Category Archives: Fair Haven Police and Fire Files

All of the latest police and fire news in Fair Haven can be found here.

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, News

Fair Haven Police Lt. McGovern Promoted to Captain

Leave a comment

By Elaine Van Develde

The smile is the same. The stripes on the uniform are different.

On the heels of Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge’s announcement of retirement, longtime Fair Haven police officer Joseph McGovern was promoted from lieutenant to captain at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting.

The promotion is a significant one in light of the fact that while the police department’s staffing model hierarchy allows for a captain in the department the position has not been filled since retired Captain Paul McCue was on the force several years ago.

Caught readying himself to get to the meeting outside the police station, McGovern gave Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect his signature smile and a wave, for which he is known throughout town, as he gussied himself up, hopped in his SUV and headed a couple blocks over.

He was met with a packed meeting room full of beaming, congratulatory officials, neighboring police and chiefs, family and friends.

Welcoming all, Chief Breckenridge pointed out that “when you rise to the level of captain, it shows when you see the network of support from (police in) surrounding towns …” Among those in that support network were Rumson Police Chief Scott Paterson and Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell, both Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduates.

First thanking the officers of the department for their “continued dedication” and saying “you guys do an excellent job, and I couldn’t be more proud,” Breckenridge singled out McGovern’s family and told them, “you should be very proud of Joe. He worked very hard to get where he is going tonight … I’m sure Joe’s going to do a terrific job.”

McGovern’s journey to the captain’s position has been a long, hard-earned, diligent one, the chief said, starting nearly 30 years ago.

He recounted it. McGovern started in the department in 1987 as a dispatcher. In 1989, he became a special officer. In 1991, he became a probationary patrolman, then detective and OEM coordinator, which he still is.

In 2006, McGovern became a sergeant. And in 2008, he rose to the rank of lieutenant. Now he’s a captain. He has also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and attended the prestigious FBI Academy.

“Joe has worked very hard with his promotional process, doing the right thing and doing his job,” Breckenridge said. “I am so proud and happy to stand here before you and congratulate you first, captain.”

With a smile, his wife holding the bible and two boys by his side, Mayor Ben Lucarelli administered the oath of office to McGovern.

With a modest smile and a simple “thank you” to “everyone for coming out,” McGovern said, “It’s been a long process and it’s finally here.”

Five stripes. Same smile. Same dedication.

McGovern will serve as acting chief as of Oct. 1, the official start day of Breckenridge’s retirement. Sgt. Robert Townshend is slated for a promotion to lieutenant. The new chief has not yet been chosen.

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

Fun Times at Fair Haven’s Night Out

Leave a comment

Fair Haven police and emergency responders were focused on the local side of National Night Out Tuesday and the close-up view was one that honed in on community unity.

It was a goal achieved at the borough’s 13th Night Out — police and residents, young and old, getting to know one another, the public seeing that inside view of protecting and serving.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the evening. (Don’t forget to click the lower right icon for a full screen view.) Enjoy!

And thanks to the Fair Haven Police Department and emergency responders!

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Getting Set for National Night Out with Fair Haven Police

Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year — time to learn about law enforcement and emergency response in a festive atmosphere at the Fair Haven Police Department’s 13th Annual Night Out.

Slated for Tuesday evening at 5 p.m., the event at the Youth Center on Fisk Street behind police headquarters will kick off with a close-up look at a MONOC Air Medic Unit helicopter on the grounds.

From that point on there will be demonstrations, looks at police and fire equipment and vehicles, a gaming tent sponsored by the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, a bounce house sponsored by the Fair Haven Fire Department, a dunk tank sponsored by The Foundation of Fair Haven,  Karate demonstration by Fair Haven Martial Arts, a K-9 demonstration by Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officer Mike Mindo and K-9 Tango, an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog, food, soft drinks, drawings and prizes from local businesses and Target, and, of course, an opportunity to meet Fair Haven police officers better understand their job protecting and serving the community.

Can you guess who’s going in the dunk tank this year?

 

National Night Out, an event designed to foster community-police awareness in the United States, is held every year on the first Tuesday in August.  

