2021 Allentown Lions Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 31, 2021.
The Parade is rain or shine and begins at 10:30 a.m.
Please arrive early and remember Main Street and High Street will be closed.
A Memorial Service will follow the parade on the Allentown Grammar school grounds.
In addition, prior to the start of the parade there will be a bicycle decorating contest sponsored by the Allentown Business Community Association at 16 Allen Drive.
All participants are welcomed to ride their bicycles in the parade.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 10:45 a.m. firefighters from Upper Freehold-Hope Fire Company of Allentown Station 82-1 were dispatched to I-195 West Bound near mile marker 13 for a motor vehicle accident.
When firefighters arrived the found a pickup onto a tree and the driver was heavily entrapped. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to free the driver of the vehicle.
Allentown-Capital Health EMS and Paramedics from Monmouth County transported the driver to Capital Health Regional Medical Center Trauma Unit in Trenton, NJ. A trauma alert was called en route to the hospital.
New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. The accident caused a little over a mile delay but traffic was able to get by in the left lane until the roadway was clear.
No further information is available at this time.
Firefighters from Upper Freehold-Hope Fire Company of Allentown work to free a trapped driver on I-195 West Bound near mile marker 13
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)– A milling and paving project is scheduled for Tuesday May 11, 2021 though Thursday May 13, 2021. The resurfacing project will be on Old York Road County Road 539 in the area of New Sharon between Herbert Road and Gordon Road.
The work is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. each of the three days so plan an alternate route if traveling in the area.
The west side of Old York Road is Robbinsville Mercer County, and the east side of the road is Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County.
The paving limits are from Walters Road to New Street. Old York Road 539 will be milled on Tuesday, May 11, paved on Wednesday, May 12 and painted on Thursday, May 13. There will be detour signs to assist drivers in moving around the project.
Tom Arnone
Director of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners
UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–There will be road repair/paving activity at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area Tuesday, May 11 through Wednesday, May 19, 2021. There will be no road closures but traffic may be reduced to one lane. The Conservation Center parking lot will be closed one day for paving during the work period.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:45 pm last night May 1, 2021, the Hope Fire Company of Allentown Station 82-1 was dispatched to the Assunpink Lake main parking lot for a raft loosing air with three people on board including a child. Firefighters responded to the ramp and put two boats in service. After making contact with the distress sinking raft it was found that no one was injured and the raft was towed back to shore. The occupants were evaluated by Allentown-Capital Health EMS. NJ State Police also responded and assisted locating the raft. Game wardens from the NJ Division of Fish And Game were also on scene doing an investigation. There were unconfirmed reports that occupants of the raft did not have personal flotation devices but was unable to be confirmed at this time.
Do not venture out on any body of water without a personal flotation device worn or in your possession.
Assunpink Water RescueThis evening, HFC volunteers were dispatched to a boater in distress on the Assunpink Lake. Chief 8266 with Marine 1 and 2 in tow responded with Engine 8276 and Utility 8286 to the boat ramp. Marine 1 and 2 were launched within minutes of each other, en route to the distressed boaters. Initial contact was made by Marine 1 to find the boaters uninjured and able to be towed to the nearest shore point. In all, 3 victims were safely returned to shore and all units were back in service within two hours.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A Allentown Football Coach and wife who is a Newell Elementary School art teacher lost their home and two dogs yesterday in a tragic 4 alarm fire. The home was completely burned and nothing was salvageable. Please consider a donation to help them with immediate needs.
Allentown Football Coach, Mike DeRisi, his wife, Kim, a Newell Elementary art teacher, and his family lost their home & 2 dogs in a fire on Nicholas Court in Allentown yesterday!
The DeRisi family is very involved in the district both on the field, in the classroom, and their daughter an 8th grader at StoneBridge.
Donations are needed to help the family with immediate needs.
Can you help? No donation is too small even if it is $5! 100% of your donations are tax-deductible through Millstone, NJ teen founded 5Help Foundation with 100% going to help the DeRisi Family!
Venmo, Paypal, & Check Options Available. Go to www.5help.org or email 5helpteam2@gmail.com. Checks can be sent to: 5Help Foundation, 200 Village Center Drive #7392, Freehold, NJ 07728.
Thank you for helping in this tragic situation!
