Gloucester Township News
Read more about our single-stream recycling program.
Mayor David Mayer and Councilman Samuel Siler join Gloucester Township Rotarians at the Hider Lane Senior Center during an unveiling ceremony of benches donated to the Township by the Gloucester Township Rotary Club.
[Read more on Gloucester Township Patch...]
Gloucester Township Police Will Be Recognized For Earning First Place In National Night Competition
On January 23, 2012 at 7:30 PM at a Gloucester Township Council Meeting Mayor David Mayer will be presenting to the Gloucester Township Police Department an award from the National Town Watch Council recognizing their achievement in earning first place in the State of New Jersey for participation in National Night Out 2011. Additionally, the Gloucester Township Police Department has also been selected as a National Award Winner and ranked 26th overall in the Country for their participation in National Night Out. The Gloucester Township Police Department competes in Category 3 which represents communities with an overall population between 49,999-99,999 people.
This year's Nation Night Out event involved over 37.1 Million people in 15,325 communities from all 50 states, U.S. Territories and military bases worldwide.
"The success of our National Night Out Program is the result of our National Night Out/Town Watch Leaders, residents, local businesses, government officials, the dedication of the Gloucester Township Police Community Relations Bureau and all the men and women of the Gloucester Township Police Department who have partnered together in making National Night Out a continued success", said Chief Harry Earle If you would like to participate in this year's National Night Out, or if you want to find out more about how you can partner with us to make Gloucester Township a safer community, please contact the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Bureau at 228-4011 or email: communityrelations@gtpolice.com.
[Read the Gloucester Township Patch article for more...]
Citizens Police Academy
The Gloucester Township Police Department in a continuing effort to foster a better police-community partnership would like to invite any Gloucester Township resident 16 years of age or older to attend the 9th Citizen’s Police Academy. The Gloucester Township Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy will be a free 8-week course that will take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and begin in mid March 2012. The course will include an overview of the police department and the administration, uniformed patrol, police communications, special operations, criminal investigations, youth criminal law and many other interesting topics. Also, all attendees of the Citizen Police Academy will be trained in the use of CPR for the home. If you feel you would like to be part of this cooperative effort between the police and the community, and would like to receive a Citizens Police Academy application or have any questions, please call the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Unit at 228-4011.
Gloucester Township Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Gloucester Township Patch article January 17, 2012
Dare Middle School Graduations 2012
In continuing our commitment to involve the community as our partners in policing, four Gloucester Township Police D.A.R.E. officers were trained and certified in teaching the D.A.R.E. "Keepin It Real" Middle School Program. "Keepin It Real" is a multicultural, school based substance use prevention program for students 12-14 years old and will be taught to all seventh graders who attend Gloucester Township Public
Schools and Our Lady of Hope School.
Approximately 850 7th grade students participated in the "Keepin It Real" program and they will be the first class to graduate from that program in Gloucester Township. Media representatives are invited to attend the graduations which the students will be recognized for their achievements by members of our community, government and the police department.
The Gloucester Township Police Department strongly values the positive relationship with our community and particularly our youth. If you have any questions about the Middle School D.A.R.E. curriculum please contact Sgt. Barton or Cpl. Grannan at 856-228-4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com.
Gloucester Township Police Complete “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement Campaign
The Gloucester Township Police Department recently completed the statewide 2011 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” driving while intoxicated enforcement campaign. This campaign took place between December 5th and January 2nd, 2012. As part of the initiative, the department was awarded a $5000.00 grant by New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. During this campaign,15 drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated with 3 of the drivers arrested on New Years day.
This statewide campaign was part of a national effort to raise awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving. In 2010, there were 556 traffic related fatalities in New Jersey. 168 of those killed were in alcohol related crashes. Gloucester Township Police arrested 176 drivers for driving while intoxicated in 2010.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is just one facet of the Gloucester Township Police Departments efforts to deter drinking and driving. The department conducts monthly coordinated patrols targeting intoxicated drivers, pre-prom drinking and driving education programs for high school students and education programs for alcohol servers at restaurants.
Be a responsible driver. If you drink, don’t drive. If you do plan on drinking, have a designated driver, use mass transit, taxis or call a friend. If you see someone you suspect of driving drunk, stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible. Do not try to pass the vehicle or signal the driver to pull over. Take notice of the license plate number of the driver along with details of the vehicle including make, model and color. However, make sure you don’t compromise your own safety trying to obtain this information and call 911. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Give a complete description of the vehicle and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
For additional information on the dangers of drinking and driving and on the designated driver program, visit NJ.gov and MADD.
“We have our own composting facility through our municipal utilities authority,” said Mayor David Mayer. “It’s a very large operation, it reduces our disposal costs and it’s a revenue generator.” Mayer cited Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Stratford, Audubon and Deptford among the 17 towns that drop their leaves at his township’s facility. “We charge the towns $3 a cubic yard, which is a below-average cost. So that saves them money. Then we sell the compost we make to nurseries and other individuals,” he said. “Between the money generated from the towns participating and from what we make when we sell the compost, we took in more than $183,000 in revenue last year. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Glo. Twp. powers up for a new solar field - Courier Post article December 23, 2011
DEPUTY CHIEF DAVID HARKINS GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY
On December 16, 2011, Gloucester Township Police Department Deputy Chief David J. Harkins graduated from the 247th Session of The FBI National Academy Program. Deputy Chief Harkins joined Chief Harry Earle as fellow alumnus of this premier law enforcement executive training program. Less than 1 percent of applicants who apply to the FBI National Academy are accepted into the program.
Deputy Chief Harkins was one of 266 graduates, representing various law enforcement agencies from 49 states, 25 countries and three branches of the military, at the intensive 11-week program located at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The FBI National Academy was founded in 1935, and has had approximately 45,000 graduates from the program. According to the FBI, the program offers "advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies." The program is internationally known for its academic excellence and is offered free of charge to the selected students and their agencies. Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Deputy Chief Harkins, focused his course work on leadership training, law enforcement media relations, stress management in law enforcement, physical fitness and use of force investigations. His classes earned him 12 undergraduate credit hours, and 6 graduate credits through the University of Virginia. Deputy Chief Harkins stated that the many experiences presented by instructors and fellow students will help him in approaching similar situations in Gloucester Township. "The National Academy builds a network with fellow law enforcement professionals "Harkins said, "I'm confident this will serve as a valuable resource to help with many of the law enforcement situations from law enforcement investigations to administrative responsibilities to personnel issues. I am honored to be a FBI National Academy graduate."
Gloucester Township Patch Article, December 3, 2011: Mayor Recognizes Green Team
Mayor David Mayer recognized the Gloucester Township Green Team for attaining Sustainable Jersey status in 2011 during the Township Council Monday night.
