Howell Township — On the evening of November 11th, 2023, Howell Township patrol units responded to Longhorn Steakhouse in reference to a disorderly person inside the establishment. Restaurant staff described the male as erratic and confrontational. They were unsure if the male was under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. When patrol units arrived, the subject, 38-year-old Zachariah Hartman of Toms River, attempted to flee the scene, subsequently striking a police cruiser. Hartman then eluded police through the township which resulted in him striking two other Howell police cruisers, disabling one.
Hartman continued onward with police following through several municipalities. These towns including Lakewood Township, Jackson Township, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Millstone Township, Plumstead Township and Colts Neck Township. In total, the pursuit lasted over 2 hours and ranged approximately 100 miles. He was eventually apprehended in Jackson Township without incident.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the pursuit. Hartman was criminally charged with 2 counts of eluding, 2 counts of aggravated assault and 1 count of obstruction. He was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute where he was lodged pending his detention hearing.
Plumsted Township Police Department has removed the post from their Facebook page, so the subject has possibly been identified.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Plumstead Township Police posted photos of a man seen with a gun in a wooded area and are attempting to identify the subject. No reason was given why they are seeking the identification of the subject. If you know this person, contact Plumsted Township Police Department at (609) 758-7185.
Posted to Facebook:
**ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY** If you know the subject in the attached pictures, please contact the Plumsted Township Police Department at (609) 758-7185.
Plumsted Township Police Department has removed the post from their Facebook page, so the subject has possibly been identified.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 1, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a mobile home fire was reported on Lakewood Road in Plumsted Township. Upon arrival, emergency service personnel observed heavy smoke emanating from the mobile home, with a male victim outside the residence and another victim still trapped inside. The male victim, later identified as the homeowner, Paul Hakos, 79, was transported to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold for treatment of his injuries. He is listed in stable condition. Firefighters located the body of a female victim, later identified as Catherine Hakos, 63, in the back bedroom of the residence. Ms. Hakos was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Plumsted Township Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, has revealed that the fire originated underneath the structure, and that a failure of energized electrical equipment could not be eliminated as the cause. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Plumsted Township Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
“Laboratory results of an initial blood draw taken from Zinkoski at the hospital revealed that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the crash was in excess of the legal limit….The laboratory results revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in Zinkoski’s blood at the time of the crash as well.…The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Plumsted Township Police Department determined that the vehicle operated by Zinkoski was traveling at an average speed of 86 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash.”
“On August 8, 2023, a warrant was issued for Zinkoski’s arrest. Zinkoski has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice.”
August 10, 2023
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 8, 2023, John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Plumsted Township on May 12, 2023, resulting in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills.
On May 12, 2023, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Officers from the Plumsted Township Police Department responded to the area of Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An investigation by the Plumsted Township Police Department determined that a Volvo XC6, operated by Ms. Smith, attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Pinehurst Road when it was struck by a Nissan Frontier operated by Zinkoski, who was traveling southbound on Pinehurst Road. As a result of the crash, Ms. Smith suffered significant injuries and was subsequently transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she ultimately succumbed to those injuries. Zinkoski was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
Laboratory results of an initial blood draw taken from Zinkoski at the hospital revealed that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the crash was in excess of the legal limit. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater. The laboratory results revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in Zinkoski’s blood at the time of the crash as well. Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Plumsted Township Police Department determined that the vehicle operated by Zinkoski was traveling at an average speed of 86 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash.
On August 8, 2023, a warrant was issued for Zinkoski’s arrest. Zinkoski has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice. As such, his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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).
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Plumsted Township Police Chief Earl Meroney announced that on July 10, 2023, Karly Simon-Sapp, 49, of Plumsted Township, was charged with Theft and Forgery in connection with her former position as bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department revealed that between January 2016 and January 2022, Simon-Sapp – in her capacity as a bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association – forged the signatures of both the Association’s President and Vice-President on over 100 checks written out to either herself or to cash. Simon-Sapp then deposited the forged checks, totaling more than $358,000, into her personal bank account and utilized the funds for her own personal benefit.
On July 10, 2023, Simon-Sapp was taken into custody at her residence by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Officers from the Plumsted Township Police Department. She was processed and served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meroney acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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)
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that human remains discovered in Plumsted Township on April 9, 2023, have been positively identified as that of Joseph Izquierdo, 37, of Egg Harbor.
On April 9, 2023, the Plumsted Township Police Department received a 911 call relative to a report of human remains located in a wooded area approximately one-quarter mile from Route 528. Responding Officers found the remains to be in advanced stages of decomposition.