Special thank you to Mrs. Kim Mangrella for reaching out to us and asking us to help & the Merkel family for pointing us in the right direction to get the word out.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department Detective Captain Peter Weremijenko told MidJersey.news that on Thursday April 22, 2021 around 10:08 pm Trenton Police Offices Olix Heredia and Marvin Hebert were on patrol in the area of West End Avenue when they saw a 2019 Jeep Compass, bearing a Pennsylvania license plate, driving in the area. The officers were aware that the vehicle was reported as carjacked at gunpoint earlier in the evening in Morrisville PA. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle when the driver of the Jeep accelerated and drove away. Officers Heredia and Hebert continued to pursue the carjacked Jeep through the City of Trenton, onto Rt 195, then onto Rt 130. The pursuit ended when the Jeep ran out of gas on Rt 130 south in Robbinsville. The New Jersey State Police and Robbinsville Police Department assisted the Trenton Police Department to bring this incident to a peaceful conclusion.
Taken into custody and charged was:
Christopher R. Hersey, 30-year-old male from General Greene Ave. in Trenton
Eluding (2nd degree) 2C:29-2b
Several motor vehicle violations
New Jersey State Police Sgt. Philip Curry of the Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that, on Thursday, April 22, at 10:15 p.m. Trenton Police Department notified the New Jersey State Police that they were engaged in a pursuit with a stolen vehicle that was heading out of Trenton.
Troopers joined the pursuit as it continued on I-195 before the suspect vehicle exited the highway and traveled through multiple jurisdictions. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck two marked pursuing NJSP vehicles.
The pursuit concluded on US-130 south MP 65 in Robbinsville Township where the suspect, Christopher Hersey, 30, of Trenton, N.J. was arrested.
Hersey was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, criminal mischief and was lodged at the Mercer County Jail.
Christopher R. Hersey, 30-year-old male from General Greene Ave. in Trenton
Video of pursuit in Trenton by Waterfront Park-Arm and Hammer Stadium on Route 29 Video by MidJersey.news reader Jacqueline Leslie
BREAKING NEWS REPORT: This is a breaking news report from radio reports, on scene information, and sources. Once official information is available, the post will be updated.
TRENTON (MERCER)– A police pursuit involving multiple jurisdictions occurred late Thursday night following a carjacking of a Jeep Compass in Trenton.
Trenton Police called the pursuit around 10:00 pm, after a reported carjacking in the city. State Police joined the chase once the suspect vehicle got onto I-195. The vehicle continued to flee Eastbound on I-195 to Route 537 in Jackson, where he turned back around and went Westbound. The suspect exited I-195 into Hamilton, where he fled down Klockner Road and got onto Route 130. The pursuit continued on Route 130 Northbound to South Brunswick, where the suspect then turned around again, going South on Route 130. The suspect was reported to be armed with a gun. The vehicle reached speeds of 130 miles per hour while running red lights, and reportedly crashed into a few State Police troop cars during the pursuit.
The chase finally came to an end at about 11:03 pm in front of the A&M Market on Route 130 in Robbinsville. One male was taken into custody and transported to the hospital.
Vehicle drove though several towns including, Trenton, Hamilton Township, Robbinsville Township, Upper Freehold Township, Millstone Township, Jackson Township, East Windsor, Cranbury, South Brunswick, North Brunswick.
This is a developing story. Check back for more info.
Pursuit comes to an end on Rt 130 in Robbinsville
Suspect vehicle on I-195 East Bound at the Robbinsville – Hamilton Township border.
Suspect vehicle in Upper Freehold Township West Bound on I-195 heading into Robbinsville.
Suspect vehicle heading Southbound on Route 130 in South Brunswick.
UPPER FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH)– Fire companies responded to a multi-alarm house fire early Thursday afternoon.
It happened around 1:00 pm. Multiple calls came in reporting a house located at 17 Nicholas Court was on fire. The full first alarm was called when New Jersey Forrest Fire Services observed a column of smoke in the air.
Crews on the scene reported heavy fire throughout the dwelling, and called the second alarm. Within minutes there was a partial collapse of the home, and the fire was upgraded to the fourth alarm.
Multiple hand lines and master streams were put into operation to bring the blaze under control. The bulk of the fire was knocked down just before 2:00 pm.
It is reported that at least one firefighter was injured in this incident.
