The number of local police departments allowing Tasers and stun guns hit 81 percent in 2013—a “more than tenfold” increase from 7 percent in 2000, according to new Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates. The report also contains stats on how many U.S. police departments supply “body-worn” and “weapon-attached” cameras: 32 percent and 6 percent, respectively. (To…
National Night Out at Mennen Sports Arena
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s thirteenth annual National Night Out, hosted by the Morris County Park Police and the Morris County Park Commission, returns to Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with more FREE attractions. Fire, police, and rescue units are on hand to demonstrate a wide range of skills and equipment that bring awareness to the community with special emphasis on family and the multitude of services available to enrich their lives. Dozens of municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies participate, and are available for questions.
There will be FREE food, drinks, entertainment, ice-skating, giveaways, and attractions offering attendees one of the nation’s best ‘Nights Out.’ Each year since 2007, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) named the Morris County’s National Night Out event a National Award Winner. “The Morris County National Night Out for the past seven years has received national recognition because it offers a comprehensive array of participating agencies to educate the public on available community services,” says Lt. Gabriel DiPietro of the Morris County Park Police. “In addition to the exhibits, there is FREE ice-skating, hands-on activities, giveaways, an opportunity to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more. Our most popular activity is the children’s ID program.”
This year, National Night Out overflows with amusements. Investigate the essential equipment of police, fire, and emergency vehicles, such as motorcycles, ambulances, all-terrain vehicles, fire engines, and squad cars. Visit the horses of the Morris County Park Police’s award-winning Mounted Equestrian Unit. Groove to the tunes of DJ and live performances. The Morris County Park Police are once again offering the most popular FREE Child ID cards, an initiative launched in 2000 that registers more than 1,000 children annually.
Chief Dave Doyle and the Morris County Park Police ensure public safety throughout Morris County, and provide assistance to other area agencies. The department currently patrols park facilities with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and horses. For more information, please visit morrisparks.net, or contact Lieutenant Gabe DiPietro at gdepietro@morrisparks.net.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
More rain in the forecast as humid, warm weather lingers in Parsippany
The sun will cut through this dreary Tuesday at times as the possibility of rain remains as warm, humid weather lingers in the Garden State. Widespread severe storms are unlikely, however, the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook in New Jersey. According to the NWS, forecasters are calling for several slim swaths of…
Tractor Trailer accident on Route 80 causes massive delays
PARSIPPANY — Tractor trailer crashed on Route 80 Westbound, near mile marker 46 at approximately 6:30 p.m. Inital reports indicated a person was trapped inside a vehicle, but upon arrival of Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 Fire Department it was determined there was no entrapment. Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was called to the scene and Parsippany EMS reported one person to St. Clare’s Hospital.
Morris County Hazmat and the Department of Environmental Protection were called to the scene on reports indicate a large fuel from crash spilling onto the hill near Route 46 from overpass. Route 80 remained closed to contain the spill and await a tow truck. The traffic was detoured onto Route 46. The U-Turn in front of the Holiday Inn was closed off and all traffic had to remain on Route 46.
Provident Bank donates to Summer Concert Series
PARSIPPANY — The Provident Bank, 401 Smith Road, made a donation to Parsippany’s Summer Concert Series.
Branch Manager Ylka Padilla and Mercedes Covert Muzio presents Mayor James Barberio with a check for $4,000 to sponsor the summer concert series, in memory of Bridget Katalis.
This year Provident will sponsor the concert on Thursday, August 13. “Time Machine” one of the most well-known and most sought after bands in the tri-state area will be performing. Click here to learn more about Time Machine. Time Machine is comprised of top musicians and performers giving you unmatched showmanship and professionalism. With so many all-star performers, their show will be like listening to a human jukebox. Constantly changing styles and vocalist during the course of the concert will keep your audience entertained and awe-struck all night long. In addition on August 13 there is a Special Summertime Barbecue presented by Shop Rite of Parsippany. The barbecue starts at 5:00 p.m!. All proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL.
The concert series is held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 at Vail Road.
Provident Bank is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parsippany RACES partcipates in Field Day
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.) volunteers participated in the National Emergency Communications Field Day Exercise this weekend, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.
All across North America Ham Radio operators take to the outdoors and set up emergency communication radio stations and operated them continuously for a 24 hour period, with the goal of successfully communicating with as many other stations participating in the event as possible.
Parsippany RACES set up their emergency communications station at the Veterans Field Gazebo on Route 46, and operated their station from 2:00 p.m. Saturday to 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Tens of thousands of Ham Radio operators throughout the country participate in this annual event, in order to hone their skills in the event of an emergency situation.
Braving the rains as might be the case during a real emergency, members contacted over 450 other operators around the country even as far away a Hawaii, in this grueling 24 hour event.
All registered ham operators in Parsippany received a postcard inviting them to attend and they did have some visits from operators.
Councilman Mike dePierro stopped by twice, bringing coffee and donuts for the evening crew.