On May 14, 2023, the results of an examination of the human remains by the New Jersey State Police Forensic Anthropology Unit and a Forensic Odontologist, were forwarded to the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. On May 24, 2023, the results were reviewed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office and the human remains were positively identified as that of Mr. Izquierdo. The cause and manner of death still remain under investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Police Forensic Anthropology Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Plumsted Township/New Egypt firefighters responded to the 400 Block of Route 539 also known as Pinehurst Road around 12:00 p.m. and found a 50 x 60-foot Transmission Shop heavily involved in fire. Mutual aid was called from several area departments including Upper Freehold Township-Allentown, Millstone Township, Jackson Township, Cookstown, Jacobstown, and others. A tanker task force responded to bring water to the scene and firefighters used hand lines and two ladders for master stream operations. The fire was contained quickly but firefighters remained on scene for quite some time overhauling the fire. A helicopter was called for a burn victim from the structure fire and a landing zone was set up at New Egypt Speedway but the helicopter was recalled and the person was transported by ground to a local hospital. It appears that the business owner lost everything since the entire building was consumed by fire. The fire is currently under investigation. Additional details will be posted as they become available.
NEW EGYPT – PLUMSTED, NJ (OCEAN)- Assemblyman Alex Sauickie announced that his office will host a wall of remembrance for breast cancer survivors or loved ones passed away from the disease.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month because it is important to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage early detection. The earlier the detection, the greater the chance of surviving,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean).
According to the American Cancer Society statistics center, New Jersey women are more likely to get breast cancer than any other form of the disease. Death from breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the state.
“I invite residents of the 12th Legislative office to come to my office, during the month of October, between 10:00 am and 2 pm, and place a pink ribbon on our wall to remember the heroic effort our loved ones went through in their fight against breast cancer,” Sauickie said. “My office will provide the ribbon and assist the public in their remembrance.”
The office is located at 405 Route 539 (Pinehurst Road) in New Egypt.
The 12th Legislative District is comprised of Allentown, Chesterfield, Englishtown, Jackson, Manalapan, Matawan, Millstone, New Hanover, North Hanover, Old Bridge, Plumsted, Roosevelt, Upper Freehold and Wrightstown.
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.comPhoto by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Plumsted Township Police Chief Earl Meroney announced that on September 6, 2022, Michael D. Weber, 64, of Spotswood, was charged with Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department revealed that Weber – acting in his capacity as Treasurer of the Lakeside Rod and Gun Club in Plumsted Township – stole approximately $4,000.00 from the club between July 2017 and January 2021. Weber was responsible for collecting and depositing the club’s membership dues and paying the club’s expenses. While he did, in fact, collect the membership dues, Weber utilized the funds for his own personal benefit.
Weber was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meroney acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Plumsted Township Police Department for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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)
Michael D. Weber, 64, of Spotswood, was charged with Theft
NEW EGYPT, NJ (OCEAN)–A Walk to End Brain Tumors will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Laurita Winery for the 12th Annual New Egypt, the walk will support of brain tumor research. 100% of registration fees & participant sponsorships go toward the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research and Information, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity whose mission is to find a cure for brain tumors as well as support victims, survivors and their families. 100% of funds raised go toward The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research and Information, Inc.
Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R) Assistant Minority Leader, District 12
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN) NEW EGYPT–It is with great regret and profound sadness that we, the staff of the esteemed Assemblyman Ron Dancer, must inform you of his passing. He left this world peacefully with his beloved wife by his side.
Ron often expressed gratitude by saying, “I am blessed.” May God continue to bless Ron Dancer and bless his grieving family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Please direct questions to his legislative office at asmdancer@njleg.org
You may also leave a private message of condolence or a fond memory of the Assemblyman at his website www.AssemblymanDancer.com
Ronald S. Dancer served his local community and state for over 30 years as a volunteer, adviser, leader, and representative. He was known by his friends and neighbors as the man who got things done. As the people’s representative, Ron fought for the interests of the 12th Legislative District and served with compassion for all.
Ron grew up in New Egypt, the beautiful town at the very center of New Jersey. The son of the late Hall of Fame Harness Horse Racing Driver Stanley Dancer, Ron was a horseman, trainer, and driver. He professionally raced and trained horses from 1968 through 1998.
Ron attended the Peddie School in Hightstown and later, the Edward J. Blaustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. In between, Ron served in the United States Army from 1969-1971.
First elected as mayor in 1989, Ron served Plumsted Township through 2011. He continued as the Township’s Honorary Business Administrator from 2012 to 2017.
A tireless volunteer for Ocean County, Ron was a member of the Ocean County Board of Social Services for over 35 years and served as chairman. He was an active member of other civic affiliations, including the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee and the Ocean County Senior Citizens Advisory Council.
