photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
October 27,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, For the second time in less than one (1) week, a brush fire caused the temporary suspension of train traffic on NJ Transit’s Bergen County Line through Glen Rock. The Friday afternoon, 10/27, brush fire was contained to a small area and extinguished by Glen Rock firefighters using water cans, shovels, and rakes. The fire was spotted by a NJ Transit Maintenance of Way employee working near 536 Broad Street, Glen Rock. No injuries were reported. Glen Rock Police, NJ Transit Police, and Hawthorne Fire Department also responded.
Glen Rock NJ, Glen Rock firefighters required mutual aid assistance from fire departments in several nearby communities to battle a series of brush fires along NJ Transit train tracks in their Borough that temporarily disrupted rail service on NJ Transit’s Main & Bergen Lines on Saturday afternoon, 10/21. No injuries were reported related to the blazes, but there were multiple property damage reports (fences, light poles, etc.). The fires were reportedly started by a defective part on an NJ Transit train that made it as far as Harriman, NY (with no fires reported anywhere else other than in Glen Rock).
This was in part prompted by an incident in which someone taking photos of an accident in Glen Rock (involving adults only with very minor injuries) was verbally assaulted by a woman who claimed to be a relative of one of the accident’s victims. Despite being told by police officers that the person had a legal right to take photos and to leave the individual alone, she continued with her verbal tirade. She was finally ordered by a Glen Rock police sergeant off the sidewalk into a waiting ambulance with her supposed relative. Turns out the woman is a Ridgewood resident and a practicing attorney. So much that fancy law degree from Fordham. Hopefully neither she nor her parents spent their life savings on it. A big Amen to freedom of the press and to freedom of assembly.
Glen Rock NJ, Police and fire department units from Glen Rock and Hawthorne responded to a two (2) vehicle, head on collision at the intersection of Harristown Road and Lincoln Avenue late Tuesday morning, 10/17. No injuries were reported, however both vehicles sustained heavy front end damage and were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Glen Rock Fire Department personnel attended to a significant crash related fluid spill.
Glen Rock NJ, the Glen Rock Police have issued a statement concerning video taping and photography at police incidents .
Glen Rock Police : We have heard that some people have been questioning the fact that photos of juveniles and others have been taken at police incidents in the past by members of the press or public.
The taking of photographs and/or videos by private citizens and media personnel is permitted within areas open to general public access and occupancy and is permitted under the US Constitution in the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. (Christopher Sharp v. Baltimore City Police Department, et. al.). No citizen has the expectation of privacy when they are in public regardless of their status as a victim, juvenile or offender.
A civilian may video record or photograph a police and public safety activities as long as they:
1. Remain at a reasonable distance;
2. Do not interfere with the duties and responsibilities of police and other public safety personnel;
3. Do not create a safety concern for the officer, a person detained, a victim, other persons or themselves.
A citizen’s right to record police activity is coextensive with that of the press. There should be no burden on an individual’s right to record police activity than they place on members of the press. A citizen does not need “press credentials” to record police officers engaged in the public discharge of their duties.
FYI :
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, or to petition for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of
The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution is the part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause
The 14th amendment was adopted in 1868, after the American Civil War, and addresses the equal protection and rights of former slaves. The 14th amendment limits the action of state and local officials. In addition to equal protection under the law to all citizens, the amendment also addresses what is called “due process”, which prevents citizens from being illegally deprived of life, liberty, or property.
Glen Rock NJ, Police and fire departments from Glen Rock and Hawthorne responded to multiple 911 reports of a strong natural gas odor in the vicinity of Lincoln Avenue and Boulevard, Glen Rock/Warburton Avenue, Hawthorne on Sunday afternoon, 10/15. The source was identified as a vent pipe installed in connection with a nearby construction project. A PSE&G technician determined that a relief valve within the vent apparatus had failed which resulted in a constant gas release. A portion of Warburton Avenue in Hawthorne was closed to facilitate repairs by a PSE&G crew. Police and fire units were released from the scene following the deployment of portable traffic barricades. No structures were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
Glen Rock NJ, in a very busy week for Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock Fire and EMS a Saturday afternoon, 10/14, two (2) vehicle crash in front of 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock resulted in two (2) victims being transported to The Valley Hospital by ambulance. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock EMS responded.
Glen Rock NJ, A reported bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Glen Rock Middle School/High School building located at 600 Harristown Road, Glen Rock on Friday afternoon, 10/13. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the incident. A sweep of the building’s exterior by a Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team yielded negative results. Students were eventually allowed back in to the building, however they were “sheltered in place.”