For questions and inquiries, contact Eric Hubner at (973) 390-0192 Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Tips For Morris County Residents To Reduce Encounters With Black Bears
MORRIS COUNTY — With summer outdoor season in full bloom, with residents hiking and biking through Morris County’s abundant natural areas, and many residents grilling and picnicking on a regular basis, it’s a good time to remember some key rules about dealing with the county’s population of black bears, which are sharing the woods and trails, and are more than happy to share a burger or hot dog from your outdoor grill at this time of year.
Black bears, which are the largest land mammal in New Jersey, are commonly found in many areas of northern and western Morris County, which is considered part of “bear country’’ by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Bears are attracted by odors from potential food sources created by people. Carefully controlling these sources of food and associated odors can help prevent black bears from being attracted to people’s property and teaching them to associate people with food.
The most common bear problem county residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community, according to the DEP.
Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears. For tips on proper garbage management and coexisting with bears, click here. That site offer tips for homeowners, farmers, municipalities and outdoor enthusiasts.
The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife offers some common sense tips to minimize conflicts with bears this summer, especially if you live in areas of Morris County that are regularly frequented by bears:
Secure your trash and eliminate obvious sources of food, such as pet food on decks, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residues left in barbecue grills.
- Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
- Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
- Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
- Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
- Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
- Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
- Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
- Install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
If you encounter a bear that is standing its ground, remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
Report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department or the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).
Joseph R. Riccardi, 94, passed away
PARSIPPANY — Joseph R. Riccardi, 94, passed away on Thursday, July 2 at Morristown Medical Center.
Riccardi was born and raised in Paterson where he lived for 30 years before moving to Parsippany in 1952.
Joe graduated from Columbia University School of Business with his MBA in Business.
He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II from 1942 until being honorably discharged in 1944.
Joe worked at the Morris County Probation Department as a Supervisor for 20 years before retiring in 1992. Prior to that, he was an Industrial Engineer with McGregor – Doniger Sportswear in Dover, NJ and Manhattan Industries in Glen Rock.
Joe was a member of the St. Ann’s Social Club, American Institute of Industrial Engineers (AIIE), and AARP in Parsippany where Joe was also an Executive Board Member and a member of the Publicity Committee. He was also a Convention Representative for both McGregor – Doniger Sportswear & Manhattan Industries.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Erma K. (nee-Kaiser) who passed away on May 22, 2015 and his sisters: Emily Carlo and Annette Marcotulli.
Joe loved music, the Jersey Shore and traveling.
Survivors include his nephews: Armand and Richard Carlo and Richard and Robert Marcotulli and Brent Kaiser; and his niece, Kathleen Heinbaugh; he is also survived by his many great-nieces and great-nephews; his sister-in-law, Dr. Joan Kaiser and her husband, Donald Hill and Diane Kaiser.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Par-Troy Funeral Home 92 Parsippany Road. Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Visiting hours are on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Parsippany residents celebrated Fourth of July
PARSIPPANY — Familes throught out Parsippany celebrated Fourth of July. Family Picnics, concerts, fireworks, graduation parties were among the events celebrated by Parsippany residents.
Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States
2015: Fireworks draws record breaking crowd
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held its annual concert and fireworks extravaganza on Saturday, July 4.
The event started at Parsippany Hills High School with an evening of music by “The Trip, ” and then brilliant explosions and stunning blasts of colored light filled the skies above Parsippany Hills High School to a record-breaking crowd of over 8,500 attendees.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Department, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1, Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3, and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6 all contributed in making this event successful by providing their services.
Reports indicate this will be the last year the fire works are being held at Parsippany Hills High School due to the new turf fields. Parsippany Focus has learned of two possible locations: Smith Field and over the lake on Lake Parsippany. As more facts are released Parsippany Focus will keep you informed.
Poll: Should New Jersey Taxpayers pay for Gov. Christie’s security while on the campaign trail?
[polldaddy poll=8964214]
It’s peak lightning season: The number of strikes in N.J. may surprise you
A freak weather event like getting struck by lightning was not something that crossed Robin Lally’s mind that much – until July 2008. That’s when the Dover woman was driving home from the shore with her husband to find police and fire fighters descending on her house, which had just sustained a serious lightning strike. The…
Synthetic Marijuana Grab on Route 80
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State Trooper Sonia Perez stopped to assist a man walking on Interstate 80 in Parsippany-Troy Hills, on Wednesday, July 1. A brief investigation at the location revealed the man to be in possession of synthetic marijuana.
Juan Dockey, 26, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, was arrested and taken to Netcong Barracks to be processed. The continuing investigation at the station resulted in the seizure of 370 grams of synthetic marijuana, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Dockey was charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and prescription legend drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and distribution. He was lodged at Morris County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail with no 10% option.
The above photo are of some types of synthetic marijuana for the parents who don’t know what it looks like. It’s marketed towards kids, so be on the lookout.
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.
County Counsel O’Mullan Retires After Four Decades of Service
MORRIS COUNTY — Dan O’Mullan is retiring after four decades of legal service to Morris County, including the past seven years as chief Morris County Counsel.
