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Friday, March 29, 2013

UPDATED: Galloway Police Arrest Egg Harbor City Resident with Criminal Mischief After Photo Appears on Instagram


According to Galloway Township Police, on Sunday, March 24, 2013, the Galloway Township Police Department responded to Tailgater’s Sports Bar and Grill in reference to a disturbance that occurred during a fundraising event. 

On Friday, March 29, 2013 a photograph was brought forward to The Galloway Township Police Department that showed Corey Herold of Egg Harbor City perched on the hood of a Galloway Township Police Vehicle with his hands in the air while giving the camera “The middle finger”.  

Herold posted the photograph on his “Instagram” account with the caption, “This I do when I get tipsy #copcars #coolkid #yolo”.  As a result of Herold’s actions the hood of the police vehicle was damaged.  The photograph was taken while police were inside the establishment investigating the initially reported disturbance.

Corey Herold, 24 of Egg Harbor City, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.  He was released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

The investigating Officer is Patrolman Przemyslaw Ryba.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Atlantic County Prosecutors Office is Seeking Applicants for Position of County Investigator

County Investigator

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:157-10. County Investigators are members of the Prosecutor's Office assigned to the Detective Division in the unclassified server of the civil service. They are appointed by the Prosecutor. County Investigators assist in the detection, apprehension arrest and conviction of offenders against the law.
CLICK HERE for career opportunity details.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is currently ACCEPTING applications.
Closing Date: April 19, 2013

Galloway Township Releases 2013 Municipal Budget as Introduced

Galloway Township Council introduced their 2013 Municipal Budget on March 26, 2013 by a unanimous vote. Galloway Township has posted the Municipal Budget on their official website. GallowayTwpNews.com has posted the budget as well.

Below is a copy of that budget. 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Galloway Township Introduces $24 Million Budget; Galloway Patch


According to Galloway Patch, Galloway Township Manager Arch Liston introduced a proposed budget of just over $24 million Tuesday night, March 26 a decrease of nearly $1,800 from last year.
The $24,042,596.92 proposed budget is down from last year’s $25,839,541.54 budget.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Police Department Grievance Investigation Leads to Claims of an Open Public Meetings Violation; Additional Promotions & Hires


GallowayTwpNews.com has obtained an email sent by Shop Steward Kevin Welsh to six Galloway Township Police Officers in reference to a grievance that was filed by the Mainland PBA Local #77. The grievance was filed in order to challenge a decision made by Chief of Police Patrick Moran in reference to the Corporal promotion made in January 2013. 

Although the Officers filed their grievance on grounds of what was purported as procedural issues, those issues were throughly reviewed with the final decision by the PBA to withdrawal the grievance as of Wednesday, March 20, 2013. We have released the content of the email below.

As a closing explanation to the grievance, Welsh stated in his email to the six officers, "while I understand some of your frustrations regarding the promotions and the promotional procedures followed, no matter which scenario is followed, in my opinion and the opinion of the PBA, the outcome will be the same.  While it is understood the Chief carries enough points on the test to control the outcome, at least using the current procedure and test, there are other factors taken into consideration. The question is do you really want the Chief to have an outright carte blanche to pick who he wants?  And for the record, the Chief is aware of his authority to do just that."

The grievance filed by several officers came on the heels of five officers retiring effective December 31, 2012. Lt. Davey, Lt. Dooner, Sgt. Midgette, Cpl. Goldberg and Cpl. Bird were the five officers who resigned. Chief Moran requested Township Manager Arch Liston to "at a minimum" fill street sergeant's position and the corporal's position. 

According to an email sent to members of the Police Department by Chief Moran on January 11, 2013, "Manager Liston has indicated to me that he would backfill the rank structure at a minimum of replacing Sgt Midgette's position; however, he believes that the Township is not in the position to do so due to budget issues."

Moran further stated in his email, "an e-mail was sent to Council advising them of our recent stats along with a request for supporting rank structure that includes the street sergeant and corporal to which 6 council members replied advising they supported the request." 

This request and the additional final approval by Township Manager Arch Liston, of which we have confirmed, led to the two promotions in January 2013.

