
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, according to the Saddle River Police , fake text messages have been sent telling children to run away from home .
Continue reading Text Scare Targeting Juvenile Girls Rattles Saddle River
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, according to the Saddle River Police , fake text messages have been sent telling children to run away from home .
Continue reading Text Scare Targeting Juvenile Girls Rattles Saddle River
Photo courtesy of Saddle River Police Facebook page
June 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River Nj, the Saddle River Borough Council held a SPECIAL MEETING on Saturday evening, JUNE 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall as Saddle River to swear in its next Police Chief, Captain Jason Cosgriff, and say goodbye to retiring Chief Timothy McWilliams who served the police department with distinction for 34 years, the last 17 being Chief.
Saddle River Mayor Al Kurpis Statement regarding the next Police Chief – There are very few decisions a Mayor makes that is as important as selecting a Police Chief to oversee the safety and welfare of our community. After a thorough review of all eligible candidates it is my distinct pleasure to announce that on June 1, I will be submitting Captain Jason Cosgriff’s name for nomination to be the next Saddle River Police Chief. Captain Cosgriff has served the Saddle River Police Department for 20 years and his professionalism and distinguished service throughout that time has elevated him to his current rank as a Captain. It has been an honor and privilege to serve with Captain Cosgriff during my term as Mayor and I look forward to continuing to serve with him in his new capacity as Chief. In addition to his professional work as a member of our police department it is also worth noting that Captain Cosgriff grew up in Saddle River and at the age of 18 joined the Saddle River Valley Recue Squad where he reached the rank of Captain and earned Life Member status. Aside from his professional accomplishments Captain Cosgriff brings forward a stellar academic record which culminated with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
There’s not enough I can say to express my gratitude to the 35 year service of Chief McWilliams. He has always served as a steady and calming presence in the police department and throughout the community and he will be missed. I wish him nothing but well wishes in his retirement and I look forward to our continued personal friendship.
I would like thank the members of the Public Safety Committee for their important role in this process. Like my nomination, their role in this process is one of the most important things they will ever participate in on the local government level. The residents can take comfort knowing that they performed this role with a high level of diligence and seriousness that would far exceed anyone’s expectations. In addition to my own review of the candidates I placed great weight in their ultimate recommendation which aligns with my nomination. I would also be remiss if I did not thank the other candidates who stepped up for an opportunity to lead the department. They both have long and distinguished careers with the Saddle River Police Department. I consider them both to be high caliber members of this department and look forward to their continued service.
Statement from Captain Jason Cosgriff: I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next Police Chief in the town I grew up in. Reaching the pinnacle of my career is one thing, but to do so in my hometown that I always loved makes it extra special. I would like to thank the Mayor and Council for their support in this process and throughout the course of my career. I would like to thank the officers of the department for the fine work that they do in a professional manner day in and day out for the residents of Saddle River. I will always maintain an open door policy and it is that type of policy that sets the foundation for a strong relationship between our agency and the community we serve. My vision for the agency is to continue the high level of service we provide and to maintain the safety and security of Saddle River.
Comment from the Saddle River PBA President, Saddle River PO Paul Passaretti – On behalf of the PBA we have always had a great relationship with the command staff and we look forward to working with Captain Cosgriff as we continue to move forward in a positive direction. His record of distinction is well noted and his service to the community and this department is well received by its members. We are pleased by a process that sets forth a smooth transition from Chief McWilliams to future Chief Cosgriff. We look forward to this next chapter in our departments history as we continue to provide a high level of service to our residents.
Criminal Activity Alert – Auto Thefts & Car Burglaries -Saddle River & Neighboring Towns- Lock Vehicles – Remove Key Fob’s
June 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, Last night two vehicles were stolen from two different residential driveways in Saddle River. Both vehicles were unlocked and the key fobs were left in the vehicles. Several other unlocked vehicles were entered and burglarized by these actors during the overnight.
Saddle River and several neighboring jurisdictions have been experiencing high end auto thefts and auto burglaries. If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
Most crimes are prevented or criminals are caught when the public assists the Police by reporting suspicious persons and activity. Discuss this with your neighbors, family and friends. Advise them to secure their homes and vehicles and to report suspicious activity when it is observed, not the following day. The eyes and ears of the community are of great assistance in preventing and solving crimes. Any suspicious activity can be reported to the police desk @ 201-327-5300 or by calling 9-1-1
For additional information or assistance please call Saddle River Police headquarters anytime at 201-327-5300.