Ron served on the New Jersey Horse Racing Commission from 1999 to 2002 and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Sire Stakes Board from 1982 until 2002.
Ron most notably served as a member of the General Assembly from 2002 to 2022. He most recently was the Assistant Republican Leader. Ron’s successful public policy initiatives were furthered by his positions on a number of assembly committees. He served on the Agriculture and Food Security; Military and Veterans’ Affairs; and Tourism, Gaming and the Arts committees.
Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda, two children, and three grandchildren.
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Assemblyman Ron Dancer. True to his roots in one of New Jersey’s storied equestrian racing families, in public service he was a work horse not a show horse. A proud veteran with a quiet demeanor and humble nature, Ron built friendships across the aisle. His focus on New Jersey’s agricultural, horse-racing, and tourist industries, and our honored military veterans, leaves a lasting legacy. Our state flags will be lowered to half-staff in his honor and memory. His wife, Brenda, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Dancer family are in all of our thoughts this weekend.” — Governor Phil Murphy
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) released the following statement on the death of longtime New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald Dancer:
“Ron Dancer was a tireless public servant who served his country in the Army before becoming a highly respected and enormously popular mayor of Plumsted and assemblyman for the 12th Legislative District. A great friend to many and true civic leader, Ron was as gracious and considerate as he was hard working and effective. I cannot think of anyone who loved Plumsted and personified the township more than Ron Dancer.
“His trade-mark energetic leadership as a state legislator is marked by many issues he took head-on, especially advocating for the equestrian community, protecting veterans’ concerns on the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and defending the unborn on pro-life matters before the Assembly. He was a one-of-a-kind public servant whom I always greatly admired, and I am proud to have known him and called him my good friend.
“Marie’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Brenda and his loved ones as we celebrate his life of service and mourn his passing.”
Assembly Republicans today are mourning the death of their colleague, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer. He was 73.
A New Egypt native, Dancer was serving as Plumsted Township mayor in 2002 when district Republicans tapped him to fill a vacancy created by Assemblyman Melvin Cottrell’s passing. He most recently served on the Assembly agriculture and food security, military and veterans’ affairs, and tourism, gaming and the arts committees.
“Ron’s 20 years in the Assembly are marked not only by his tireless efforts to serve his constituents, even during his illness, but his willingness to work across party lines to accomplish what he believed was best for all New Jerseyans,” Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “He was a true patriot, statesman, gentleman, and my good friend. He will be sorely missed. My prayers and those of our conference are with his beloved wife Brenda and their family.”
Dancer served in the United States Army from 1969-1971. At home, he professionally raced and trained horses for 30 years, following in the footsteps of his father Stanley Dancer, the Hall of Fame Harness Horse Racing driver.
Dancer has been a tireless advocate for the farming community, the horse racing industry and taxpayers. Notable legislation enacted into law include: allowing for special occasion events on preserved farms; providing funding to increase horse racing purses; and allowing municipalities to establish programs to encourage local shopping through property tax rewards.
“No service member who ever stepped foot in New Jersey had a greater ally than Ron. His most powerful pieces of legislation honored and protected those who selflessly serve their fellow countrymen.” DiMaio added. “Likewise, his passion for agriculture and horse racing is evident in the bills he sponsored to strengthen and safeguard those industries.”
For nearly 40 years, Dancer volunteered for numerous groups, including the Ocean County Board of Social Services, which he chaired; the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee; the Ocean County Senior Citizens Advisory Council; the New Jersey Horse Racing Commission; and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Sire Stakes Board.
“Ron has left us with a legacy that serves as a beacon for public servants now and New Jersey leaders of the future,’ DiMaio concluded. “Ultimately, it’s not about Republican or Democrat; it’s about the people we serve. Ron served the people well.”
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement Saturday on the passing of Republican Assemblyman Ronald Dancer from the 12th legislative district: “I am saddened to learn of the loss of a true gentleman in New Jersey politics. In his two decades of public service in the Assembly, Ron Dancer was always someone who strived to work across the aisle. “A veteran himself, he leaves behind a legacy of advocacy on behalf of our military men and women. He was also a champion for New Jersey’s agricultural and horse racing communities, and contributed greatly to innovative expansions of our state’s tourism – most recently being the sponsor of legislation that will widen economic opportunity for our wineries and farms.
The New Jersey Convoy to Washington DC started in North Jersey today near Mahwah and proceeded down several highways on their way to New Egypt Speedway for a rally at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday the Convoy will leave New Egypt Speedway and proceed to several highways and meet at Salem County Fairgrounds for a final send off to Washington DC on Monday.
