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Piller’s Fine Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Salami and Speck Products due to Possible Salmonella Adulteration

BlackKassel salmi recall

Class I Recall 129-2017
Health Risk: High Dec 16, 2017

Washington DC, Piller’s Fine Foods, a Waterloo, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 1,076 pounds of ready-to-eat salami and speck products that may be adulterated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat speck prosciutto and salami items were produced on Sept. 22 and Oct. 12, 2017, respectively. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

Vacuum-sealed random weight plastic packages containing “Black Kassel Piller’s Dry Aged D’Amour Salami” with Best Before date of May 12, 2018
Vacuum-sealed random weight plastic packages containing “Black Kassel Piller’s Dry Aged Speck Smoked Prosciutto” with Best Before date of May 12, 2018.

These items were produced in Canada and were shipped to distribution centers in California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

The problem was discovered when an FSIS sample of the ready-to-eat salami product was confirmed positive for Salmonella. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen. The only way to confirm that meat and poultry products are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Trent Hilpert, President, Piller’s Fine Foods, at (519) 743-1412 ext. 240.

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Bergen County Police Academy Class Graduates along with Ridgewood’s newest Officers

Bergen County Police Academy

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Police Department 

December 17.2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Congratulations to the graduates of the Bergen County Police Academy Class 119 and Ridgewood’s newest Officers Ptl.Hector Perez and Ptl.Miguel Torres.

Graduation night for the police recruits of the most recent basic training class at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute (AKA the Bergen County Police Academy). This marks the celebration of hard work, studying, testing, and proving themselves to their drill instructors and classroom instructors.

Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal was on hand along with Sheriff Saudino of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.

Prosecutor Grewal provided remarks to the graduating class as they now embark on a long career in law enforcement.

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco praised the class , “The Bergen County Police Academy graduate men and women of the finest caliber, and yesterday Police Class 119 join those ranks. I wish Class 119 the best of luck and success as these newly sworn officers embark on their new careers. Thank you for choosing to answer the call to protect and serve. Be safe! ”

Congratulations to all! Stay safe. Go forth and serve by representing the profession and your badges with dignity and respect each and every day.

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Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office wants to remind you that in this Holiday season , “If you see something, say something.”

"If you see something, say something

photo courtesy of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

December 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office wants to remind you that in this Holiday season , “If you see something, say something.”

The RDT is on patrol again this weekend, adding a specialized uniformed presence at the busy shopping malls in the Paramus area, as well as Van Saun County Park’s Winter Wonderland.

The RDT serves Bergen County and its 70 municipalities (the largest county in NJ with almost 1 million residents) to mobilize special resources as needed, or in proactive ways. RDT is a Shared Services project by the BCPO, select municipal police departments, and the State of New Jersey to multiply resources. BCPO detectives assigned to RDT are specially trained in community policing, patrol, and counter-terrorism, as well as other backgrounds that make them highly useful and very effective.

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Hawthorne Rollover Crash on Snowy Night leaves Driver Uninjured

Hawthorn Fire Department

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

December 16,,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police & Fire Department units responded to a Friday evening, 12/15, rollover crash on the lawn of 56 Forest Avenue, Hawthorne. The male driver of a 1994 Jeep Cherokee was uninjured in the crash. A hydraulic lift tow truck righted the vehicle before its removal from the scene.

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Vehicle Ended Up on front steps of a Bank of America branch located at 208 Harristown Road, Glen Rock

parking BAC  Glen Rock

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

December 16,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, No injuries were reported following a crash in which the driver of a older model, 4-door Geo/Chevrolet Prizm drove up the front steps of a Bank of America branch located at 208 Harristown Road, Glen Rock on Friday morning, 12/15. The wrecked vehicle was removed by a flatbed tow truck. No structural damage to the building was evident. However, damage was observed to some concrete steps and ornamental hand railings. Glen Rock Police responded to investigate and file the required State of NJ accident report.