The local Green Team qualified the township for bronze-level certification in its first year as a Sustainable Jersey community.
"The Sustainable New Jersey program is a program really that was organized to help communities become more sustainable—whether it is economically or through an environmental process," Mayer said.
The mayor pointed to the solar panels that were activated atop the municipal building earlier this year and the recently implemented single-stream recycling program as Green Team achievements.
Councilwoman Michelle Gentek heads the Green Team.
"We were given this wonderful privilege to live here on earth, so we have a responsibility to keep our environment healthy and to keep ourselves healthy," Gentek said. "We need to set an example for our future generations, and that is what our Green Team is doing."
Sustainable Jersey was recognized in April with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Quality Award.
To attain Sustainable Jersey bronze status, towns must create green teams, complete two of six "priority" actions, and compile at least 150 points completed from six of 16 different categories.
The township qualified for Sustainable Jersey certification by completing 17 actions, three of which were considered priority actions, and having a total of 195 points. The certification is valid for three years.
New Route 42 Interchange Bridge Opening - November 16, 2011
Free Two-week Science Camp For Children Ages 5 To 14
Wow! Science Camp®, a local nonprofit organization committed to promoting children's interest in science, is competing with charities nationwide for donations ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 through the Chase Community Giving program.
(Clementon, New Jersey - November 8, 2011) Residents have an opportunity to provide two weeks of thrilling summer science experience to 240 children in Camden and surrounding counties by voting for Wow! Science Camp® in the Chase Community Giving program. Both ardent supporters of the summer science program, Mayor David Mayer of Gloucester Township and Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez of Camden County attended the graduation ceremony of the 2011 summer science camp on August 19.
The mission of Wow! Science Camp® is to spark, cultivate, and promote children's interest in science. It is an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit summer day camp that features fun, participative science experiments and projects, math lessons and math games, review of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers, money management skills, etiquette lessons, and eight thrilling field trips. Camp runs yearly from the last week in June to the third week in August. The 2012 camps in South Jersey will run from June 25 through August 17.
Wow! Science Camp® is participating in the Chase Community Giving program, which will award more than $3 million to local charities across the country. The Top 100 eligible organizations will be awarded based upon the most votes garnered through the program.
How to Participate
Voting starts on November 8, 2011. Residents can log on to Chase Community Giving and search for WOW SCIENCE to cast their votes. They can also vote here or on the camp's website: www.wowsciencecamp.org
You can call 877-541-2267 or send an email to advisor@wowsciencecamp.org for additional information.
Officers greet costumed residents in our community during Halloween.
Mayor David Mayer and Senator Menendez speak about the new solar panels on the municipal building.
** IMPORTANT CHANGE ** MEETING NOW ON WEDNESDAY
The Gathering Space — A Drop-In Teen Support Group
Gloucester Township now has a place where adolescents can join together under the leadership of licensed mental health professionals to explore the issues and challenges they face each day. In a relaxed, supportive, group environment, topics like conflict resolution, addiction, bullying, stress management, friends/family communication, leadership skills and goal setting will be experienced through activities and group discussions.
This program is free for students ages 13 to 18, and will meet every WEDNESDAY from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pointe Arial Park Community Building located at 2900 Erial Road in Gloucester Township.
This program is sponsored by The Gloucester Township Police Department and The Gloucester Township Municipal Alliance.
For information please call the Enrichment Information Line at 856‐374‐5709 or enrichment@glotwp.com.
Chief Harry Earle, Mayor Mayer, representatives of the Camden County Women’s Center, Representatives from the Camden County Prosecutors Office, and officials from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Volunteers of America were present to officially open the Family Quiet Room which will offer victims of domestic violence a safe place where they can receive assistance and guidance.
The new Domestic Violence Family Quiet Room is for Gloucester Township residents who are victims of Domestic Violence. In addition to unveiling of the new room, two new domestic violence programs were introduced. One new program will offer a weekly support group for Domestic Violence Victims. The second program is a Batterers intervention program called Family Violence Prevention Program for Domestic Violence Offenders. These new joint initiatives are being launched during the month of October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Mayor David Mayer joined the Glendora Fire Company on a training exercise on October 25, 2011.
New street sweepers to hit the streets to help make Gloucester Township a cleaner, greener community. Pictured above are the new trucks and Mayor David Mayer and Public Works Director Len Moffa.
Gloucester Township Qualifies for Sustainable Jersey Certification
Mayor David Mayer is pleased to announce Gloucester Township's qualification as a Sustainable Jersey certified community.
The municipality will be formally recognized as certified in November during the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference.
“It is an honor to be receiving this recognition from a nationally acknowledged program,” Mayor Mayer reflected on the program which recently won the U.S. EPA Environmental Quality Award in April.
The Sustainable Jersey program focuses on three components of sustainability: people, planet and prosperity. These aspects emphasize the importance of supporting the local economy, environmental management and conservation, and embracing social equity and fairness. Gloucester Township received notification from Sustainable Jersey that the township qualifies for bronze level certification. To obtain this level, a municipality must create a Green Team, complete two out of six priority actions, and 150 points completed in 6 out of 16 different categories. Gloucester Township qualified for certification by completing 17 actions, 3 of which are considered priority actions, and having a total of 195 points. The certification is valid for three years.
This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Mayor Mayer, and Councilwoman Michelle Gentek, who chaired the initiative, and a group of volunteers dubbed the “Green Team.” Mayor Mayer noted, “the Green Team worked hard to achieve this goal and promote a cleaner, greener lifestyle in the township.” The Green Team kicked off this effort by having their first “Green Fair” during the Gloucester Township Day event in June. “I am thrilled with the outcome during our first year,” remarked Councilwoman Gentek, “I am looking forward to continuing our success with promoting an environmentally conscious way of living and our next goal is achieving the silver certification.” The Team also read books about the environment to children at the Farmer's Market, and had a rain barrel workshop for those interested in conserving rainwater runoff. These and other actions will be available online on the Sustainable Jersey website upon certification.
Mayor Mayer has launched multiple initiatives in Gloucester Township which reduce expenses and conserves resources. The township announced a new single stream recycling program which will allow residents to recycle more materials without sorting paper or cardboard from glass, metal and plastic. Gloucester Township recently completed an Energy Master Plan and energy audit of the municipality facilities.
This was in addition to installing a solar panel array on the roof of the Municipal Building and LED traffic lights throughout the township, which will aid in reducing electricity costs.
More information about Sustainable Jersey and the certification process can be found at sustainablejersey.com.
Remember to Lock Your Car Doors
The Gloucester Township Police Community Relations Bureau wants to remind residents to lock the doors on their vehicles. Between the months of June and October 2011 there have been approximately 102 reported incidents of thefts from motor vehicles. Out of those 102 incidents only 5 were with forced entry.