The fire remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshall, Upper Freehold Fire Prevention Bureau, and New Jersey State Police.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for more info.
ALLENTOWN – UPPER FREEHOLD TWP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On April 19th, 2021 Upper Freehold Township held a very small ceremony where 3 New Firefighters were sworn in by Business Administrator Dana Tyler at the fire station. After the new personnel were sworn in each Firefighter was “Pinned” by a close family member. The “Pinning” is the placing of the Firefighter’s Official Badge of Service on their uniform for the first time, as they begin their service for our community. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the event was limited to immediate family of the 3 Firefighters, co-workers, and representatives from local fire departments.
Firefighter Scott Royle took the position of Captain, charged with oversight of the Fire & Emergency Services for Upper Freehold Township and The Borough of Allentown under the direction of The Township Committee. Captain Royle comes to us with 18 years of experience at various agencies in Monmouth County. He is a US Navy Veteran and worked in the private fire investigation industry prior to coming to us. He continues to volunteer with the Matawan Fire Department and is a great asset to the town.
Firefighter Nick Brown a resident of Eatontown, NJ. He volunteered with Eatontown Fire Department, Tinton Falls Fire Department, & Eatontown Emergency Medical Services before coming to Upper Freehold Township. He has been a firefighter since 2015. He worked Per-Diem for South Wall Fire Rescue since 2019 and with us since early 2020, before being offered a spot as a full-time firefighter.
Firefighter Blake Nebbia grew up in the Upper Freehold Twp. and Allentown area. He has lived here for 17 years. He joined Hope Fire Company 9 years ago and has work extremely hard to get to this spot. Firefighter Nebbia is a graduate of Allentown High School and worked for Upper Freehold School District till he was offered a full-time position. He also worked Per Diem with Ewing Township as a firefighter.
Fire Service Representatives present: (L to R): Hamilton Battalion Chief Ferdinand Mather, Hope FC Chief Joe Petrella, UFT Firefighter Nebbia, Robbinsville Firefighter Ryan Frank, UFT Firefighter Brown, UFT Firefighter Jakob, Captain Royle, & Hope FC President Alex Nebbia (Children Sadie Royle & Kevin O’Donnell 3rd)
Firefighters (L to R) Ryan Frank (Robbinsville Fire Department), Blake Nebbia, Kevin O’Donnell (child), Nick Brown, Matthew Jakob, Scott Royle, & daughter Sadie Royle
Firefighter Blake Nebbia being “pinned” by his Girlfriend Madison Mather
(L to R) Madison Mather (Girlfriend), Firefighter Blake Nebbia, Valerie Nebbia (Mother), Todd Nebbia (Father), HFC President Alex Nebbia (Brother)
(L to R) Firefighter Nicholas Brown, Sabrina Perez, Kevin O’Donnell, Kevin O’Donnell 3rd, & Dana Tyler, Upper Freehold Township Administrator
(L to R) Ms. Sabrina Perez (FF Brown’s Fiancé) Firefighter Nicholas Brown, Kevin O’Donnell 3rd, & Kevin O’Donnell (brother in-law)
Captain Royle being “Pinned” with Family.
Captain Scott Royle with his wife Tracey & daughter Sadie
ALLENTOWN, UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This year a competitive Lego robotics team was established at Stone Bridge Middle School. Melissa Domen, the business leader of the Allentown high school robotics team, is the founder of the middle school team.
The name of the middle school team, True North Robotics, unites Stone Bridge Middle School’s motto of “Finding your True North” with the students’ passion for robotics. With the guidance of high school students on Redbird Robotics, 14 middle school students have learned programming, building, and teamwork skills, while having a successful rookie season this year so far.
On Feb. 13, 2021, True North Robotics did an outstanding job at the virtual Qualifying Event competition and headed to the virtual Southern NJ District Championship competition on April 10. The team received the Robot Design Award and the Breakthrough Award. At the Qualifying Event, the students placed fifth and sixth in the robot challenge game. At the Southern NJ District Championship competition, the students won the Rising Star Award and held an overall score well above the average for a rookie team.