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Second time this week, an inexperienced tractor trailer driver was unable to safely negotiate a steep hill on Washington Avenue in Washington Township

washington twp police

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

December 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington Twp NJ, For the second time in less than one (1) week, an inexperienced tractor trailer driver was unable to safely negotiate a steep hill on Washington Avenue in Washington Township, requiring Washington Township Police to close a portion of the busy roadway on Thursday morning, 12/14, until the rig could be removed. Following consultation with an officer from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Police Services, Traffic Division, Washington Township PD issued two (2) summonses to the rig’s driver. After issuing the summonses, patrol officers directed the truck’s driver to turn around in a nearby cul-de-sac in order to safely re-enter Washington Avenue. However, the driver was unable to successfully complete the turn around maneuver and the rig became stuck in a pile of snow covered leaves. A heavy duty wrecker was then summoned to free the truck from its predicament.

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Late Thursday Afternoon Accident leaves individual trapped in utility vehicle working at the guarded job site in Mahwah

Route 17 Mahwah

Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

December 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Mahwah NJ, Multiple injuries were reported in late Thursday afternoon, 12/14, three (3) vehicle crash on Route 17 northbound in Mahwah. The accident occurred at a highway work site being guarded by NJSP Troopers. Mahwah Fire Department resources were required to free an individual who was trapped in the rear of a utility vehicle working at the guarded job site. A loaded passenger van and a 4-door sedan were also involved in the crash Several ambulances were called to the scene. Occupants of the passenger van sought shelter in the lobby of a nearby office building A flatbed tow truck was standing by at the site to begin removing the wreckage. Mahwah Police and Mahwah EMS also responded, along with mutual aid ambulances from commercial providers.

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Fair Lawn Police officer injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency road rage call

Fair Lawn Police officer injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency road rage call

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

December 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, A Fair Lawn Police uniformed patrol officer was injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency call early Wednesday afternoon, 12/14. The crash, involving the officer’s marked police cruiser and a black, 4-door passenger vehicle, occurred at the intersection of Saddle River Road and Van Duren Avenue, Fair Lawn. The officer’s injuries were reported to be non life threatening. The other driver was apparently uninjured. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Two (2) persons were said to be in custody in connection with the road rage incident/physical assault that the injured officer was responding to.

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WAYNE BUSINESS EXECUTIVE LAUNCHES NEW PRO ECONOMIC GROWTH PAC

Organization For Economic Growth

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wayne NJ, the Goal Is To Promote Economic Growth & Candidates Who Will Improve Economy. Citing the need for immediate improvement of state and regional economies, more pro-business policies and effective tax policies, New Jersey businessman Joseph Caruso has launched a new Political Action Committee- – The Organization for Economic Growth (OEG ) https://www.NJOEG.com).

The NJOEG will serve as an advocate for economic policies that create jobs and spur investment, as well as a supporter of candidates for elected office who back pro-growth policies, says Caruso, who will serve as chairman of the organization.

Caruso, who will serve as chairman of the organization said, “The birth of the PAC comes from the large number of people I meet in and out of business who are completely frustrated by the state’s failed taxation and economic policies. There is a need for an organization that can turn that frustration into action that will change the economic climate of New Jersey.”

Caruso said that many elected officials from both parties seem oblivious to the economic peril that New Jersey is in and they fail to comprehend the burden that both homeowners and business owners live under and what will happen unless drastic changes are made.

“It is shocking to me and many other business people that there are legislators and other elected officials who continue to advocate for higher taxes and more regulations while ignoring the state’s lousy business reputation, its existing tax burden and its monstrous debt problems,” said Caruso, a partner in a corporate consulting firm.

“Our goals is to work with well intentioned officials on both sides of the aisle to help create a path to economic prosperity that both Democrats and Republicans can support,” added Caruso

ATTRACTING MILLENIALS

The OEG has attracted bright, young and energetic talent like: John DePinto of Bloomfield, who will serve as Vice Chairman, Ray Cottiers of New Milford will be the Director of Strategic Services and Alex Cucciniello of Mahwah will run the day to day operations as the Executive Director.

“If New Jersey doesn’t alter course soon, the jobs of the future economy – the jobs that will employ our Millennials — will be gone, followed by catastrophic economic consequences for the state,” added DePinto. “I’m a young professional and I would like to raise a family New Jersey, but currently that does not seem practical– or possible.”

Cucciniello said the OEG will serve as a information center to help educate the public and elected officials on economic and tax issues and to be a voice against the state’s bad economic policies.

“Much of the readily available economic information that is published or broadcast about our state and region is politically charged and often misleading. Our goal is to distill information from people actually working in business and interact with the media in a constructive way that will lead economic change,” said Cucciniello, who formerly worked in Washington D.C. as an intern in the White House Office of Political Affairs.