That statement made by Moran, was a question of concern listed in the PBA email by Welsh stating, "Subsequent to the filing of the grievance, another question arose regarding whether or not Council had taken formal action at a Council meeting to approve the 2013 promotions.  Claims were made that no such formal action took place and that the approvals for the promotions were garnered through e-mails and/or phone calls and as such violated the Open Public Meetings Act."

Councilman Jim McElwee stated in an email request for comment, "I did reply to Chief Moran's e-mail on Jan. 9th. I consider my response as a vote of confidence for him and the department in light of the sacrifices his ranking officers made in choosing to retire, averting any layoffs. That's different from approving the promotions which is up to the Manager and Council to decide. I did not consider his e-mail or my reply as an OPMA violation. I did not know in advance that the promotions were going to occur. When I spoke to Arch Liston in person after receiving the e-mail, he told me it was not in the Budget. Later at a Council Meeting it was discussed." 


Mayor Don Purdy confirmed in a phone interview that he also replied in support of the Police Department and Chief Moran. 

The PBA's decision even with the question raised concerning a potential OPMA violation knowing the PBA would only have 45 days to challenge in court, Welsh stated, "If we were successful, the Courts in the past have told management to "do it again the right way" so as a result the Council could just do it over or more likely, to avoid additional litigation, just negate the promotions and let the Chief do a new policy to allow him to promote Corporals."

Moran stated in his email to Council on January 9, 2013, that because of budgetary issues, "the department was threatened with layoffs and demotions." Moran further stated, "Five (5) ranking officers retired to help save the department from this type of devastation and saved the Township approximately $682,000 in salaries, social security payments, and health care."  

With additional negotiations the PBA agreed to an accelerated contribution rate for Health Care and the saved the Township an estimated $178,000 in savings for insurance and lengthened the contract steps which saved $111,000. Nineteen individuals also opted out of insurance which was an additional estimated savings of $342,000 for 2013. A total savings as estimated by Moran was $1,313,000 provided strictly from the Police Department.

It is unclear as to what the total dollar amount is the Police Department was required to save in order to meet the 2013 budget, including the surplus left from the savings in order for these promotions to occur. Chief Moran was unable to provide those figures and deferred comment to the Township Manager. 

Moran further requested based on those savings, to backfill the street Sergeant's position which also lead to the replacement including the promotion of one officer to Corporal. Moran stated, "although there were two people promoted, there was actually only one position filled and there were six (6) supervisor's positions." 

The Police Department even with the retirements, has struggled to maintain their bottom line number of officers needed to ensure the day to day operations and safety of the community. As of recently, the Police Department advertised for additional SLEO Officers. Officers according to Moran, "are a great and economically sound way to assist our officers, especially with court and transporting prisoners."

On March 18, 2013, Township Clerk Thalia TC Kay swore in Przemyslaw Ryba, one the Township's SLEO Officers to now be a permanent Police Officer. According to an email sent by A/Chief Allan Kane on March 14, 2013, "we are expecting to pick up Ryba next week as a full-time officer to help out for the remainder of the calendar year. I hope that we will be able to retain him as we go into 2014."

Moran has also recommended in his email to Council, the promotion of his single Lieutenant to Captain. A promotion according to Moran in a statement today "has not been made yet." According to Payroll records, the last remaining Lieutenant is Chris Doyle.

The total dollar amount in which the Police Department was required to reduce for the 2013 budget was not immediately available. Moran deferred the question to the Township Manager as "the original estimated numbers were different than final numbers because of unexpected costs etc." 

Conclusion:

Additional officers promoted were done so for the purpose of backfilling an already devastated ranking structure. The claims brought forth by the PBA's initial grievance, were essentially withdrawn without the added cost of mediation and litigation. The results of the claims including those of the alleged OPMA violation will remain unknown as the PBA did not opt to challenge the alleged violation in court.

The Police Department, as allotted in the budget, continues to promote and hire officers as necessary in order to serve the Public and provide the required standards of Safety to the community.


Single Car Accident Sends Driver to Hospital with Neck Injury


According Police on March 25, 2013 at 2:31 p.m., a 2011 Ford Escape driven by Susan Kinsey of Moorestown, NJ struck a mailbox and utility pole. 

Kinsey was traveling north on Old Port Republic Road in the area of Heritage Lane when she drove through a large puddle, lost control of her vehicle, ran off the roadway and struck a mailbox and pole.