That means over 95% of thefts occurring from vehicles were from unlocked vehicles. Residents must make it a priority to always lock the doors to your vehicles and residences.
Please report any suspicious activity to the Gloucester Township Police Department by calling 228-4500 or if its an emergency, 911. Residents are encouraged to become involved the Neighborhood Watch program. The Neighborhood Watch Program encourages residents to become more aware of activities around them as they go about their normal routines and to act as EYES & EARS of the police department. If reporting suspicious activity please be as descriptive as possible. The description of the subject, location or direction of travel and tag on a motor vehicle is extremely helpful. Please do not put yourself in any danger.
If you have any questions please contact Sgt. Barton or Cpl. Grannan at 228-4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com.
Follow GTPD on:
facebook.com/gloucestertownshippolice
youtube.com/glotwppolice
twitter.com/glotwppolice
glotwp.com/police
You are also encouraged to sign up for Global Connect. The Gloucester Township Police Department utilizes The Global Connect Emergency Notification System. Global Connect gives municipalities the ability to notify thousands of residents about important community events, missing persons and other important information. You can do this by going to www.glotwp.com and clicking on police updates on Global Connect.
News Conference Announcing Implementation Of Project B.A.T.L.E. Kicks Off Respect Week In Gloucester Township
The Gloucester Township Police Department in cooperation with the Gloucester Township Public Schools, Black Horse Pike Regional School District, the Camden County Technical School, Our Lady of Hope School, and the Kingdom Charter School have partnered together in launching Project B.A.T.L.E. – Bullying Awareness Through Law Enforcement.
B.A.T.L.E. - Bullying Awareness Through Law Enforcement is a comprehensive and community based approach to harassment, intimidation, and bullying and its associated consequences of substance abuse through information sharing, preparedness, and response. Project B.A.T.L.E. was developed by the Gloucester Township Police Department and is a new approach in providing valuable resources to juveniles and their families. This program consists of five separate components each designed specifically to address the growing national problem of bullying and its many negative effects on our youth. Project B.A.T.L.E. is also being considered for possible future wider implementation by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
A news conference took place at the Timber Creek High School, 501 Jarvis Road, Erial, New Jersey (Gloucester Township) on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 1:15 PM. Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer, Gloucester Township Police Chief Harry Earle, Representatives from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Black Horse Pike School District Superintendent Mr. John Golden, Gloucester Township Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Thomas Seddon, and Our Lady of Hope School Principal Sister Paula Randow, was in attendance.
The news conference consisted of an overview of the five separate focus areas of Project B.A.T.L.E. including three new juvenile enrichment programs now available for Gloucester Township youth. Students serving as Project B.A.T.L.E. Teen Team Leaders will also be introduced. The kick-off of Project B.A.T.L.E. coincides with National Respect Week which is the first week of October.
Read more...Gloucester Township Patch Article
Gloucester Township Police Launches Seventh Grade D.A.R.E. Program 9/22/11
Since 1990 the Gloucester Township Police Department has provided D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instruction to tens of thousands of fifth grade students. These specially trained Gloucester Township Police Officers have developed a great relationship with so many of the young children who have participated in the fifth grade D.A.R.E. Program.
In continuing our commitment to involve the community as our partners in policing, four Gloucester Township Police D.A.R.E. officers were recently trained and certified in teaching the D.A.R.E. "Keepin It Real" Middle School Program. "Keepin It Real" is a multicultural, school based substance use prevention program for students 12-14 years old and will be taught to all seventh graders who attend Gloucester Township Public Schools and Our Lady of Hope School.
The new “Keepin It Real” curriculum prepares students to act decisively in refusing offers to use drugs, helps students recognize risks, builds strong decision making skills, develops communication, planning and assertiveness refusal skills, and empowers our youth to value their own perceptions and feelings. The curriculum contains ten separate lessons that last approximately 45 minutes. The lessons help promote interaction with the students, and the curriculum uses a series of five videos produced by youth which embraces real stories as a key learning tool.
Chief W. Harry Earle stated " Keepin It Real” reinforces the lessons already learned from the 5th grade program, and continues to build positive relationships between students and law enforcement, teachers, parents, and other community leaders."
The Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Bureau strongly values the positive relationship with our community and particularly our youth. If you have any questions about the Middle School D.A.R.E. curriculum please contact Sgt. Barton or Cpl. Grannan at 856-228-4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com.
Gloucester Township Police Participate in the 2011 National Child Passenger Safety Week in Partnership with Safe Kids Southern New Jersey and Malvern School
September 18th to the 24th is National Child Passenger Safety Week. In support of this initiative, the Gloucester Township Police Department in partnership with Safe Kids Southern New Jersey will be conducting a car seat checkup event on Friday September 23rd 2011. This event is being held at the Malvern School located at 2920 New Brooklyn-Erial Road, Sicklerville, between 7:30 am and 11:30 am. It is free to the public and no advance sign up is required.
Data released by Safe Kids shows that child safety seats and safety belts, when installed and used properly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Each year, an estimated 975 child occupants under 14 years of age die as a result of a motor vehicle incident. Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 percent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.
In a study observing the misuse of 3,442 child restraint systems (CRS) in six states, approximately 73 percent of CRSs showed at least one critical misuse. The most common form of misuses for all CRSs included loose vehicle seat belt attachment to the CRS and loose harness straps securing the child to the CRSs. A properly installed child safety seat reduces fatal injury in passenger cars by 71 percent for infants less than 1 year old and by 54 percent for toddlers 1 to 4 years of age. For children 4 to 7 years of age, booster seats have shown to reduce injury risk by 59 percent compared to safety belts alone. Additionally, among children under 5 years of age, 451 lives were saved in 2004 due to child restraint use. Of these 451 lives saved, the use of child safety seats was responsible for 413 saved lives and the use of safety belts saved 38 lives
For any questions related to the event, please contact Maureen Donnelly, Safe Kids Southern NJ at 856-968-8687 or Lieutenant McKendry, Gloucester Township Police at 856-374-5714.
For additional SafeKids car seat checkup events, visit www.Safekids.org. Residents may also contact the Traffic Services Bureau to schedule a car seat check with one of the Gloucester Township Police certified child safety seat technicians.
World Trade Center Artifact Memorial Dedication
World Trade Center Artifact Memorial Dedication at the Chews Landing Fire Department on September, 11, 2011. Honoring those who lost their lives during the attacks ten years ago. See more pictures here.
The Gathering Space — A Drop-In Teen Support Group
Gloucester Township now has a place where adolescents can join together under the leadership of licensed mental health professionals to explore the issues and challenges they face each day. In a relaxed, supportive, group environment, topics like conflict resolution, addiction, bullying, stress management, friends/family communication, leadership skills and goal setting will be experienced through activities and group discussions.