O’Mullan served for nearly 30 years as an assistant and special counsel appointed by the county freeholders. He was then named Acting County Counsel in 2008 and was appointed as the county’s permanent chief legal advisor in 2009.
He was honored with a special resolution by the freeholders on June 24, in the presence of his wife, Helen, and two sons, Michael and Matthew.
“Dan O’Mullan served with great dedication, intelligence and integrity, and with the best interests of Morris County in mind,’’ said the resolution read by Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.
Before working for Morris County, O’Mullan was an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission, a Special Deputy Attorney General, and an Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor. The Fordham University Law School graduate was appointed an assistant Morris County Counsel in 1980.
O’Mullan, who also has long been a partner in the Cedar Knolls-based O’Mullan and Brady law firm, will be replaced by attorney John Napolitano, Randolph, who took the oath of office on Tuesday, June 30
Students named to Dean’s List at Grove City College
PARSIPPANY — The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester at Grove City College.
Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.
Matthew Adamo was named to the Dean’s List. Matthew was a senior Computer Infmtn Systems major. Matthew is a 2011 graduate of Homeschooled and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Adamo (Cynthia) from Lake Hiawatha.
Daniel Greenfield was named to the Dean’s List with Distinction. Daniel was a junior Biochemistry major. Daniel is a 2012 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and is the son of Mr. and Ms. Scott Greenfield (Kimberly) from Parsippany.
Lauren Schmitt was named to the Dean’s List with High Distinction. Lauren was a senior Music Education major. Lauren is a 2011 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schmitt, Jr. (Marion) from Parsippany.
Morris County Jail receives perfect score; Nationally accredited 12th year in a row
The New Jersey Department of Corrections concluded their annual independent inspection of the Morris County Correctional Facility this week and again, the Correctional Facility received a perfect score of 100%.
This came just after the American Correctional Association (ACA) gave the correctional facility a score of 98.6%, making this the twelfth year in a row the correctional facility was nationally accredited.
The review was conducted by three out-of-state independent correctional professionals.
This accreditation is one of prestige as only 160 jails of the over 3,000 in the United States have ever accomplished this feat. These two national accreditations finish up the three essential national assessments, earning the Morris County Sheriff’s Office the Triple Crown Award for the 11th year in a row.
The Triple Crown Award’s distinction have only been earned by 36 of the 3,083 Sheriff’s Offices nationwide. This also comes on the heels of just having received reaccreditation from The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) with a perfect score of 100% for all essential standards and a 94% in the non essential standards.
Sheriff Edward Rochford would like to congratulate the men and women of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections for their continued outstanding work.
Three car accident sends one driver to hospital
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Anthony Tuorto, 46, was traveling south on Route 53 near the Brooklawn Drive intersection, and was stopped in traffic. Ms. Samantha Vanghan, 44, was traveling behind Mr. Tuorto and was stopped in traffic, when Mr. Patrick Hentze, 26, hit her vehicle from behind pushing her vehicle into Mr. Tuorto’s vehicle. This accident occurred on Tuesday, June 30 at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Mr. Tuorto was driving a 2011 Subaru Impreza, and was the vehicle was driven away from the scene.
Ms. Vanghan was driving a 2013 Audi A5, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
Mr. Patrick Hentze was driving a 2008 Toyota Pick Up, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
Mrs. Vanghan was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.
Patrolman Dave Cavilere investigated the accident.
At the time of this article, there were no summons issued.
Par-Troy All Stars Win District 1 Title Championship
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Par Troy East Seniors All Stars 2015 defeats Dover 5-0 to win the District 1 Title.
Nicole Ruggiero went 2-3, helping PTE to a 5-0 victory and the district crown over Dover on Tuesday at Gallo Field. She singled in the second inning and doubled in the seventh inning. Caitlin Brennan struck out 11 hitters en route to the victory. Ruiz took the loss for Dover. She pitched seven innings, walked six, struck out seven, and allowed five runs.
PTE never trailed after Ruggiero’s single in the 2nd. Alivia Mercuro had a big two out RBI single later in the game to seal the win. Caitlin Brennan received a lot of defensive support from her team. Only 1 error from the defensive helped her preserve back to back shutouts. Next up for Par Troy East will be Triboro Little League for the Section 1 championship.
Games will be on Gallo Field at the Par Troy East Complex on Monday, July 6, Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30. It winner will be best of 3.
Goddard School holds graduation for Pre-Kindergarten Class of 2015
PARSIPPANY — The Goddard School, 311 Smith Road, held graduation for Pre-Kindergarten Class of 2015 on Friday, June 26.
The following students received their diploma during the ceremony: Damian Barone, Emma Bray, Kayla Cangelosi, Caleb Furmanek, Siya Gaware, Samuel Hader, Dhruv Harsh, Miles Herbig, Advik Kamath, Ethan Leung, Matthew Liau, Jessie Liu, Mahrosh Mannan, Adem Misirlioglu, Shonali Murthy, Shaan Naidu, Aabha Paranjpe, Maya Parikh, Roy Poikayil, Sushanth Vodlakonda, Avika Sharma, Pranav Sharma, Alexandra Stella and Tyler Truesdale.