“I also believe people need to fully understand the consequences of New Jersey’s continued bad economic policies,” added Cucciniello.

Cottiers stated, “many public officials who want to improve the economy lack the information or the forum to persuade their constituents or colleagues about the best course to follow. Part of our mission will be to provide data to officials who are seriously committed to breaking down the barriers to economic growth. And part of our mission will be to be a the voice — across various media platforms — that argues against policies that harm businesses.”

The new Organization will host its initial fundraising event in January; details will be available shortly. For more information visit NJOEG.com and follow and like us on Facebook at Organization for Economic Growth (@StrengthThroughIndustry).

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DUMONT MAILMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT BY DECEPTION AND FORGERY

Ridgewood-_Post_office_theridgewoodblog

December 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Dumont NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of HECTOR O. TEJADA (DOB: 01/05/1967; married; a US Postal Service employee) of 518 New York Avenue, Union City, New Jersey on Theft by Deception and Forgery charges. The arrest is result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Allendale Police Department under the direction of Chief George Scherb and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”).

In September 2017, a resident of Allendale responded to the Allendale Police Department to complain that a New Jersey State issued check that was to be delivered to the resident’s home had been stolen. During the course of a cooperative investigation conducted by members of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit and the Allendale Police Department with the assistance of agents of the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, it was determined that Hector O. TEJADA, a United States Postal Service mail carrier stationed out of the U.S. Post Office in Dumont, New Jersey, had stolen the check and had negotiated it through his personal bank account. An investigation of Mr. TEJADA’s activities revealed that between March 2017 and October 2017, he had stolen, from his mail route, approximately nine checks worth in excess of $8,000.00. After stealing the checks, Mr. TEJADA forged the names of the victims (check receivers) on the back of each check and deposited them into his personal checking account through the use of automated teller machines and cellular telephone, electronic deposits.

On December 11, 2017, Mr. TEJADA was arrested in Dumont, New Jersey by members of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit, the Allendale and Dumont Police Departments, and U.S. Postal OIG agents.

Hector O. TEJADA was charged with one count of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4A, Theft by Deception, a 3rd degree crime and one count of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1A(2), Forgery, a 3rd degree crime. Mr. TEJADA was issued a summons and released pending his first appearance in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court at 9:00 a.m. on December 27, 2017.

This is an ongoing investigation and members of the public, particularly in the Dumont area, who suspect they may have been the victim of mail theft are encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-201-226-5532 or the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General at 1-888-877-7644.

Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would like to thank the Allendale and Dumont Police Departments and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General for their assistance in this investigation.

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Tractor Trailer Jackknifes on Washington Avenue in Washington Township

Tractor Trailer Jackknifes on Washington Avenue in Washington Township

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

December 13,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington Twp NJ, An inexperienced tractor trailer driver was unable to negotiate a steep portion of Washington Avenue west of Van Emburgh Avenue in Washington Township on Tuesday afternoon, 12/12 and lost control of the rig while trying to back down the hill. Washington Township Police responded and issued multiple summonses to the driver and impounded the rig for being unregistered and uninsured. A heavy duty tow truck driver freed the rig from its predicament before towing it to the impound yard. No one was injured in the incident.

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Governor-elect Phil Murphy formally nominates Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal to serve as the state’s next attorney general

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S

December 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  In an historic moment for the Garden State, Governor-elect Phil Murphy this morning formally nominated Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal, a Sikh American to serve as the state’s next attorney general.

“Our state needs someone with a steel backbone who will stand up to President Trump to protect the values of our state and all 9 million of our residents,” Murphy told reporters at a Statehouse press conference, standing beside Grewal, who is poised to become the first South Asian attorney general in New Jersey history and the first Sikh to serve as an attorney general in American history.

Grewal is a Georgetown University grad, who attended law school at the College of William and Mary, and built his career in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and as Bergen County Prosecutor, where he oversees 3,000 law enforcement officers and 70 municipalities.

“We are turning the page in New Jersey and I am honored to have Gurbir. There should be no mistake. He is a proud son of immigrants. His story is the American story,” said the Governor-elect.