According to NJTruckerConvoy.com In solidarity with our brothers and sisters nationwide in the global Freedom Convoy phenomenon, a peaceful, nonpartisan convoy & event has been planned statewide in New Jersey from March 5th – March 6th, 2022. We Americans love our freedoms and our country. This convoy aims to restore our civil liberties and freedoms. Our goal is to protect the freedom of choice for future generations. It’s not about political parties, but more so, we believe our government has forgotten its place and has no regard for our Founding Fathers’ instructions, The Constitution of the United States of America. We believe that the power of politicians on all sides has been abused. We demand our voices be heard once again. We, The People, of all political affiliations & walks of life, demand the restoration of our democracy and an end to all unconstitutional mandates.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 16, 2021, Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt, pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), and Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii), before the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C. At the time of his sentencing on January 14, 2022, the State will be recommending a sentence of five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with a two year period of parole ineligibility as to the Distribution of Child Pornography charge, as well as five years NJSP as to the Possession of Child Pornography charge. The sentences are to run concurrently. Knight will also be subject to the terms of Meghan’s Law, along with Parole Supervision for Life.
This investigation, which began in December 2020, was the result of numerous referrals from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force detected that a user of the program Google Meets was uploading images of child pornography to the internet. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified a residence in New Egypt as the source of the uploaded images of child pornography. On June 9, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Homeland Security Investigations, and Plumsted Township Police Department, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Knight’s residence in New Egypt. As a result, Detectives seized two cell phones from the residence. Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Knight’s cell phone contained more than 1,000 images but less than 100,000 images of child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Knight distributed child pornography using Google Meets and other social media platforms.
Knight was subsequently arrested at his place of employment in Browns Mills on June 9, 2021; he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and United States Homeland Security Investigations, for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Knight’s arrest, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was arrested today on charges that he distributed, received, and possessed images and videos of child sexual abuse downloaded from the internet, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jared Faircloth, 24, of Cream Ridge, New Jersey, is charged in a criminal complaint with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Faircloth appeared this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From September 2020 to July 2021, Faircloth received and distributed material containing images of child sexual abuse via the BitTorrent Network, a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers. Users must download P2P software, which is widely available for free on the internet. The software allows the user to place files into a designated “shared” folder on his or her hard drive, from which other BitTorrent users can then download those files directly to the “shared” folders of their own computers. Users can then search, select, and directly download, those files.
Law enforcement used investigative software to access the BitTorrent Network and downloaded video files containing images of child sexual abuse from a device or devices assigned to IP addresses linked to Faircloth. On July 22, 2021, law enforcement searched Faircloth’s residence and found a device belonging to Faircloth that contained more than 2,800 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, as well as BitTorrent software. Of those approximately 2,800 files, law enforcement identified at least 30 files that law enforcement had previously downloaded from IP addresses linked to Faircloth.
The charge of knowingly receiving and distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a statutory maximum fine equal to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greatest. The charge of knowingly possessing child pornography carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum fine equal to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greatest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the arrest. She also thanked the Department of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Super Pitts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-481
Defense counsel: Benjamin West Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
On September 12, thousands of walkers, runners and volunteers participated in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race at the organization’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ. The event, which was presented by Hackensack Meridian Health and Pfizer and supported by dozens of other generous sponsors, honored those who gave the gift of organ and tissue, paid tribute to those who have received a transplant, offered hope to those currently waiting for a transplant and remembered the lives lost while waiting for the gift of life.
Family members and friends of the late Cynthia (Cindy) Von Schmidt, 55, of New Egypt, NJ, gathered together to form the “Cindy’s Amazing Grace” 5K team to honor her memory and show their support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission. Cindy, who passed away in 2016, was an organ and tissue donor who saved four lives and enhanced the lives of many others. Members of “Cindy’s Amazing Grace” offered the following message during the 5K Celebration of Life:
Cindy passed away in February 2016 of a brain aneurysm. She was 55 years young, married for 35 years and a mother of two. Besides her family she had three passions. Cindy was an avid skier, a beach lover and atop it all, a baker – a true connoisseur.
Cindy would spend months baking Christmas cookies for family and friends. Along with her daughter’s help, they would decorate and ship them all over the world! From the mountains of California to our military bases in around the globe – her cookies have been there.
Cindy was the most generous woman, always offering her hand to those who needed it. From organizing donations and fundraisers for those who needed help to rescuing dogs, Cindy made many efforts to help those she could. The day she left us, she gave the ultimate gift of four life-saving donations and multiple tissue donations to help others!
About NJ Sharing Network
Dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation, NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization, selected by NJBIZ as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the fourth consecutive year, is also part of the national recovery system, serving the 110,000 people on the national waiting list. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
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