This program is free for students ages 13 to 18, and will meet every Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. beginning September 26, 2011 at the Point Arial Park Community Building located at 2900 Erial Road.
This program is sponsored by The Gloucester Township Police Department and The Gloucester Township Municipal Alliance.
For information please call the Enrichment Information Line at 856-374-5709 or
.
Our Most Effective Weapon Against Terrorism is You
We were forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and our prayers will always be with the heroes who perished that fateful day and their families. To honor these courageous men and women, a New Jersey September 11th Memorial will be constructed at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from "Ground Zero" in Lower Manhattan.
The New Jersey September 11th Memorial will be a lasting symbol of our resolve to honor those who died by rising above the evil that claimed their lives. The massive attack, which claimed the lives of 746 New Jerseyans, was intended to break our spirit. It has not done that. It has made us more determined and more resolved. This information was provided by www.nj911memorial.com
The Gloucester Township Police Departments Community Relations Bureau wants to recognize the 10 year anniversary of the terrorism that occurred on September 11, 2001. We want you as residents of the State of New Jersey to report suspicious behavior no matter how minor you think it is. If you are in Gloucester Township at the time of the suspicious act please call 9‐1‐1 if it is an emergency or 856‐228‐4500 if it is a non emergency. Let the Police Department determine whether or not the act is suspicious. If you are not in Gloucester Township and you suspect a suspicious act call 1‐866‐4‐safe‐nj or you can email tips@njhomelandsecurity.gov.
Please, if you see something, say something. Just by being vigilant of your surroundings you may be stopping an act of terrorism and/or a crime.
If you have any questions please contact Sgt. Barton or Cpl. Grannan at 856‐228‐4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com.
Additionally, please note that on Sunday, September 11 at 8:15 AM, the Chews Landing Fire Department is holding the World Trade Center Artifact Memorial Dedication Ceremony, where a piece of steel from the World Trade Center will be proudly displayed in our great township.
Big Lots Sicklerville Grand Opening
Photo courtesy of Joan Cimino.
National Stop on Red Week
August 7th to August 13th 2011 has been designated as "National Stop on Red" week. National Stop on Red Week takes place the first full week of August each year and is dedicated to educating Americans about the dangers of red-light running through education and enforcement.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2008, nationwide there were 2.3 million reported intersection related crashes. These crashes resulted in 7,770 fatalities and approximately 733,000 injuries. 762 of the fatalities and 165,000 of the injures were directly related to running a red light.
According to the Federal Highway Administration:
- You or your loved ones are more likely to be injured due to a red-light running related crash than any other type of crash
- Running red lights or other traffic controls is the most common cause of all urban crashes
- Someone runs a red light an average of every 20 minutes at urban intersections
- Half of the people killed by red-light runners are not the signal violators — they are passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Nearly 93% of drivers believe running a red light is unacceptable, yet 1 in 3 drivers reported doing so in the past 30 days
- There are an average of 7 fatal crashes and over 1,000 injury crashes every day at signalized intersections across the United States
- The cost to society of all crashes exceeds $230 billion annually
The tragedies and costs resulting from red-light running are preventable
As part of our 101 days of summer campaign, Gloucester Township Police is participating in the nationwide enforcement initiative through the use of enhanced patrols as well as our intersection safety cameras along the Blackwood-Clementon Road corridor. We are also continuing with our Cross Keys Road Joint Safe Passage Initiative which targets aggressive and distracted drivers along the Cross Keys Road corridor.
For additional information of the dangers of red light running, visit safety.fhwa.dot.gov, nhtsa.gov, saferoadssavelives.org.
National Night Out 2011
On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, neighborhoods throughout Gloucester Township are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 28th Annual Night Out (NNO) crime/drug prevention event. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Gloucester Township Police Department, will involve communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in America's Night Out Against Crime on August 2, 2011. Once again this year NNO 2011 is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Target Corporation. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminal letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. From 6:30 to 9:30 PM on August 2, 2011 residents throughout Gloucester Township are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening outside with their neighbors and police. Also, several Neighborhood Watch groups will be hosting a variety of special events, such as block parties, cookouts, carnivals, dessert tasting parties, bring your favorite covered dish parties, pool parties, and flashlight walks.
Visiting these many special events will be: McGruff the Crime Dog, Police, Mayor and Council FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ACTIVITIES, CONTACT SGT. BARTON OR CPL. GRANNAN OF THE GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BUREAU (MEDIA OUTLETS ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND AND RIDE ALONG WITH THE POLICE TO THE SITES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP) AT 228-4011 OR EMAIL COMMUNITYRELATIONS@GTPOLICE.COM
Gloucester Township Police Water Safety Facts and Tips: 101 Days of Summer
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children. It can occur in any body of water, including a lake, pool, bathtub, toilet or even a bucket of water. Like in all matters, prevention is better than cure. To protect a child from the danger of drowning, they must never be left alone around water. Once children reach the age of 3 years, they should be taught the basic rules of safe swimming, and be told what to do if they get into trouble.
Drowning Statistics in the United States:
- An average of 4000 to 6000 people drown in the United States each year.
- An average of 500 to 1000 people drown each year in boating related incidents.
- One fourth of the drownings in the United States are child drownings (under the age of 14).
- Non-fatal drownings can cause brain injury that can result in memory problems, long-term disabilities or a permanent vegetative state.
Who is Most At Risk?
- Children up to the age of four.
- Non-swimmers or people that are inexperienced swimmers.
- Males are four times more likely to die from drowning.
Drowning - Major Risk Factors:
- Lack of barriers.
- Lack of supervision.
- Boating incidents.
- Alcohol use.
- Seizure disorders.
Preventing Drowning:
- An adult must always be present and watching young children while they are in a bath, swimming or playing around water.
- You should always swim with a "swim buddy".
- Swim near lifeguard stations.
- Learn to how to swim.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while swimming. While supervising children, do not drink alcohol.
- Learn CPR.
- Use approved personal flotation devices.
Home Swimming Pools
- Install a four-sided pool fence that completely separates the house from the pool area. This fence should be 4 to 5 feet high depending on local building codes.
- Install self-closing and self-latching gates around the pool. Gates should open outward and should have latches that are out of reach of young children.
COMMUNITY SAFETY BULLETIN
- Install a pool alarm on the gate to alert you if someone enters the pool area.
- Put a floating pool alarm to alert you if a child or pet falls into the pool.
- All floats and pool toys should be put away after swimming.
Things Not To Do
- Do not walk out onto ice to rescue someone. Use a stick or pole or a stretched out hand to reach the victim, if possible.
- Do not jump into turbulent or rapid moving water, this may endanger your own life.
- Do not jump into icy water, this may endanger your own life.
If you have any questions please contact the Community Relations Bureau at 856‐228‐4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com
Also for additional safety information visit www.safekids.org.