Hide – Lock – Take !!!
Address/Location
Saddle River NJ Police
83 E Allendale Rd
Saddle River, NJ 07458
January 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ , Saddle River Police report that early Tuesday morning two vehicles were stolen out of a driveway in the Burning Hollow section of Saddle River. These vehicles were unlocked and the key fobs were left in the vehicles.
If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
These criminals will continue to come to our communities if they are successful at stealing cars. Patrol Officers have made contact with and arrested some of these actors during their shifts. We strongly advise residents not to confront these individuals.
If you see suspicious activity call the Saddle River Police desk anytime at 201-327-5300 or call 9-1-1
Address/Location
Saddle River NJ Police
83 E Allendale Rd
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 201-327-5300
Capt. Jason Cosgriff
Saddle River Police Dept.
jcosgriff@saddleriverpd.com
201-327-5300
November 7,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, Saddle River police report that Saddle River and several neighboring jurisdictions have experienced high end auto thefts and auto burglaries. If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
If you see suspicious activity call the Saddle River Police desk anytime at 201-327-5300 or call 9-1-1
There has been an uptick in residential burglaries countywide. It’s getting dark earlier and that can provide thieves the cover of darkness they like to operate in. If you have an alarm system make sure you activate it, even if you’re just running out for a few minutes. Remove your valuables from the master bedroom and it’s closet. If you have a safe make sure it is securely bolted in place. Even large safes have been carried out of homes during burglaries. Adjust your light timers accordingly to illuminate your residence to help deter an intruder. Security cameras are a great tool. Check your system now to make sure its functioning properly before an incident may happen.
Most crimes are prevented or criminals are caught when the public assists the Police by reporting suspicious persons and activity. Discuss this with your neighbors, family and friends. Advise them to secure their homes and to report suspicious activity when it is observed, not the following day. The eyes and ears of the community are of great assistance in preventing and solving crimes. Any suspicious activity can be reported to the police desk @ 201-327-5300 or by calling 9-1-1
For additional information or assistance please call Saddle River Police headquarters anytime at 201-327-5300.
Also be aware that the Felony Lane Gang is active in our area. They break into vehicles and steal identities. They target areas that women and mothers attend hoping to steal a purse that has been left behind by a busy women. This gang targets gyms, parks, daycare centers, and sporting events likely to be frequented by women and increasing the chances of finding purses left in vehicles; they conduct surveillance at these locations and unlawfully enter vehicles through unlocked doors or by using a window punch to break the window of a locked vehicle; and they specifically look for identification such as driver licenses, checks, and debit cards. Make sure any valuables and purses aren’t left in a vehicle to be stolen by these criminals.
Just a few simple steps will reduce your chances of being victimized by these criminals.
For additional information or assistance please call Saddle River Police headquarters anytime at 201-327-5300.
Criminal Activity Alert – Auto Theft – West Saddle River Rd – Lock Vehicles – Remove Key Fob’s from ALL vehicles
October 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, the Saddle River Police report that on Thursday the 12th a vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a residence off of West Saddle River Rd. The vehicle was unlocked and the key fob was left in the vehicle.
Saddle River and several neighboring jurisdictions have experienced high end auto thefts and auto burglaries. If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
If you see suspicious activity call the Saddle River Police desk anytime at 201-327-5300 or call 9-1-1
Address/Location
Saddle River NJ Police
83 E Allendale Rd
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 201-327-5300
Capt. Jason Cosgriff
Saddle River Police Dept.
jcosgriff@saddleriverpd.com
201-327-5300
September 28,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, the Borough of Saddle River has decided to take action against the aggressive coyotes in order to assure the safety of residents . The Mayor and council went as far as to approve the use of lethal force on the September 18th council meeting and created a taskforce , Emergency Mayor’s Coyote Management Task Force ,to recommend recommending long term solutions.
Here is the Mayor Albert J. Kurpis letter to residents
We have a Coyote Problem in Saddle River
An Update from your Mayor, 9/26/2017
As many of you have become aware, Saddle River is faced with a coyote problem. Over the past several years, our resident deer population has risen out of control, and it is believed that coyotes may be natural predators for these deer.