Galloway Township Police Department responded to the scene. Kinsey suffered a neck injury and was transported to ARMC, Mainland Campus by Galloway Township Ambulance Squad. 

The vehicle was removed and north bound lane reopened. Patrolman Steve Garrison is investigating the accident.

Teen Struck by Car on Wrangleboro Road is Hospitalized with Minor Injuries

According to Police, Rimi Jahan, 18 of Galloway was walking to school on March 25, 2013 at 6:49 a.m. when a vehicle struck her on Wrangleboro Road just past the intersection of Collins Road.

Michael Haluska, 40 of Manahawkin was traveling southbound on Wrangleboro Road just passed the intersection of Collins in a 1990 Volvo Sedan. Shortly after Haluska passed the intersection he struck Rimi Jahan, who was walking to school and did not cross the road at the designated crosswalk.

Jahan was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center and treated for minor injuries to her head. Complaints are currently pending as the investigation is ongoing.

The investigating Officer is Patrolman Thomas Guercioni.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

April 2013 Senior Center Calendar and Activities Released


GallowayTwpNews.com has obtained from the Galloway Township Clerk's Office the April 2013 Event Calendar for the Senior Center. The Senior Center is located at 621 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway. Call (609) 568-5073 for more information.

Senior Center is Open Monday and Fridays from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Calendar and Activity Description is located below.


NJ Transit Identifies Woman Hit and Killed By Train Saturday Night Near Genoa Avenue; Galloway Patch

Tara Everett, 51, of Tuckerton, was hit just south of Genoa Avenue.

Via Galloway Patch.com

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Galloway Police Blotter March 10 - 16, 2013


CFS    918      Arrests     31
EMS     99      Tickets     125
Fire       10      DWI's        3
DV's      17      Accidents  8

Burglaries:
3/10 on S. New York Rd / Motts Creek Rd & N New York Rd.
3/11 Sussex Pl.,   
3/16 W. WHP
  
ARRESTS:

Jaime E. Matthews, 33, of Point Pleasant was arrested on Mar 10 by Ofc.William Kline for possession of marijuana and CDS paraphernalia.

Patrick T. Hollingsworth  34, of Toms River was arrested on Mar 10 by Ofc. William Kline for possession of CDS

David J. Follmer, 24, of Tuckerton was arrested on Mar 10 by Ofc. Ron Gorneau for possession of CDS paraphernalia and hypodermic needles

Tylor S. Krason, 19, of Williamstown was arrested on Mar 13 by Ofc. P Ryba for two counts of possession of CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Mark A. Walker, 22, of Mays Landing was arrested on Mar 13 by Ofc. P. Ryba for possession of CDS.

Ned R. Ellis, 58, of Gallowaywas arrested on Mar 14 by Ofc. William Schroer for DWI.

Robert J. Coleman, Jr, 28, of Mays Landing was arrested on Mar 14 by Ofc . William Kline for resisting arrest and obstruction.

Corey P. Campo, 24, of Jackson was arrested on Mar 14  by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for DWI, possession of CDS, obstruction and resisting arrest. 

Brian M. Pullan, 37, of Northfield was arrested on Mar 15 by Ofc. Kevin Welsh for possession of a hypodermic needle.

Damian Gogol, 37, of Galloway was arrested Mar 15 by Ofc. Kevin Welsh for DWI.

Raymond M. Tempest, 25, of Egg Harbor was arrested by Ofc. Patrick Neal on Mar 15 for two counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute and possession of CDS paraphernalia.   

Individuals listed are innocent until proven guilty

Friday, March 22, 2013

Upcoming: Promotion Grievance Filed by Several Galloway Police Officers to be Withdrawn by Union

UPDATED: Click here for the released Story in Full.

GallowayTwpNews.com has obtained an email describing specific reasons as to why PBA Local #77 and their Rank & File Shop Steward Kevin Welsh decided to withdraw a grievance previously filed on behalf of multiple Galloway Township Police Officers. 

The grievance as previously confirmed by Chief of Police Patrick Moran, was filed in reference to the last round of promotions that occurred in January 2013.  

According to the email, as of Wednesday, March 20, 2013, the grievance was slated to be withdrawn. 

GallowayTwpNews.com will be releasing the content of the email as well as documents and previous comments obtained by multiple Township Officials in reference to the Promotions. 