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We encourage you to receive important community information from the Gloucester Township Police Department. You can receive safety tips, media releases, and police community relations events via email. If you are interested in signing up for our email list, please send an email to communityrelations@gtpolice.com and ask to join our email list.
You are also encouraged to sign up for Global Connect. When a crisis affects the Township of Gloucester, Emergency Management officials must be able to reach residents instantly with warnings, information, and updates. In order to ensure that residents can be contacted quickly and effectively, The Gloucester Township Police Department has begun using Global Connect’s Emergency Notification System, which gives municipalities the ability to notify thousands of residents, staff members, and volunteers within minutes. You can do this by going to www.glotwp.com and clicking on police updates on Global Connect.
Two New Businesses Open in Gloucester Township!
Buffalo Wild Wings at the Shoppes at Cross Keys Grand Opening June 6, 2011
Wawa on the Black Horse Pike & Almonesson Rd. Grand Opening on June 2
On June 1, 2011, two of our Gloucester Township K-9s graduated from their training and entered into law enforcement officially. Their names are "Maximus" and "Arrow."
The Historic and Scenic Preservation Society of Gloucester Township recently hosted a Spring Tea with approximately 35 guests at the Gabreil Daveis Tavern in Glendora. The Tavern, built in 1756, is one of Gloucester Township's historic gems. Lots of homemade goodies, including scones and clotted cream, were consumed by the delighted guests. All of the proceeds from the Spring Tea go to maintaining the Tavern.
Gloucester Township Police Receive $4,000 In Grant Funding For The New Jersey Division Of Highway Traffic Safety "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign
Gloucester Township Police officers will be participating in the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign that is occurring now through June 5, 2011. This annual campaign focuses on unbuckled motorist and their passengers and incorporates zero-tolerance enforcement of safety belt laws and is funded by a $4,000 grant awarded from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
As part of the campaign, officers will be conducting high visibility patrols along the Townships main roadways targeting vehicle occupants who are not wearing seatbelts. This will also coincide with the multi jurisdictional safe passage initiative that has targeted enforcement along the Cross Keys Road corridor.
According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, using a seat belt is the simplest way for a driver and his or her passengers to protect themselves when traveling. Motor vehicle occupants who buckle-up increase their chances of surviving a crash by as much as 75 percent.
Last year, the front seat belt usage rate in New Jersey rose for the 14th consecutive year to 93.73%. While front seat belt usage rates continue to increase in New Jersey, law enforcement and safety officials want to ultimately see a 100 percent compliance rate.
During the 2010 “Click it or Ticket” campaign, 406 police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. As a result of the effort, law enforcement officers issued 35,671 seat belt citations, 5,832 speeding summonses and made 592 drunk driving arrests.
Additional information on seatbelt usage and passenger safety can be found at
www.nj.gov/oag/hts/seatbelts, www.njsaferoads.com or www.nhtsa.gov.
Gloucester Township resident Mr. Henry Moore pictured with Mayor David Mayer and numerous medals from his service as part of the anti-aircraft artillery in WWII. Mr Moore was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Attu Island, Kiska Island, Kwajalein Island, as part of the first wave on Leyte Island, and the first wave in Okinawa, Japan.
Gloucester Township Police Support National Police Week to Honor Officers Who Have Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice and or all Officers Who Commit Themselves in Protecting Our Community.
Gloucester Township will come together to celebrate National Police Week, May 15th – 21st, to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind. Of the 152 officers who were killed during 2010 throughout the nation, 4 officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of the State of New Jersey.
In honor of National Police Week, Gloucester Township Police Officers will be visiting schools located in Gloucester Township during May to share with students their job duties, responsibilities, and to display some of the equipment used by our law enforcement officers to safeguard our community.
“National Police Week is a time where we remember and honor fallen officers throughout our country as well as a time that we recognize the dedicated efforts of all the men and women of the Gloucester Township Police Department for their service, their families for sharing their loved ones with us as they unselfishly dedicate themselves to the calling of the law enforcement profession, and for our community for taking such an active role in making our neighborhoods safer” said Chief Harry Earle.
The Gloucester Township Police Department will be holding their 2nd Annual Awards Night on Wednesday May 25th, 2011 at 7:30 PM. This event will be held at the Dennis Flyer Theater at the Camden County College, 311 College Drive, Gloucester Township. Awards will be given to honor police officers and citizens that have made extraordinary contributions to the safety and well being of the Gloucester Township community. This event is open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend. Additionally, students from all of the Gloucester Township Public Schools will be recognized for their outstanding efforts in an essay and poster contest, entitled “Police and Community Pride.”
The Gloucester Township Police Department would also like to invite all residents to participate in this week’s activities by flying an American flag at half-staff on Sunday, May 15th, 2011 to honor all law enforcement officers and especially those who gave their lives in the performance of their duties.
For more information about National Police Week, please visit www.LawMemorial.org/policeweek. For information about Police Week events occurring in Gloucester Township contact the Gloucester Township Police Community Relations Bureau at communityrelations@gtpolice.com or (856) 228-4011.
Statement by Chief Harry Earle on the passage of NJ Legislature Bill S2541 / A3602 (a.k.a. “Schultz’s Law”):
“The intentional killing of a law enforcement animal is a blow to all who wear the badge. This is a pain that we experienced on November 30, 2010, when K-9 Schultz was killed by a robbery suspect who threw him into oncoming traffic while K-9 Schultz was attempting to apprehend him after tracking the suspect for over ½ of a mile. It is my belief that the actions of K-9 Schultz that night saved the life of his handler Cpl. Mark Pickard, another officer, or another innocent victim. The Gloucester Township Police family is thankful to Mayor David Mayer, Senator Fred Madden, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, and the Legislature, for sponsoring this important legislation which will better protect law enforcement animals. We eagerly await Governor Christie’s review of this bill."
The proposed bill (S-2541/A-3602) — named “Schultz’s Law”would have those found guilty of killing a police dog or a dog engaged in a search and rescue operation to receive a mandatory minimum five-year prison term, with no eligibility for parole, and a $15,000 fine.
Chief Earle is proud to announce that Cpl. Mark Pickard will be graduating his new K-9 partner “Maximus”, along with Ptl. Chris Gerace and his K-9 partner “Arrow”, from the New Jersey Police Canine Association / Camden County Police Academy Basic K-9 Class, on June 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm, at the Timber Creek High School, 501 Jarvis Road, Erial, NJ 08081. This K-9 graduation is open to the public, and will feature K-9 demonstrations (weather permitting).