Participating teams were judged on four different components during the competition including the Robot Game, a Robot Design Presentation, an Innovation Project Presentation, and a Core Values activity. For the Robot Game and Robot Design, the team built and programmed two different robots made out of Legos to complete a series of obstacles in 2.5 minutes. For the Innovation Project, True North Robotics invented and created prototypes of special swimming gear to help prevent swimmer’s ear and a mobile gym to encourage everyone to be more active.
In February 2020, Melissa Domen was awarded a grant by the Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation to start True North Robotics. Since middle school level robotics competitions have a limit of 10 team members per team, True North Robotics split into two smaller competition teams. One competition team is called True North Robotics Impact and has eight students (Aaryan Desai, Ioanna Varouhakis, Vishek Desai, Luke Greenbaum, Taylor Lalla, Elena Mathew, Theo Renzulli, Jeremy George) , and the other competition team is called True North Robotics Innovation and has six students (Sean Gavin, Mia Laudien, Remy Fortsch, Aarav Patnaik, Benjamin Utset, Sienna Jones). Each of the smaller group team names are named after the Core Values of FIRST: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, Fun, Coopertition, and Gracious Professionalism.
The nonprofit organization FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. FIRST runs many types of robotics competitions for different grade levels from PreK through 12th grade. Both True North Robotics and Allentown High School Redbird Robotics are FIRST robotics competition teams. The True North Robotics’s competition level is called FIRST Lego League, and the Allentown High School Redbird Robotics’s competition level is called FIRST Robotics Competition.
What makes this team unique compared to other middle school robotics teams is that this team is 100% student run. Shane Conlin, Amelia Tricker, and Liam Granaghan are current Allentown high school students on the Redbird Robotics team and have been helping the True North Robotics team this season. Mr. Mark Guterl, Mrs. Stefanie Folino and Mr. Brian Myslinski have also been a great support for the team since its start. It has certainly been a team effort to get this team up in running with success. It has been quite an experience starting up a new competitive robotics team during a pandemic. The season kicked off in the summer of 2020 with online meetings. Students learned several skills like coding a robot, building robots, robotics competitions, the culture of the FIRST organization, and high school robotics. The end of the summer was also spent meeting in-person to build robots and obstacles made out of Legos. Safety measures such as social distancing and sanitizing were practiced at every single meeting. Both online and in-person meetings were held four days a week throughout the school year. Usually the competition season for middle school robotics starts in August and ends in December. But with it being a new team in a pandemic, this year’s season started in June 2020 and will be continuing until the end of April 2021. Soon, the team will start planning next year’s season. The team is always looking for new Stone Bridge Middle School students to apply for the team. Also, if you are a local individual or business that would like to get involved with the Upper Freehold Regional School District Robotics Teams, please email 1807frc@gmail.com
The two Stonebridge Middle School robotics teams (pictured) have help from the high school robotics team, including junior Melissa Domen (second from right), who founded the teams. Photos provided.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A car lost control struck a utility pole on CR Route 524 severing it, causing wires to fall to the ground this morning at a curve known for serous accidents over the years.
The Hope Fire Company of Allentown, NJ State Police and Capital Health EMS were dispatched around 9:35 a.m. for an overturned vehicle near Tractor Supply Company. Upon arrival of EMS it was determined that there were no injures in the accident but wires from the down pole were across the roadway. Hope Fire Company and NJSP closed the CR Route 524 roadway from the 2nd driveway at Tractor Supply to Sharon Station Road. Barricades were called for from Monmouth County Highway Department to shut roadway until the repairs can be made.
A known curve with serious accidents over the years and recently on November 21, 2020 a similar accident occurred. The curve is posted at 35 MPH it is unknown why the vehicle lost control at this time.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Trooper Alejandro Goez from the NJSP Public Information Bureau told MidJersey.news: At 8:16 pm last night, troopers attempted to stop a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation eastbound on I-195 at Mile Post 11 in Upper Freehold Township. The driver failed to stop and troopers using lights and sirens pursued the vehicle. A short time later, the vehicle stopped in the median in the area of Mile Post 12.4.
The driver was arrested and troopers moved the vehicle to a safer location on the right shoulder to continue the investigation. The driver, Joel Morales, 23, of Toms River, NJ, was later charged with eluding and various traffic offenses.
