PARSIPPANY — Although the rain moved the annual memorial service inside to the crowded Rainbow Lakes Fire House, residents, veterans, first responders, and elected officials filled the building to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

Charlie Engfer, serving as master of ceremonies, opened the ceremony with the following speech:

“It is my honor to be here today as we come together to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s finest and bravest. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not just to utter words, but to live by them.”

Guest speaker Mona Shaw continues to honor the legacy of her son, Capt. Stanford “Ford” H. Shaw III, a highly respected Marine Raider who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country. Alongside her husband, Ford, and son, Tyler, Mona has remained committed to preserving Captain Shaw’s memory and supporting the military community. Captain Shaw, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and member of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, was among 11 service members lost in a tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Florida on March 10, 2015, during a training mission. His dedication, leadership, and service continue to inspire Marines, friends, and family members across the nation.

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer — it is a day of remembrance dedicated to the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Across the nation, communities pause to honor those sacrifices and reflect on the freedoms preserved through their courage.

In Rainbow Lakes, despite rainy weather forcing the ceremony indoors, the crowded Fire House demonstrated the community’s deep respect and patriotism. Veterans, residents, elected officials, and first responders gathered together in solemn tribute, ensuring the memory of America’s fallen heroes continues to live on for future generations.

PARSIPPANY — Residents were displaced Wednesday night after a fire broke out in an apartment building at the Knoll Gardens Apartment Complex in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany, according to the Parsippany Police Department.

Police said officers responded at approximately 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, after the Montville Police Department’s communications center received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at Building 46 of the complex.

When officers arrived, they learned there was an active fire in the building’s crawl space. Maintenance personnel and responding officers safely evacuated residents from the building while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

Authorities said responding fire crews brought the fire under control. However, the building was later deemed uninhabitable due to damage and the disconnection of utilities.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist displaced residents.

All six Parsippany fire districts responded to the scene, along with Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Par-Troy EMS, and both Parsippany volunteer EMS squads. Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Boonton, Whippany, Denville, Montville, and Morris Plains fire departments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Pulkit Desai spent Friday morning alongside crossing guard Michael D’Alessandro at the busy intersection of Littleton Road and Rita Drive, gaining firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by crossing guards protecting students near Parsippany Hills High School.

The intersection serves as a major access point to the high school and experiences heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic during morning arrival hours.

Standing alongside D’Alessandro during the morning commute, Mayor Desai observed numerous traffic safety concerns, including motorists failing to obey traffic lights and posted signs, speeding through the intersection, and showing what he described as “a total disregard for safety.”

Desai said the experience gave him a new appreciation for the difficult job crossing guards perform each day while managing impatient drivers and ensuring students safely cross one of the township’s busiest roadways.

The mayor also praised D’Alessandro for the relationship he has built with students over the years.

“You know who was exemplary in addition to Michael? The kids,” Desai said. “They listened to him, they were friendly and respectful, and Michael knew many of them by name. It was clear they trusted and respected him.”

Desai noted that D’Alessandro remained calm, alert, and attentive throughout the morning rush despite the constant traffic flow and unpredictable driver behavior.

He also reflected on the dedication required to perform the job in all types of weather conditions.

“Michael loves his job and does it in rain, snow and extreme cold,” Desai said. “I was fortunate to spend the morning there on a nice day, but I will not forget what our crossing guards deal with during bad weather. This was truly an eye-opening experience.”

Following the visit, Desai said the township needs to examine additional traffic safety improvements near schools and heavily traveled intersections.

“We do need to improve signage, street markings and effective traffic light placement,” Desai said. “I will be looking into this ASAP.”

The visit highlighted the important role crossing guards like Michael D’Alessandro play each day in protecting Parsippany students and maintaining safety around local schools.

NEW JERSEY — Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of the busy travel season. Safety must be a priority on every journey as roadways fill with drivers heading to the shore, local parks, lakes, and family gatherings. No matter how short the trip, every drive carries risks—and your choices behind the wheel can make all the difference. We urge all motorists to stay alert, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence. Buckle up, be patient, and remain mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

During the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, there were six crashes that resulted in fatalities. In five of the crashes, alcohol and/or drugs were a factor. These types of tragedies can easily be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber or Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.

The New Jersey State Police plans to increase traffic enforcement details across the state from Friday, May 23 to Tuesday, May 27. During this period, in addition to our regularly scheduled patrols, 170 troopers will be on traffic details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, commercial vehicle enforcement, cell phone usage, distracted driving, and DWI. Remember, driving drowsy can mimic the symptoms of driving under the influence, including impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and difficulty maintaining lane position. Just like driving under the influence, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. If you feel sleepy while driving, please pull into a service area and rest to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Motorists are also reminded of the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other roadside assistance vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. The purpose of this law is to provide a safe space for first responders and other workers to perform their duties without the risk of being hit by passing traffic. If changing lanes is not possible or unsafe, drivers must reduce their speed below the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Help us keep you safe by helping emergency personnel stay safe.

Additionally, the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau will be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend and throughout the summer, looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to stop reckless operation of boats and personal watercrafts.

Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. For up-to-date requirements and additional boating safety tips you can visit the State Police website by clicking here.

“As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I urge everyone to make smart decisions and prioritize safety,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “With increased traffic on our roads and waterways, the risk of crashes also increases. Your choices matter—don’t let one moment of carelessness turn into a preventable tragedy. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road by putting safety first. Let’s come together to make this Memorial Day weekend safe, respectful, and enjoyable for all. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor the heroes who gave their last full measure of devotion in service to our nation.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle confirmed that Julio D. Estrada-Mogollon, 36, of Wayne, has been charged in connection with impersonating a law enforcement officer, theft and attempted kidnapping for an incident that occurred in Roxbury, in the early-morning hours of May 3.

At approximately 2:15 a.m., the victim left a business located in Saddle Brook, and while driving on Route 80 West, reported being pulled over by a dark-colored sedan with emergency lights in Roxbury, believing it to be a police officer. The driver of the sedan asked her for her documentation, removed her from the vehicle, and conducted an alleged field sobriety test. The individual then handcuffed the victim and advised her that she was under arrest. When the victim asked to see the alleged officer’s badge, he walked back to his vehicle. At that time, the victim fled the area in her vehicle. She was able to get out of the handcuffs, and later realized her cell phone was missing, and reported the incident to the NJSP.

A subsequent investigation located the victim’s phone in Paterson the following day.

The investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle was registered to Estrada-Mogollon.

Following an investigation, Estrada-Mogollon was subsequently charged on May 12, 2026 with second degree Attempted Kidnapping; third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking; and fourth degree Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer.

Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.

The incident remains under investigation by the NJSP and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.