Gloucester Township Police Collaborate With Schools, Community and
Government In Making Prom And Graduation Season Safer
In 2009 33,808 people died from traffic crashes in the United States including an estimated 10,839 people who died in the alcohol-impaired crashes. As the high school prom and graduation season approaches the need to focus on alcohol use by teens is clear. Statistics show the months of April, May, and June, which is the Prom-Graduation Season, is the most dangerous time for teens. One-third of the alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during those months according to the NHTSA. The Gloucester Township Police Department has collaborated with the Black Horse Pike Regional School District, the Camden County Technical School, Gloucester Township Council, and members of the community in a special effort to help prevent the deadly consequences of underage drinking and driving.
The Gloucester Township Police Department’s Community Relations Bureau will distribute safety information to members of the community, local bars, and local retail liquor stores informing them of the tragedies that occur nationally during the Prom-Graduation season. The Gloucester Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau is conducting “Fatal Vision” assemblies at our local high schools. During these assemblies, students operate a low speed vehicle while wearing vision distortion goggles which simulate driving while impaired and attempt to negotiate an obstacle course. Gloucester Township Police will also have additional officers on duty on the night of the local schools' proms dedicated to DWI enforcement.
Additionally, in an effort to combat underage drinking, Gloucester Township Council adopted a new ordinance on April 25, 2011. This ordinance further prohibits underage alcohol consumption within the township with a focus on underage drinking on private property violations just in time for the Prom-Graduation season. A copy of the new ordinance is available on our website, here. "With the months of April, May, and June being the most deadly for young drivers, it is clear that members of the community needed to take action and work collectively in this effort" said Chief Harry Earle.
For more information on how to make prom night safer visit the Partnership for Drug Free America at www.drugfree.org and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov.
Gloucester Township Police Launch A Nationally Recognized Sixteen Part Public Safety
Message Series On Their New YouTube Channel
Nearly 1,000 fifth grade elementary school students in Gloucester Township will graduate from the DARE Program this April and May. The DARE lessons have taught children the skills in recognizing the dangers of drugs, ways to be in charge; such as strength in numbers, avoiding the situation and repeated refusal, handling peer pressure, building friendship foundations and bullying. In addition to the students learning important life skills essential for resisting drugs and alcohol, the DARE program encourages children to discuss their experiences they have in class at home. Chief Earle has stated, “Although the completion of the Gloucester Township Police DARE program is a great achievement for any child, it is hopeful that it is just the beginning of many conversations that will occur between the DARE graduates and their parents or guardians about alcohol and drugs”.
In an effort to further foster the necessary communication between parents and their children about substance abuse, the Gloucester Township Police Department has launched a sixteen part public safety message series about substance abuse. The DARE program involves a process of educating children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol while involving three important influences in a child’s life – The child’s school, the police, and the child’s parents or guardian. “The Gloucester Township Police Department is utilizing social media to reach parents in a whole new way to further involve them in the drug education triangle by sparking communication between them and their children”, said Chief Harry Earle.
The public safety message videos can be viewed at the Gloucester Township Police Department’s new YouTube Channel a youtube.com/glotwppolice, as well as our Facebook and Twitter Pages. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to visit the following anti-drug websites: drugfreeworld.org, www.dea.gov, darenj.com, dareamerica.com, drugfree.org, justthinktwice.com.
Gloucester Twp/Blackwood Kiwanis "Kiwanis One Day Project"
The Gloucester Twp/Blackwood Kiwanis enjoyed the April 2nd, Kiwanis One Day Project painting two rooms and building IKEA bookcases for the Gloucester Twp Senior Center on Hider Lane. Work started at 8:00 a.m. and continued till 2:00 in the afternoon. Patricia Price spent the day building the three bookcases and two narrow shelves with doors, while the other members, Kaitlin McCann, Kristie Wilson, Danielle Barbato, Jack Musilli and his wife Shirley, and Michele Selfridge taped and painted two rooms. Joining the Kiwanis members were honor students from Kaitlin's school, Freedom Academy Charter School, Anizjah Sellers; Laytisha Ferguson; Kyle Dixon; and Rickea Bell. Hider Lane Senior Center's director, Debi Carr, treated everyone to a hoagie at lunch time. Everyone was pleased with the paint job and book cases.
Running for a Reason: The Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee 5K Run
The 15th Annual Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee 5k Run and One Mile Fun Run/Walk on April 9th, 2011, was a huge success. The 5k Run is held every year to raise scholarship money for Gloucester Township students.
Read the article and view photos from the event on Patch.com here.
Congratulations to our resident, Frances Rawlins, for her 100th birthday!
(See more photos of the event on Patch.com here).
Gloucester Township, Cherry Hill Township, Merchantville, and Voorhees Township to share trash services
Gloucester Township, Cherry Hill, Merchantville, and Voorhees are joining together, seeking bids for trash disposal which will save residents money.
Read the Courier-Post Article
April 1, 2011
By Joe Cooney
Timber Creek Senior Wins American Legion National Oratorical Competition
Timber Creek, Senior Marisa Palmer, won the State level of the American Legion National Oratorical Competition in Trenton, NJ.
Congratulations, Marisa!
Spring Brings Positive Change to the Gloucester Township Police Department
The arrival of Spring 2011 will see creative changes to the way the Gloucester Township Police serves its residents. After working the same schedule for the last 40+ years, Chief Harry Earle changed his Department's patrol watches from 10 hour shifts to 12 hour shifts on February 15. This change of working hours is designed to put put more officers on the streets while reducing overtime costs. Chief Earle completed a re-structuring of the entire Department which will improve operational efficiency and the service to the public. These changes have allowed for the creation of a proactive squad of officers who are directed to patrol crime hot spots in the Township. The squads, called the Operational Response Units (ORU), will be responsible for patrolling trouble areas and for responding to the complaints we receive from the community, in addition to the Department's normal patrol force. Chief Earle stated "As the warm spring weather arrives, these officers will be concentrating on bike patrol, targeting known wanted criminals, and improving community interaction. We need to get the feedback from our residents about what is going on in their neighborhoods".
The implementation of the 12 hour shifts is expected to put more officers on the street during peak times when we need them the most. Chief Earle stated, "This effort could not have been done without the cooperation and partnership that we have with our Gloucester Township FOP Lodge # 206 union members. My officers recognized the need to change the way we were doing things, and for that I am proud of them. It was a win-win situation for the community and for our officers."
"With the warm weather approaching, the Department sees an increase in nuisance and disturbance types of calls. This year we are getting out early to make our presence known" Chief Earle said. The Department is doing this with the increase in the number of bike patrols, the golf cart type low speed vehicles we have deployed to out parks, and enforcement details such as the DWI checkpoint which was help on St. Patricks's Day. This DWI checkpoint resulted in 1 DWI arrest, 13 suspended / unregistered drivers cited, numerous safety violation summonses, and 3 persons arrested for outstanding warrants. According to Chief Earle, "We believe these operational changes will have a positive impact on crime and will make Gloucester Township safer."
Gloucester Township Annual Business Breakfast 2011- March 10, 2011
Photographs of the Gloucester Township Annual Business Breakfast on March 10, 2011. Please visit our Flickr page or our Facebook page to view more photos of this event. Photographs courtesy of Joan Cimino, gloucestertownship.patch.com.
Mayor David Mayer's Administrations Budget Sees Zero Tax Increase for Gloucester Township Residents
Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer introduced his 2011 budget to Councilmembers on Monday, March 14, at the Council Meeting, with a zero tax increase to the Administrations Budget. Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. The Council Meetings are now aired live, online on glotwp.com/live as part of Mayor David Mayer's GT Citizen's Access initiative to provide more access and interactivity for our residents.
Gloucester Township Patch Article
GT Police News Release - 3/10/11
Beginning in November 2010, Gloucester Township was victimized with 32 graffiti incidents involving the graffiti monikers "JR" or "JUNR". The graffiti was concentrated in the business corridor along Blackwood-Clementon Road in Gloucester Township. The graffiti was also spray painted on residential fences throughout the vicinity.
Through an intensive police investigation, a 19 year old male, Osman Lopez-Rodriquez Jr. of the 500 block of Hobart Drive in Gloucester Township was identified as a suspect. The suspect was questioned by Detectives and Mr. Lopez-Rodriguez Jr. was arrested and charged with 32 counts of Criminal Mischief for spray painting the graffiti. The suspect was believed to acting alone, and it is believed that he has no gang affiliation.
Mr. Lopez-Rodriquez was processed and released on criminal summons. Anyone having similar incidents that have not been reported is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township non emergency line at 856-228-4500.
GT Police News Release - 3/3/11
Members of the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Unit attended the 2011 Annual D.A.R.E. training conference at Bally's Atlantic City from March 1-3 2011. The Conference focused on understanding the Instant Gratification Generation. D.A.R.E. officers attended classes that will assist them with teaching the ten week program to the fifth grade students in Gloucester Township. Classes that were attended focused on internet predators, bullying, drugs in NJ and the officers were certified in a middle school program titled "Keeping It Real."
The Gloucester Township Police Department entered a newly designed and recently purchased D.A.R.E. vehicle into the car show at the conference in which an award is given to the "Best of Show Vehicle." The D.A.R.E vehicle is a 2004 Dodge Ram Rumble Bee Pickup Truck and was purchased with grant funds by the Gloucester Township Police Department for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education. This vehicle is going to be used year around at local events to help assist the Community Relations Unit with teaching the children of Gloucester Township the dangers of drugs and alcohol. At the NJ D.A.R.E Officers Association Dinner the Gloucester Township D.A.R.E. Unit won "Best of Show" in the state of New Jersey. The vehicle was displayed in the Sixth floor lobby of Bally's.
The D.A.R.E. program is currently being taught in all 5th grade classrooms in Gloucester Township and both public and private schools. There are two full time D.A.R.E. officer instructors and one part time D.A.R.E. officer instructor. The D.A.R.E curriculum focuses on drug and alcohol abuse and also such areas as bullying and internet safety.
The Gloucester Township Police Department's Honor Guard attended the opening ceremonies of the D.A.R.E. conference and assisted with the Presentation of Colors.
Congratulations!
Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer and Council congratulate Kyle Marpe, a senior of Triton High School, for receiving the Congressional Nomination to enter the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, from Congressman Robert Andrews.
Newsletter available in Pdf format
TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW $7 MILLION REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX
(Gloucester Township, NJ) Mayor David Mayer is today announcing the development of a new $7 Million private sports complex to be constructed at the Nike Redevelopment Site located on Williamstown-Chews Landing Road near Cross Keys Road in the southern area of the township. The project will include the construction of four AstroTurf© fields with lights, a clubhouse, grandstands, parking and all other amenities which will make this complex one of the finest venues in the nation to host local and national amateur baseball tournaments.
Gloucester Township Sports Complex Urban Renewal Partners, LP, a private firm controlled by Joe Barth, “The Hit Doctor”, will be purchasing the 27-acre site from the Township and will finance the construction of the project privately. The Hit Doctor has signed an agreement with Ripken Design for design and construction management assistance on the project and is working with Ripken Baseball on ways to bring Ripken tournament programming to the site. Ripken Baseball and Ripken Design are businesses owned by National Baseball Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken, Jr. and his brother, 12-year Major League Baseball veteran, Bill Ripken.
Mayor Dave Mayer stated that “this project is a homerun for Gloucester Township in many ways. The new baseball complex, which can accommodate all levels of baseball, softball, football, soccer and other sports, will bring major regional tournaments to the township. The teams traveling to Gloucester Township
from throughout the country will shop and dine in our
local stores and restaurants, generating additional
jobs and revenue for
township businesses.”
The Mayor added, “The project will also provide a significant financial boost to the Township’s budget through the purchase of this Township-owned parcel. In addition, the annual private tax payments from the project will help the Township keep our taxes down.” The current site has not paid taxes to the Township since the property was purchased by the US Government in the 1950s to be operated as a Nike missile radar site. The Township purchased the land from the federal government and has been marketing it to private developers. The project also includes a hotel and restaurant as a second phase of the project, which will create additional jobs and ratables for the Township. The Township is also seeking a major entertainment complex, which will include a movie theatre, at the 19-acre Nike missile launch site located on Cross Keys Road, which the Township also purchased from the federal government for private redevelopment. “I envision these complexes working in tandem to create a unique experience in Gloucester Township, while creating new jobs for local residents and tax ratable for the Township” said Mayor Mayer.
“This state-of-the-art baseball complex will become the hotbed for baseball on the East Coast” said Joe Barth, who will own and direct operations of the facility. “I want to make South Jersey one of the nation’s top recruiting grounds for college and professional teams. We will be sharing our success financially with local teams thereby helping them travel to other tournaments and defray their expenses. As the host of numerous state and national tournaments, we will be bringing tremendous economic activity to Gloucester Township. We have enjoyed working relationship with Mayor David Mayer, Township Council and the Gloucester Township Economic Development Corporation in turning my lifelong dream into a reality. We plan to host our first tournament in June of this year.”
Courier-Post Article "Planned sports complex inspires grand visions"
Courier Post article - Officials attempt to spur growth
Gloucester Township eliminates the requirement of monetary guarantees for commercial development in town.
Gloucester Township and two other municipalities consolidate trash services
3 Camden County towns announce deal to share trash services - Philadelphia Inquirer article 12/23/10
3 Camden County towns reach deal on trash collection - Courier Post article 12/23/10
Gloucester Township FIRST Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Happy Holidays from Mayor David Mayer and Council!