Glen Rock NJ, An individual dressed in a bear costume with a GoPro camera strapped to its chest and a large dog in tow, was observed standing outside of a Glen Rock elementary school at afternoon dismissal time on Friday, 10/13. Glen Rock Police received at least one (1) 911 telephone call about the individual from a concerned parent, and dispatched a uniformed patrol officer and a uniformed patrol supervisor to investigate. Responding units located the “bear with dog” two (2) blocks away from the school. The individual was identified as a local juvenile male. He was interviewed and then escorted back to his home and released to his mother. The intent of standing in front of the school dressed in a bear costume with an attached GoPro and dog was not made public.
Ho Ho Kus NJ, according to the Ho Ho Kus Police another burglary was discovered today on Ardmore Rd. Following are some good advice for residents of Ho Ho kus, Ridgewood , Glen Rock , Midland Park , Hawthorne ,Washington Twp, Paramus and so on .
Again, please do not hesitate to call the Ho Ho Kus Police at anytime. Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, you heard a strange noise, or see something unusual, call immediately and we will always check it for you. 201-652-1700 or Dial 911 in an emergency.
Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900
Glen Rock Police (201) 652-3800
Washington Twp Police (201) 664-1140
Paramus Police (201) 262 -3400
Hawthorne Police (973) 427 -1800
Midland Park Police (201) 444-2300
Tips to prevent home burglaries:
Start outside: Burglars target your house by how it appears from the outside. Reformed burglars tell police they avoid houses with good lighting, any crunchy surface on driveways and patios that could make noise, an alarm box, cameras and signs of a dog in the house.
Tips to deter burglars on the outside of your home:
*Keep your home well lit—motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lighting or timers all work
*Keep your shrubs and hedges trimmed—burglars love to hide behind shrubbery Gates, shrubs, etc. should be less than a couple feet high so your house is visible from the street
*Place a brightly colored burglar alarm to the front of your house in a prominent place
Items like prickly bushes and flower pots under windows make a burglar’s life more difficult
*If you have a dog, make sure the burglar knows it, as most burglars won’t target a house that could have dogs
*Install video cameras
*In the backyard, a tall fence is a good security measure, but make sure it is topped with trellising that can’t support the weight of a human—most burglars are athletic and will try to jump a fence if they can, but tend to avoid those that might break underneath them or draw attention to them
*Don’t leave anything outside that would make the burglar’s life easier—this includes tools, gardening equipment, ladders, garden furniture, etc.
Tips to secure your garden shed:
*Make sure your shed is up to the task—if you think the structure won’t stop burglars, don’t leave anything of value in the shed, including tools, lawnmowers and bicycles
*Fit the shed windows with steel grates, if you can
Install a cage inside your shed for valuable tools—but make sure it is securely attached
*Lock down ladders that could be used by a burglar to gain access to your home
cartoon-burglar
*When you’re home, don’t leave downstairs windows open in rooms you’re not occupying; burglaries happen very quickly and the 10 minutes you spend in another part of the house could be a burglar’s chance to climb in, take your belongings and leave before you’ve even realized he was there.
*Single-glazed windows are particularly vulnerable to attack by burglars since plain glass is easily breakable. Consider replacing them if it is within your budget.
*Be sure to add additional locks to wooden and metal windows, sash windows in particular. They’re easy to install and the added safety will help secure your home.
*Regardless of the type of windows you have, they should be locked at all times you’re not using them.
*Don’t forget to shut and lock your windows when you go out or go to bed. Upstairs windows should always be locked when you’re not home, and if you’re not using them when sleeping.
*Doors and mail slots tempt would-be thieves—so if you have a mail slot, use a basket or cage on the inside, making it difficult or impossible for thieves to use a tool such as a fishing rod, stick or metal bar to steal items like your car and house keys. If you use a basket or cage on the inside of your mail slot, remove the bottom to prevent mail theft.
*When it comes to doors, locks are king. Here are some things to look out for:
*Make sure your door frames are strong and fit well
Ensure you have five-lever mortice deadlock (if your door is over 44mm)
*Have an internal security chain or stopper
*Glazed panels on doors should be avoided; if used, they should be laminated glass (two pieces of glass bonded together with a sheet of laminate), as laminated glass is much tougher to break
*UPVC doors normally come with deadlock shoot bolts or a multi-point locking system, adding several bolts from the door into the frame
*Install a peep hole or video camera, so you don’t open your door without knowing who is on the other side
*French doors and patio doors are often the weak link in a house’s security—ensure they have extra locks and security precautions installed; consult your local police or an expert for more information on securing these types of doors
*Keep valuables out of sight, even if you’re leaving the room for just 10 minutes.