Check back for details as this story is developing.

NJDOT Crews are Launching a Statewide Push to Repair Potholes


 
 Motorists can speed repairs by reporting potholes online
(Freehold Township) – NJDOT maintenance crews today demonstrated the workings of a pothole-filling machine to help kick off their annual push to fill the spring crop of potholes and keep New Jersey highway safe and smooth.
The Department fills potholes year-round, but spring is the time when many potholes form due to temperature fluctuations above and below the freezing mark.  Water seeps into pavement cracks and expands when it freezes.  

The expansion deepens the crack and weakens the pavement, leading to a pothole. “The investments we are making in major roadway resurfacing and reconstruction projects are paying dividends in the form of improved roadway conditions,”  NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson said.  “We have pushed up our roadway ratings from 50 percent in acceptable condition in 2010 to 59 percent today.  

However, there is no way around the fact that potholes are more prevalent in the spring, so that’s why we are focusing on them at this time.”
Major roadway rehabilitation investments in recent years on such heavily traveled roads as Interstates 295, 78, 80 and 287 have helped limit the number of potholes.
Potholes can create safety hazards and can cause damage to vehicles, so motorists are urged to report any pothole they observe on a state or interstate highway to NJDOT.  A convenient and simple reporting form is available online on the NJDOT homepage at www.nj.gov/transportation. During FY 12 motorists directly reported 3,476 potholes to DOT, and have reported another 2,561 so far in FY 13.
Since the beginning of FY 13 on July 1, 2012, NJDOT road crews have filled about 94,000 potholes through a variety of methods, including hot patch, cold patch and machine-filled potholes.  This number is expected to rise significantly in the remaining months of the fiscal year.  The Department filled more than 170,000 potholes with these methods in FY 12. 
“Since 2010, we have shortened the average response time it takes our crews to get out and repair an emergent pothole from around five hours down to under three hours once it has been reported to us,” added Simpson.
NJDOT crews also perform permanent patch work on sections of roadways that feature significant cracks and multiple potholes.  This technique involves cutting vertical borders around the entire affected section, removing several inches of the old road surface, painting the edges with liquid tar and filling it with hot patch before tamping or rolling.  This type of work essentially amounts to a small-scale resurfacing project and creates a new driving surface that lasts for years.
Aggressive maintenance programs to seal cracks also have helped extend the life of roads by preventing water from seeping into pavement. 
The machine that was used in today’s demonstration is one of six that the Department has leased and used since December. The machines heat the patch material and deliver a patch that lasts longer than those made with the cold-patch material that is available during winter months.  The machines require fewer crew members to fill potholes compared to manual methods.
The reduced demands on maintenance crews to fill potholes allows workers to pivot to other tasks, such as picking up litter, painting over graffiti, fixing damaged guiderail, mowing, and cleaning storm-water inlets. 
The ramped-up pothole repair effort is following closely on the heels of NJDOT’s announcement last week that 40% of available maintenance resources are being utilized during the month March to clean up litter.
“We are challenging ourselves this spring on two fronts – to respond and to repair every pothole that we observe or gets reported to us by the public, while also making a noticeable difference in the appearance of highways through a massive litter-removal in which every mile of state highway will be cleaned,” said Assistant Commissioner of Operations Rich Shaw.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Galloway Township Police Department Advertises for Class II Police Officers


CLASS II POLICE OFFICER (SLEO II)
POSTED: March 15, 2013
EXPIRES: April 05, 2013

The Galloway Township Police Department is hiring for the position of Class II Police Officer.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, have a High School Diploma or state certified G.E.D., read and write the English language proficiently, have no criminal record, be of sound moral character and possess a PTC certification for SLEO II. 
Recently retired Law Enforcement personnel with PTC certifications are also encouraged to apply. The Department will work with recently retired Officers in order to gain a PTC waiver for Class II certification.
Applicants may email a Letter of Intent, resume and a copy of their PTC certification to apps@gtpd.org or by delivering those items in person to the Galloway Township Police Department at 300 East Jimmie Leeds Rd, Galloway NJ 08205.
Salary is set at $14/hr.
Applicants must apply by 5pm on April 5th 2013.
.Galloway Township is an E.O.E.

Advertisement listed on the Galloway Township Police Department Official Website
 
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