During the on-scene investigation, the right lane was shutdown and a troop car with emergency lights was parked in the right lane. At approximately, 8:37 pm a Chevy Equinox traveling eastbound struck the parked troop car. The troop car was unoccupied at the time. Troopers determined the driver, Michael Costantino, 36, of Staten Island, NY, was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. No injuries were reported to the driver.
MidJersey.News has put out reminders over and over again to SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER at emergency scenes. If you are unfamiliar with NJ Move Over Law you can review it here: Slow Down, Move Over! National Move Over Day
Route 539 Closed between Burlington Path Road (by Rick’s Saddle Shop) and Davis Station Road, follow local detours in the area.
January 3, 2021
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A tow truck traveling north in the area of the 200 Block of County Road Route 539 lost control and hit a utility pole before coming to a rest in the front yard of a home in the area. The utility pole was cut off from the bottom and caused low hanging wires over Route 539. The Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Allentown EMS responded to the scene. It was reported the driver of the truck was out of the vehicle and uninjured. Hope Fire Company members directed traffic in the area until Monmouth County Road Department responded with barricades to shut the roadway. JCP&L was responding but not on location at the time of this report. Expect the roadway to be closed for hours until the utility pole can be replaced.
Currently Route 539 Closed between Burlington Path Road (by Rick’s Saddle Shop) and Davis Station Road (IFO Cream Ridge Golf Course), follow local detours in the area.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At 10:49 am, the Hope Fire Company of Allentown was dispatched to I-195 east bound at mile maker 11.2 for a well involved car fire. Firefighters arrived quickly with two engines and extinguished the fire. No further information was available.
A Nor’easter storm is pounding the area with snow, sleet, hail and mixed with rain at times. Numerous accidents and cars off roadways have been reported in the area in the slippery conditions. Police departments are asking residents not to travel if possible due to the conditions.
Robbinsville Township: There will be a delayed opening of Township Offices until 10:30 am. Robbinsville garbage collection that was normally scheduled for Thursday December 17 will now be picked up on Saturday December 19.
Monmouth County Highway Department was out salting the roadways prior to the storm this afternoon in Upper Freehold Township.
Monmouth County Highway Department snowplowing Old York Road
Tonight’s travel conditions, do not travel if possible.
...Mercer County...
Princeton 6.4 in 0900 PM 12/16 Public
Pennington 5.5 in 0900 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 WSW Ewing 5.0 in 0744 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Ewing 4.2 in 0655 PM 12/16 Public
Hamilton Twp 3.0 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
West Windsor Twp. 2.5 in 0630 PM 12/16 Public
2 ENE Hamilton Twp 2.0 in 0630 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 SW Robbinsville Twp. 2.0 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
...Middlesex County...
Edison 5.5 in 0740 PM 12/16 Public
North Brunswick 5.0 in 0830 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Old Bridge 5.0 in 0815 PM 12/16 Public
Metuchen 4.6 in 0840 PM 12/16 Public
Parlin 4.5 in 0800 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 SSW Plainsboro Township 4.2 in 0659 PM 12/16 NWS Employee
Perth Amboy 4.0 in 0800 PM 12/16 Public
South Brunswick 4.0 in 0720 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
East Brunswick 2.5 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
South Plainfield 2.5 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 NNE New Brunswick 1.6 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Woodbridge 1.5 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Carteret 1.3 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
...Monmouth County...
Holmdel 7.0 in 0900 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Howell 6.1 in 0830 PM 12/16 Public
1 S Howell 6.0 in 0605 PM 12/16 Public
Manalapan Twp 5.8 in 0838 PM 12/16 Public
Rumson 5.5 in 0830 PM 12/16 Public
1 N Eatontown 4.5 in 0910 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Freehold Twp 4.5 in 0715 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Freehold 4.0 in 0615 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Middletown 4.0 in 0824 PM 12/16 Public
Tinton Falls 3.5 in 0847 PM 12/16 Public
Leonardo 2.1 in 0920 PM 12/16 Public
Cliffwood Beach 1.8 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Wall Twp 1.8 in 0529 PM 12/16 Broadcast Media
Atlantic Highlands 1.2 in 0548 PM 12/16 Public
Oakhurst 0.8 in 0650 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
...Ocean County...
Jackson 7.0 in 0900 PM 12/16 Public
Manchester Twp 4.1 in 0705 PM 12/16 Public
Lakewood 4.0 in 0610 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 NE Toms River 3.0 in 0830 PM 12/16 Public
Whiting 0.7 in 0715 PM 12/16 Public
Brick 0.5 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
...Burlington County...