Welcoming home 1LT Jack Gomen
GT Police News Release - 11/7/10
At a Township Council Meeting on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 7:30 pm, the Gloucester Township Police will recognize the service of one of their own officers, who is mobilizing for the War in Afghanistan in the New Jersey Army National Guard. Ptl. Lisa Hatcher is a Staff Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard's 119th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion out of Cherry Hill, NJ. The unit is scheduled for a one year deployment to Afghanistan in early 2011. Ptl. Hatcher has been activated to begin training for her mission. Ptl. Hatcher is a 4 year veteran of the Gloucester Township Police Department, and a 9 year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Ptl. Hatcher served in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2003-2004. Chief Harry Earle, Mayor David Mayer, Township Council, and the members of the Gloucester Township Police Department will be recognizing Ptl. Hatcher for her service in the protection of our country.
Chief Earle and Mayor Mayer will also be promoting 5 Officers to fill positions left vacant through recent retirements:
-Captain David Harkins will be promoted to Deputy Chief of Police
-Lt. Anthony Minosse will be promoted to Captain of Police
-Sgt. Jason Gittens will be promoted to Lieutenant of Police
-Ptl. Kevin Thyne will be promoted to Sergeant of Police
-Det. Donald Gansky will be promoted to Sergeant of Police
The public is invited to attend this public meeting in the Gloucester Township Council Room, 1261 Chews Landing Road, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021.
Zimmerman & Love Roads Dedication Ceremony
Timber Creek Park Dedication
Gloucester Twp. Police K-9 Unit Takes 1st Place In Pennsylvania Regional Competition
The Gloucester Township Police K-9 Unit participated in the United States Police Canine Association's
(USPCA) Region 6 K-9 Field Trials on October 1-3, 2010, at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, in Willow
Grove, Pa. This competition included many dogs from the Pennsylvania and surrounding area. The Field Trials
test the dog and Officer in skills including scent detection, obedience, tracking, and apprehension.
The Gloucester Township Police K-9 Unit took 1st Place in the Overall Team category.
Cpl. Mark Pickard and his K-9 Partner "Schultz" took 1st Place in Obedience, 1st Place in Scent Detection, 2nd Place in Agility, and 2nd Place in Individual Overall Competition, and received his PD1 certification. Ptl. Jim Kaelin and his K-9 Partner "Brutus" took 2nd Place in Scent Detection, and received his PD1 certfication.
Ptl. James Clark and his K-9 Partner "Nero" received Top Decoy Honors, and received his PD1 certification. Chief Harry Earle stated, "These K-9 Officers put a lot of time and effort into honing their skills and the skills of their K-9 partners. Their performance at this prestigious competition is an example of the dedication they provide to our Department and our residents every day. I could not be any prouder than I am of their performance." Congratulations to our Gloucester Township Police K-9 Unit.
The Gloucester Township Police K-9 Unit will be participating in the USPCA National K-9 Competition, on October 31 - November 5 in Hammond, La. The costs of this training are being paid through private sponsors and donations to the GTPD K-9 Unit. We wish our K-9 Officers the best of luck in this prestigious competition.
Gloucester Twp., Cherry Hill and Merchantville in joint Camden County Trash Bid. October 14, 2010.
Photo by John Ostapkovich
Bicycle Safety Tips
Young people under the age of 17 are required to wear an approved helmet when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding.
The Division of Highway Traffic Safety assists county, municipal and law enforcement agencies with education, public awareness and enforcement of the bicycle helmet law
and other bicycle safety issues.
Each year, bicyclists are killed or injured in New Jersey due to bicycle crashes. Many bicycle deaths result from bicyclemotor vehicle collisions. However, injuries can happen anywhere, including parks, bike paths and driveways, and often do not involve motor vehicles.
Head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. The most severe injuries are those to the brain that cause permanent damage.
Safety Tips for Bicycle Riders:
Obey all traffic laws. In New Jersey, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
Wear an approved bicycle helmet.
Make sure your bicycle fits you and is in good working order. Inspect the following before each ride to make sure your bicycle is in good working order:
Wear comfortable reflective clothing conducive to weather conditions (not too baggy)
Do not:
Helmet Tips for Bicycle Riders:
Gloucester Township Police Department would also like to thank our Community Partners Chick-fil-A, on Berlin Cross Keys Road, and Hilltop Creamery, on the Black Horse Pike in Hilltop, NJ.
Graffiti Camera in Gloucester Township to Prevent Vandalism
Photos from the graffiti camera press conference.
First Farmers Market of 2010 a huge hit!
See calendar for a list of all Blackwood Farmer's Market Saturday dates.
Glo. Twp. honoree has steak in safety.
July 19, 2010 (Courier-Post by Jim Walsh)
Nero, a Gloucester Township police dog who captured a burglary suspect, enjoys a reward dinner at Texas Roadhouse with his handler, Patrolman James Clark.
Gloucester Township Police Department aims to reshape operations, effect on community. July 9, 2010 (Gloucester County Times by Lucas K. Murray)
Gloucester County Times article.
Gloucester Township 5th and 4th Grade Essays
Essays and posters sponsored and judged by the Blackwood Lake Advisory Committee.
D.A.R.E. Poster Contest Winners
Students from Gloucester Township's D.A.R.E. programs participated in a schoolwide poster and essay contest. The finalist posters are currently on display in the Mayor's Office, but you may also view them online.
Please click this link to view the finalist posters: DARE Poster Contest Winners.
The students names are Michael Offenbacker, Overall Winner; Jake Hunt, Second Overall Winner; Trevor Perry, Third Overall Winner; Norah Costello; Marissa Gambone; Cordelia Love; Matt Prendergast; Alyssa Shiplee; Ryan Silla-Escanilla; and William Warner, all finalists.
Blackwood resident and long time member of the Blackwood Lake Advisory Committee, Walt Ellis refurbished the Blackwood sign located at Church St. and Black Horse Pike. He did a magnificent job, the first of many improvements planned for downtown Blackwood.
Gloucester Township Now Recylces Electronics
Yard Hours 8 am–4 pm
- 15, 17, 19, 21 inch monitors, flat screens, and all-in-ones.
- Towers, Desktops and Laptops
- Uninterrupted Power Supply
- All types of wire
- Gold clip ends
- Printers
- Fax machines
- Scanners
- Modems
- Copy machines
- All types of memory
- Any hard drives
- Fans and power supplies
- Mother, B, C, tweener and finger boards
- AC Adaptors, yokes and motor
- Plastic baled or loose aluminum, brass, light iron and copper
- Metals, baled or loose
- Any and all related computer parts
- Phones, cell phones, cell phone and laptop batteries
- PC scrap and stereos (no wood)
- VCR's, DVD's, CD players and boomboxes
- Any audio and visual equipment
- Scanners and pagers
- Cash registers and scales (electronic or mechanical)
- Rechargable batteries
- Household appliances (not containing compressors)