According to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes are usually not a threat to humans as they are lone hunters preying upon small animals, fawns and weak or dead deer. However, with the overpopulation of coyotes in the borough, they are now forming family groups in which they hunt for food and share their prey. They are clearly becoming a threat to our pets and potentially to adults and children.
With the maturation of the pups of the last coyote litter season, these animals have become much more aggressive and now pose a real threat to humans, never seen before in our community. We will no longer tolerate this threat to our families and to our safety.
At the recent Mayor and Council meeting of September 18, 2017, the governing body approved a resolution allowing the police to use lethal force within the confines of the law to cull any and all aggressive coyote encounters. These actions will have to be supplemented by a long term strategy to radically reduce our coyote population.
I convened an Emergency Mayor’s Coyote Management Task Force on September 22, 2017, consisting of the Borough’s most important public safety personnel (listed below). We have developed a strategy to significantly reduce the coyote population over the next several months.
The Task Force will also be advising and recommending long term solutions to the Mayor and Council for implementation. In order for me to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information to you, the residents, I will be relying upon my Task Force to accumulate all data and information and to keep me abreast of their findings.
I want you to know that your local government is responding to your concerns and coyote population reduction has already begun. Implementation of a short and long term plan for controlling our deer population will be approved by the Mayor and Council within the next 60 90 days.
September 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, Saddle River Police warn of aggressive Coyotes . On Thursday 09/14/2017, we received a report of a dog walker on Oak Road being confronted by approximately five coyotes. The coyotes were circling them within a six foot radius attempting to take the small leashed dog. Thankfully, a passing motorist began honking their vehicles horn and got out to assist in disrupting the confrontation. The situation ended and they returned home. TYCO Animal Control and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife are aware of this situation and working with us to resolve it. No pets or small children should be left outside unattended. As per Fish and Wildlife, walkers, dog walkers and joggers should consider carrying a compressed air horn and or a walking stick in the event they experience a similar incident. Any confrontations with wildlife should be reported to the police desk (201)- 327-5300
Below is some information about coyotes from the State of NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife.
https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/coyote_info.htm
The coyote is a wild member of the dog family and closely resembles a small German shepherd with the exception of its long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. Another key difference from a domestic dog is readily noticeable even from a distance: The coyote has a habit of holding its tail below a horizontal position while standing, walking and running.
Eastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde, red and black. Past interbreeding between wolves and coyotes may be responsible for the larger size and color variations in our eastern coyote. In New Jersey, adult coyotes range in weight from 20-50 lbs. and exceptionally large ones may be up to 55 lbs. Coyotes adjust well to their surroundings and can survive on whatever food is available. They prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young and weakened deer. They also consume carrion (decaying tissue). They are tolerant of human activities and rapidly adapt to changes in their environment.
Coyotes bear litters during April and May, with females delivering between three and nine pups. Conflicts between coyotes and humans are most likely to develop as adults forage for food for the pups in the spring and summer.
Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food, but will take advantage of whatever is available, including garbage, pet food and domestic animals that are left unattended. Allowing coyotes access to human food and garbage is irresponsible and can lead to problems.
Coyotes, along with foxes, are sometimes afflicted with mange which can result in significant hair loss. The loss of fur can result in making identification of a coyote difficult, resulting in reports of a “mystery” animal, or even a cougar.
In suburban and urban areas, coyotes have occasionally attacked small pets. Although attacks on humans are extremely rare in eastern states, as with any predatory animal they can occur.
Eastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde and black.
Past interbreeding between wolves and coyotes may be responsible for the larger size and color variations in the eastern coyote.
Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. They are by nature wary of humans. However, coyote behavior changes if given access to human food and garbage. They lose caution and fear. They may cause property damage and threaten human safety, requiring euthanasia. Relocating a problem coyote is not an option because it only moves the problem to someone else’s neighborhood.
Coyote Precautions:
The following guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes:
• Never feed a coyote. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.
• Feeding pet cats and/or feral (wild) cats outdoors can attract coyotes. The coyotes feed on the pet food and also prey upon the cats.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings – this reduces protective cover for coyotes and makes the area less attractive to rodents and rabbits. Coyotes, as well as other predators, are attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated like woodpiles.
• If coyotes are present, make sure they know they’re not welcome. Make loud noises, blast a canned air siren, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.
June 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, Saddle River Police Deptment Officers will once again participate in this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, June 9th, 2017. West Saddle River Road and East Allendale Road are part of our route.
In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially.
Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $3 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings just to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities