Parsippany Police Held Their Annual Departmental Awards

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department held their annual Departmental Awards and Inspection where Chief of Police Paul Philipps conducts a uniform and equipment inspection.

Following the inspection Philipps presented multiple awards and commendations to the officers which were earned throughout the year.

This year he issued a total of 69 awards and commendations, of which 18 were Lifesaving Awards along with two Civilian Service Awards for contributing to a lifesaving.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps

The Lifesaving award is issued when an officer or civilian dispatcher directly contributes to the successful revival of a victim by way of CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, or by giving instructions to the caller on how to properly perform CPR on a victim.

The two Civilian Service Awards that were given out this year were to David Hess, who has been a member of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department for over 45 years. Mr. Hess successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a patron at a local restaurant who began to choke on a piece of steak. His quick actions led to the successful dislodging of the piece of food and allowed the victim to breath freely once again.

The second person who received the Civilian Service Award was Jennifer Sawyer, who successfully performed CPR and used an AED on a patron at LA Fitness that was in cardiac arrest. Her quick actions led to the successful revival of the victim.

District 5 holds annual Pancake Breakfast

PARSIPPANY — It’s that time of year again! Santa stopped by District 5 firehouse on Sunday, December 4 to greet the children and to listen to their long lists of items they want Sant to bring on Christmas Day. Everyone got to enjoy their Annual Pancake breakfast, consisting of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, orange juice, coffee and tea.

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Taner Uygun and Adam Campbell serves the pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon to the guests
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Members of District 5 with Council Vice President Robert Peluso
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Robert Peluso, Jr., tells Santa what he wants for Christmas, as Ildiko and Council Vice President Robert Peluso looks on

Santa arrives in Parsippany in time to light the Tree at Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived in Parsippany-Troy Hills just in time to light the tree at Town Hall on Sunday, December 4.

Santa arrived with a police escort sitting on a fire truck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 just in time to help Mayor James Barberio light the Christmas tree at Town Hall.

Immediately following the tree lighting Santa met with children, and wanted to know what each child wanted him to bring to their home on Christmas eve. The children also received candy canes and a special gift from Santa.

Refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies were served to all the children compliments of Houlihans and Shop Rite of Parsippany.

Have you been good girls and boys? Do you want to know what Santa Claus has in store for you for Christmas? Do you want to know when Santa and his sleigh will be getting to your house?

We can’t answer the first two questions. Only you can answer the first one. Only Santa can answer the second one.

But thanks to the wonders of the NORAD we can give you an idea where Santa is on Christmas Eve. Children can track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by clicking here.

Sons of Italy delivered bags of food for Thanksgiving

PARSIPPANY — The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 delivered 21 fully cooked Turkey Dinners to local families, and also purchased $1,000 in Shop Rite Gift Cards for other families and local food pantries.

The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association.

The Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families and awards many scholarships to outstanding men and women.

Officers include President: Joe Jannarone Jr.; First Vice President: Louis Amato; Second Vice President: Joe Plescia; Treasurer: Robert Iracane; Recording Secretary: Adam Gragnani and Seargent at Arms: Sean Clark.

For more information click here.

Parsippany resident charged with Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia

PARSIPPANY — After being pulled over for making an unsafe lane change on Route 80 in Fairfield, Brian Halpin, 34, Parsippany, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia on Monday, November 28.

In addition to the criminal charges, the Fairfield Police Department charged Halpin with having a suspended license, being an unlicensed driver, making an unsafe lane change and for possessing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a motor vehicle.

According to Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna, the Fairfield Police Department recently began a Route 80 initiative to try and assist with greater enforcement and interdiction efforts on the interstate. Fairfield Officers Jeffrey Dean and Diego Ocampo were patrolling Route 80 on Monday afternoon when they observed a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, later found to be operated by Halpin, making what they considered an unsafe lane change.

“Many drug users and traffickers take the interstate as a faster means of getting to some of the cities located to our east, including New York City to purchase narcotics that will later be used or distributed in our community or in communities west of Fairfield,” said Manna. “When staffing permits, our officers will be on the interstate so that those involved in illegal drug use or distribution will not just contend with being apprehended by state troopers but with our officers as well” said the chief.

Subsequent to investigation during the course of this particular stop, the responding officers stated that they recovered suspected heroin as well as a hypodermic syringe. According to police, Halpin was arrested without incident and his vehicle impounded.

Halpin was released on his own recognizance pending Superior Court action.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Santa arrives at Lake Parsippany Clubhouse

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 3 Santa arrived at the Lake Parsippany Association’s clubhouse to enjoy a pancake breakfast with the neighborhood children.

In the true spirit of Christmas the children brought presents to be given to other children in the area who could use a little extra Christmas cheer.

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Enjoying coloring Christmas pictures while waiting for Santa are (left to right) Ethan Montanaro with his grandmother Debbie Orme and his brother Colton Montanaro and Dad Dave Montanaro all from Parsippany
Santa’s Elves (left to right) Abigail Phelps, Vanessa Iradi from Parsippany helped Santa gather the gifts
Santa’s Elves (left to right) Abigail Phelps, Vanessa Iradi from Parsippany helped Santa gather the gifts

Volunteers at huge charity drive pack 500K meals for needy

PARSIPPANY — A family of seven were among the hordes of volunteers Saturday assembling meals that will be distributed to families in need. Standing by a long table under a heated tent, Jamie Hemberger was packing up 12.4-ounce bags of macaroni and cheese, each with enough for six servings. She was joined by her husband, Mike,…

Morris Hills ends 41-year title drought with win over Parsippany Hills Vikings

EAST RUTHERFORD – Morris Hills’ 41-year championship drought is over. The Scarlet Knights started the second half with 20 unanswered points to pick up the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 title in a 27-14 win over Parsippany Hills on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. It’s Morris Hills’ second title in school history; the first came in…

Community supports Noah; Successful fundraiser

PARSIPPANY —The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 hosted a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner Fundraiser to benefit the family of Noah Lorencovitz on Saturday, November 19 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Firehouse, 200 South Beverwyck Road.

With the combined efforts of both organizations they served almost 400 dinners and raised almost $8,000.00 which was donated to the family of Noah Lorencovitz.

The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 bought and prepared all the pasta, meatballs and sausage and soda, water, coffee and dessert was donated by the ShopRite of Parsippany. Parsippany’s Best Pizza in Arlington Plaza donated all of the gravy for evening and Anthony & Sons Bakery, Denville, provided the bread.

Chairman Dave Cavaliere extends a huge thank you to Sons of Italy President Joe Jannarone Jr., Shop Rite of Parsippany,  Parsippany’s Best Pizza and Anthony & Sons Bakery for their generous donations which highly contribute in making the fundraiser a huge success.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 Firefighter and Chairman of the event Dave Cavaliere would like to thank the entire committee for all of the effort they are contributing in making this annual event which gives back to the community a huge success.

The dedicated members of this years committee are Pat Calabrese, John Dente, Matt Palmieri, Pat Lorenzo, Brandon Schweizer, Mike Lambert and Glen Pelobuet.              

On Thursday, March 3, what started out as a normal school day for 13-year old Noah suddenly turned tragic. During gym class, Noah excused himself to the locker room. While in there, his heart went into an arrhythmia which ultimately led to cardiac arrest. A friend found him unresponsive and contracted his teacher who immediately began CPR. The school nurse and EMT’s were summoned to help and administer an AED to get his heart started again.

A jersey honoring Noah Lorencovitz
A jersey honoring Noah Lorencovitz

Noah was rushed to nearby Morristown Medical Center. On the evening of March 3, he was transferred to Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City and was in the cardiac intensive care (ICU) for almost three weeks. The doctors conducted a successful ablation procedure on Noah and shortly thereafter he left ICU.

However, his fight is not over. Even after five months in the hospital, Noah is expected to have a long road of rehabilitation ahead.  Everyone is hopeful that Noah will recover from the trauma so you can hear his voice and see that infectious smile.

Please join the community to help Noah and his family.  All proceeds will go to help the Lorencovitz family as they continue to tackle this difficult situation. Let’s all come out together and continue to give support and prayers for Noah and his family so NOAH can wear his #4 jersey on the basketball court with his team mates very soon.

Lake Parsippany Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast was a success

PARSIPPANY — For the many people that stopped by Lake Parsippany Fire House on Sunday, November 27 for the “Ladies Auxiliary 14th Annual Pancake Breakfast” they had the opportunity to eat delicious homemade pancakes, sausage and more … bagels, cream cheese, butter, coffee, tea and even orange juice.  All you could eat for just $6.00 or less.

The following businesses and individuals contributed to the event: Annabella’s Restaurant, Anthony Francos Pizza, Atlanta Bread, Baldwin Pizza, Bangiola’s Sandwich Shoppe, Buffalo Wild Wings, Delizia Pizza Kitchen, Empire Diner, Evonik, Four Knives Deli, General Store, Great Wazu, G’s Famous Pizza, Habit Burger Grill, Houlihans Restaurant, IHOP, Vincent Ferrara, Zinburger, Jimmy’s Pizzeria, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mama Louisa’s Italian Deli, Outback Steak House, Pro-Haircutters, Quick Chek, Shear Creations, Aristocrat Limo, Birchwood Manor, Castle Printing, Cerbo Lumber, Costco, David Brask, Election Graphics, Fire and Safety Services, Friedman LLP, Glafelter Insurance Group, IBEW Local Union No. 102, NJ Fire Equipment, Parsippany’s Best Pizza, Par-Troy Funeral Home, Restaurant Depot, Robert J. Iracane CPA, Stifel Nicolaus, Stop & Shop and Tri-State Technical Services.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3 is located at 255 Halsey Road.

Lake Parsippany Ladies Auxiliary: President: Diane Ritz; Vice President: Cindy Barilla; Secretary: Lynne Yaccorino; Treasurer: Barbara Birth; Financial Secretary: Dee Delgrosso and Sgt. of Arms:Jane Fenske.

Lake Parsippany  Vol. Fire Co.: President: Arden Birth; Vice  President: Andy Baum; Treasurer: Ken Nolan; Secretary: Bob Keller; Financial Secretary: Rob Koegler and Sgt. of Arms: Jonathan Earl.

Board of Fire Commissioners: Robert Yeager; Gabe Yaccorino; Darryl Jenkins; John Butkus and Clarence Ricker.

Lake Parsippany Fire Department is always looking for volunteers to join: Seniors 18 years and older; Juniors 16 to 18 years old. Stop in for an application on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. or call (973) 887-9071 and leave a message.