Chesterfield 6.5 in 0800 PM 12/16 Public
Evesham Twp 6.0 in 0600 PM 12/16 Public
Riverton 6.0 in 0630 PM 12/16 Public
Bordentown Twp 5.7 in 0730 PM 12/16 Public
Browns Mills 5.5 in 0544 PM 12/16 Public
Mount Laurel 5.1 in 0530 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Medford 5.0 in 0730 PM 12/16 Public
Moorestown 5.0 in 0820 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
1 WNW Burlington 4.9 in 0600 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
2 E Columbus 4.8 in 0600 PM 12/16 Public
Lumberton 4.7 in 0718 PM 12/16 Public
Burlington Twp 4.5 in 0650 PM 12/16 Public
1 NE Burlington Twp 4.5 in 0645 PM 12/16 NWS Employee
Hainesport 4.5 in 0700 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Bordentown 4.4 in 0730 PM 12/16 Public
1 ENE Westampton Twp 4.1 in 0530 PM 12/16 Official NWS Obs
Burlington 4.0 in 0500 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Delanco 4.0 in 0550 PM 12/16 Public
Marlton 4.0 in 0500 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
2 SW Medford 4.0 in 0445 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Southampton Twp 4.0 in 0627 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Roebling 3.5 in 0530 PM 12/16 Public
2 E Delran 3.0 in 0600 PM 12/16 Public
1 SE Fort Dix 3.0 in 0529 PM 12/16 Public
Shamong 3.0 in 0444 PM 12/16 Public
Florence 2.9 in 0645 PM 12/16 Trained Spotter
Delran 2.8 in 0447 PM 12/16 Public
Pemberton 0.5 in 0215 PM 12/16 Public
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey Engine and Equipment Museum Inc (NJ Fire Museum) stolen trailer has been recovered but there is $5,000. worth of damage to the trailer. A “Go Fund Me” has been set up to help the NJ Fire Museum collect donations to help pay for the damage to the trailer.
Replace damaged wheels/rims Replace tires Replace fender Replace door locking mechanisms Body damaged fixed and painted
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 6:30 am a vehicle traveling in the 1300 Block of Old York Road lost control hit a pole and ended up coming to rest in a sod farm field. The impact of the crash cut a utility pole in half and left wires across the roadway closing the road.
The driver of the vehicle was temporarily trapped but was able to self-extricate himself out of the vehicle though the passenger’s side of vehicle. Members of Hope Fire Company are on scene providing traffic control and working on containing a small gasoline leak from the vehicle. Capital Health EMS responded to the scene and the driver did not want transport to the hospital.
At the time of this report Old York Road is closed between Herbert Road and Hluchy Roads. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. Robbinsville Township Police were also assisting with traffic control at Herbert Road and Old York. Monmouth County Highway Department was responding with barricades to close the roadway for the utility pole replacement. Monmouth County Hazardous Materials Team was notified and sending a representative to the scene for the gasoline leak.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 8:23 am a vehicle traveling east bound on I-195 in the area of mile marker 14 ran off road and hit a tree. The vehicle came to rest back on the highway partly blocking one lane. The Hope Fire Company of Allentown was dispatched for a vehicle smoking and possibly on fire. Upon arrival there were no reported injures but there was a large amount of debris left on the roadway.
Firefighters from Hope Fire Company helped clear the roadway and set up apparats to close the a lane down while a tow truck removed the vehicle. The NJ State Police were on scene investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 3:15 pm a vehicle lost control crashed into a utility pole and came to rest in a farm field on County Road 524 near Tractor Supply. Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Millstone Township Fire Departments were sent to the scene, a Robbinsville Township Fire Department Ambulance was also on scene. A utility pole was severed at the bottom and wires wrapped up in the vehicle. Power was out in the area and JCP&L Outage Map showed between 501 and 1,500 customers without power with an estimated restoration time of 8:00 pm.
Hope Fire Company reports on their Facebook Page: Route 524 will be closed from Sharon Station Rd to Imlaystown Hightstown Road for an unknown period of time due to a damaged utility pole with primaries down. Please use alternate route.
