Gloucester Township News
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)