Murphy is clearly trying to make a point based on the race , the Ridgewood blog thinks Murphy blinded by politics may have gotten more than he bargained for . Grewal a Democrat who was appointed by Republican Chris Christie . The Democrats delayed the confirmation of Grewal for some time . It seems Grewal is pretty much a straight shooter unlike his political motivated predecessor and would not play ball for the usual Democrat talking points .

While Murphy bills Grewal as the point man against President Donald Trump , most experts think Trump policies are the lest of  the Governor elect’s list of things to be worrying about . The states apocalyptic financial situation, depleted tax base , massive unfunded pension liabilities and a huge level of illegal aliens living in the state have most Trenton watchers placing bets as to date for the total collapse of New Jersey finances

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Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal and two survivors of opioid addiction discuss the sharp rise in drug related deaths in the U.S. since the 1990s

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal

photo courtesy of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office and the Glen Rock Police 

December 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ,Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal discussed the sharp rise in drug related deaths in the U.S. since the 1990s at a town hall meeting in Glen Rock  last week.

“Last year, hardly a day went by in Bergen County without a heroin arrest, an overdose, or a Narcan save…there’s just more work to do.” – Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal

The presentation is available here: https://vimeo.com/246359764 

Overprescribing of opioids causing unintentional overdoses and early death:

91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose.
US providers wrote nearly 250,000,000 million opioid prescriptions in 2013—enough for every adult to have their own bottle of pills.
The majority of drug overdose deaths (more 60%) involve an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) quadrupled.
From 2000 to 2015, 500,000+ people died from drug overdoses.
Prescription opioids are used to treat moderate-to-severe pain; in recent years, their use has increased dramatically, despite serious risks and lack of evidence of their long-term effectiveness.

You’ll see remarks from County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal and two survivors of opioid addiction …a recovering addict and his mother. Prosecutor Grewal provided detailed remarks and information about the heroin crisis in Bergen County to citizens from Glen Rock who assembled at the town hall last week.

From the distribution of this dangerous narcotic, to warning signs, and to the county’s unique plan of prevention, enforcement, and treatment, Prosecutor Grewal left attendees with lots of food for thought.

In conjunction with Glen Rock, New Jersey officials, the Glen Rock Police Department – NJ, The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, and others, this event was one of many public education initiatives conducted by the BCPO. #StopTheODs

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Truck Rollover on Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn Sends Two to Valley Hospital

Fair Lawn Police

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

December 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair lawn NJ, Fair Lawn Police, Fire, EMS, and Heavy Rescue Squad units all responded to a rollover truck crash in front of 12-15 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn on Monday morning, 12/11. Two (2) occupants of the truck were transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital with non life threatening injuries. At least one (1) utility pole was destroyed in connection with the incident.

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Former State Trooper Who Used Police Stops to Pick Up Women Sentenced to tampering with evidence and falsifying records

state-police-cars-5ca53217ffef0e94

December 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Linden NJ,  A New Jersey state trooper was sentenced today on charges that he tampered with evidence and falsified records to cover up the fact that he conducted improper stops of female drivers in order to view the private contents of their cell phones and proposition them to meet him socially.

Marquice Prather, 38, of Linden, N.J., was sentenced to three years of probation by Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca in Middlesex County. He was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and pay a $5,000 fine. The judge also ordered that Prather have no contact with his victims. Prather pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to charges of third-degree invasion of privacy, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. He forfeited his job as a state trooper and is permanently barred from public office and employment.

Deputy Attorneys General Brian Faulk, Jonathan Gilmore and Charles Wright prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.
The New Jersey State Police Office of Professional Standards investigated numerous incidents involving Prather that reflected a pattern of pulling over women, ranging in age from 18 to 42, and soliciting them to go on a date with him or give him their phone numbers. The investigation revealed the following conduct, for which he pleaded guilty to the three charges:

Prather requested and searched the cell phones of numerous female drivers without justification, after asking the women to unlock the phones. He looked through personal information and images on the phones and, in some cases, reproduced intimate photos and videos of the women.
Prather disposed of suspected marijuana that he seized from the vehicle of a female motorist.
Prather falsely reported the gender of drivers he pulled over to disguise the fact that he stopped a high number of females.
Several women initially came forward to file complaints against Prather about improper conduct. A number of other women subsequently gave statements outlining similar conduct after they were contacted by investigators who were auditing Prather’s patrol activities. Prather was suspended without pay by the State Police after his arrest on Dec. 9, 2016.