ROBBINSVILLE-UPPER FREEHOLD, (MERCER/MONMOUTH)–At 1:30 pm the weather is mostly sunny, and 77F (as measured from Joint Base MDL) and unseasonably warm today, so get out and enjoy it while you can. Normal average temperature for this day in November is 56F with a low of 40F.
This pair of bald eagles was seen this afternoon flying back and fourth between Robbinsville Township and Upper Freehold Township and appeared to be enjoying the weather.
Pair of bald eagles enjoying the 77F unseasonably warm weather this afternoon flying back and fourth between Robbinsville Township and Upper Freehold Township.
Also 2 other calls this month Hope Fire Company has responded to below.
November 6, 2020
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–NJ State Police Sgt. Philip Curry told MidJersey.News that a crash occurred at 5:59am on I-195 eastbound Mile Post 8.8 in Upper Freehold Township. A black Mazda ran off the road and overturned. The driver was transported to Capital Health with non-life threatening injuries.
Hope Fire Company and Capital Health EMS responded to the scene.
I-195 November 6, 2020 at 5:59 am, NJSP reports non-life threating injures from the accident.
NJ State Police, Hope Fire Company and Capital Health EMS also responded to a car into a tree on Sharon Station Road on November 2, 2020. There was one injury in the accident person was transported to a local area hospital.
NJ State Police, Hope Fire Company and Capital Health EMS also responded to a car into a tree on Sharon Station Road on November 2, 2020. There was one injury in the accident person was transported to a local area hospital.
The Hope Fire Company of Allentown responded to a electrical shed on fire on the Gamblers Ridge Golf Course during rainy and stormy conditions. The fire was reported on November 1, 2020 at 6:42 pm and was quickly extinguished by Hope Fire Company members.
The Hope Fire Company of Allentown responded to a electrical shed on fire on the Gamblers Ridge Golf Course during rainy and stormy conditions. The fire was reported on November 1, 2020 at 6:42 pm and was quickly extinguished by Hope Fire Company members.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Firemen’s Association 2020 Memorial Service that was originally scheduled for May 6, 2020 was postponed several times due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This year’s Memorial Service was held at Colonial Fire Company Hamilton Township Station 18 and was hosted by Union Fire Company Hopewell Township Station 53. Hamilton Township Station 18 has a large hall and is big enough to hold the service while complying with COVID-19 guidelines.
The annual Memorial Service is held to honor members of Mercer County Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary and Firefighters in Mercer County. All fire departments in Mercer County are represented and Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Monmouth County is also a member.
This year’s Memorial Roll was read honored 14 Ladies Auxiliary members and 36 firefighters. As each name is read a white carnation is placed in a Maltese cross and firefighters salute and family members stand as the name of their loved one is read.
2020 Mercer County Firemen’s Association Memorial Service. Video by Dick Cunningham, Broadcast Productions-East Windsor Station 46
Scenes from the 2020 Mercer County Firemen’s Memorial Service. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Robbinsville Township Fire Department (Ret.)
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–About 7:15 the New Egypt Fire Department (Ocean County Plumsted Station 39) and Hope Fire Company of Allentown were dispatched to County Road 539 by County Road 537 for a dump truck vs a Ford Explorer. Upon arrival it was determined to be on the Ocean County side of the line. As a result of the accident a fuel spill from the truck caused the roadway to be closed for clean up. Fire and HAZ-MAT crews are on scene working to clean up the fuel sill.
This is from on scene reporting and radio reports. Once Plumsted Township Police release information the story will be updated.
UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The New Jersey State Police, Hope Fire Company, Capital Health EMS, New Egypt Fire Company and First Aid Squad all responded to a serious accident yesterday afternoon. Millstone Township Fire Department was called for a landing zone for a medical helicopter.
According to NJ State Police Spokesperson Sgt. Lawrence Peele, the crash occurred Saturday afternoon at 4:33 pm on Arneytown-Hornerstown near Millstream Road in Upper Freehold Township. Preliminary information indicates that the driver of a Nissan Maxima lost control and overturned. The driver was transported by medevac to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton with non-life-threatening injuries.
Radio reports indicate that the fire department and EMS had to remove the person from the overturned auto that was in a gully. Fire and EMS set up a rope system with a stokes basket to get the person out of the gully.
The NJ State Police report the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