*Keep car keys far away from doors and windows, and never on display
*Keep laptops hidden securely when not in use
*Keep mobile phones and tablets away from prying eyes at windows, and when not in use, store them securely
*Don’t leave handbags, wallets, purses, checkbooks, cash or credit cards on display
Other home security and protection considerations
*If you’re going away, don’t advertise it on social media
*When you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to take out your trash
*Stop all deliveries if you’re out of town
*If you’re going on vacation, either leave your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor or friend to park there
*Don’t hide keys to your home outside—burglars know the spaces where people hide them, and it isn’t worth the risk
*Keep suitcases in the attic, as thieves will use these to carry away your valuables.
*Make sure you have sufficient insurance to protect you in case all of your precautions still result in your house being burgled
*Periodically take photos of the inside of your house and date them, so you can prove what items you own should you need to make an insurance claim.
*Mark your belongings with an anti-theft marking pen, as this can help not only with you getting your items back, but also prosecuting the thief.
Glen Rock NJ, An adult female pedestrian sustained a serious but non-life threatening leg injury when she was struck by a NJ Transit bus #164 at the intersection of Rock Road and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock on Monday evening, 10/09. The victim was transported to The Valley Hospital by a Glen Rock EMS ambulance; she was conscious and alert when police and EMS personnel arrived at the accident site. Glen Rock Police is investigating the incident. Ridgewood Police units provided assistance with traffic control at the scene.
Ridgewood NJ, An adult female brandishing a full sized sword on public property adjacent to an elementary school caught the attention of Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Michael Karcher early Friday morning, 09/22. After securing the weapon in his patrol vehicle, Officer Karcher enlisted the aid of a Mandarin speaking patrol officer from neighboring Glen Rock and determined that the woman was visiting relatives who lived nearby, and was using the sword as part of a daily religious activity. No charges were pressed and the woman was driven back to her family’s residence and advised not to bring the sword onto public property again.
Glen Rock NJ, as previously reported on the Ridgewood blog , “The GRPD has been receiving a large amount of alcohol related juvenile calls this evening including large groups of juveniles causing disturbances around town. Please be advised that any juveniles caught in possession of alcohol can be charged on a juvenile delinquency complaint. We are advising parents who may be unaware of their children’s whereabouts to reach out to them.”
Glen Rock Police followed up , “Between approximately 8 PM and 9 PM a high volume of complaints were received about large groups of juveniles causing disturbances throughout the borough. While responding to a Sycamore Terrace resident’s complaint about juvenile trespassers, P.O. T.J. Graziani arrested a 16-year-old Glen Rock male for underage possession of alcohol. The juvenile was detained and turned over to the custody of his mother pending further action.
As the volume of complaints received exceeded the resources available to respond, Det. Jim Calaski sent out a message via the GRPD Facebook page advising parents who may be unaware of their children’s whereabouts or activities to reach out to them. In addition to 36 “likes”, parents apparently responded quickly as the call volume subsided and the presences of disorderly individuals around town subsided in a timely manner. ”
Glen Rock NJ, On Sunday 9/24 Rock Road will be closed in both directions from Valley Rd to Main St for the Glen Rock Fall Festival.
The Glen Rock Fall Festival, hosted by the Glen Rock Chamber of Commerce and combined with the Farmers Market, will be held on Sunday September 24th from 10 am to 5 pm in the Central Business District on Rock Road – between Valley Rd and Main St.
Rock Road will be closed to vehicle traffic after 8AM and will not re-open until all vendors are clear from the street, projected to be around 6:30 PM.
Austin Place and the Glen Rock Senior Citizen Building will be accessible via Valley Road, which will remain open to traffic.
Advisory: ROAD CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: On 9/14 – 9/15 – 9/18 – 9/19 & 9/20 milling and paving will be done at 12 location
September 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, announces major road construction project .
Please note that this is a revised list:
The following roads will be milled on Thursday September 14th, Friday September 15th, and Monday September 18th:
• Cornelia Place
• Mortlock Place
• William Place
• Serafin Place
• Glen Boulevard
• Lowell Road
• Amherst Court
• Broad Street
• Sterling Place
• Valley Road
• 1 Glen Ave Senior Lot
• Garvey Place
The following roads will be paved on Monday September 18th, Tuesday September 19th, and Wednesday September 20th:
• Cornelia Place
• Mortlock Place
• William Place
• Serafin Place
• Glen Boulevard
• Lowell Road
• Amherst Court
• Broad Street
• 1 Glen Ave Senior Lot
• Valley Road
• Sterling Place
• Grove Street
• Garvey Place
All work will be done weather permitting.
Please observe the “No Parkin g” signs – they will be enforced. Any vehicle left within the work zone will be TOWED AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE. Please have all vehicles removed from the street by 7:30am on each day. Per the contractor, all vehicles that are to be used should be removed from the driveway each day by 7:30am and again, there can be no on street parking.
If necessary, the DPW will work with homeowners for access during paving and can be reached at 201-670-3980 until 3:30PM on any weekday.