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

Fair Haven Wins Third Place in County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition

Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition Photo/FHFD Facebook photo
Fair Haven Fire Department won third place in the 2015 Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition
Photo/FHFD Facebook photo

Making sure they first recognized first-place winning Shrewsbury Hose Co. No. 1, Fair Haven Fire Department announced on Facebook Wednesday night that it came in third in the Monmouth County Fair Hose & Ladder Competition.

It looks like, according to another posted photo, there were 13 companies from the county competing.

Fair Haven’s combined time was 32:06 — 20:00 first round and 12.06 second.

Congrats Fair Haven firefighters!

— Photo/Fair Haven Fire Department, Facebook page

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Report Marijuana Possession, DWI Arrests & Incidents

Leave a comment

The following June arrests and incidents were reported by Fair Haven police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• A Ridge Road resident reported on June 4 that several hundred dollars were stolen from his vehicle.

Patrolman Dwayne Reevey took the theft report.

• Jeffrey S. Kowal Jr., 19, of Red Bank, was arrested on June 7 following a traffic stop and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphilia, underage possession of alcohol and weapons possession (knife) by Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson.

Kowal was released pending a court appearance at Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• Zoilo J. Gonzalez III, 26, of Shrewsbury, was arrested on June 7 following a traffic stop and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, speeding and failure to produce a driver’s license by Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson.

Gonzalez was released pending an appearance at Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• A Fair Haven Road resident reported on June 9 that an unknown subject attempted to have a credit card opened under a fraudulent name using the victim’s address.

Detective Stephen Schneider took the report.

• Peter Delamos, 76, of Fair Haven was stopped on June 19 for a traffic violation and found to have and outstanding traffic warrant out of Ocean Township.

He  was transported to headquarters were bail was paid in full before his release. Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson was the arresting officer.

• Conor Murphy, 23, of Belford, was arrested on June 19 following a traffic stop and charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana by Patrolman Dwayne Reevey.

Murphy was later released pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.

• A Clay Street resident reported on June 25 that an unknown subject stole a bicycle out of her driveway the previous evening.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took the theft report.

• A Park Lane resident reported on June 30 that his personal bank accounts had several fraudulent withdrawals by an unknown person.

Patrolman John Koetzner took the report.

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Police: Fair Haven Man Jailed on Disorderly Charge & More

Leave a comment

The following May arrests and incidents were reported by Fair Haven police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Arrests

• Terry Williams, 57, of Fair Haven, was arrested on May 10 and charged with disorderly conduct following a field interview, reference a call for service.

Williams was unable to post bail and was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra was the arresting officer.

• Tracey Lichtig, 42, of Fair Haven, was arrested on May 15 and charged with driving while suspended as a result of a previous DWI conviction.

Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson was the arresting officer.

• Johnny Morris, 23, of Tinton Falls, was arrested by Cpl. John Waltz on May 27 on an active arrest warrant out of Fair Haven.

Morris was later released after posting bail pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.

• Veronica Carlisle, 45, of Highlands, was arrested on May 28 and charged with driving while suspended from a previous DWI conviction.

Special Officer Class II Brooks Robinson was the arresting officer.

•Marcelino Trejo, 32, Edison, was arrested on May 3 and charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, speeding, refusal to submit to breath samples and driving with an open container of alcohol following a motor vehicle stop.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra was the arresting officer. Trejo was released pending a court appearance in Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• Omar Azcona, 34, of Trenton, was arrested on May 5 by Sgt. Jesse Dykstra on an active traffic warrant out of Mt. Olive Township after a parking complaint.  Azcona posted full cash bail before his release.

Incidents

• A Battin Road resident reported on May 7 the theft of a wallet from a vehicle in her driveway.

Patrolman Eric Patton took the report.

• A Willow Street resident reported on May 7 that his son’s bicycle was stolen from the front of Knollwood School.

Patrolman Christian Hostrup took the theft report.

• A Lake Avenue resident reported on May 7 that a wallet was stolen from her vehicle.

Patrolman Christian Hostrup took the theft report.

• A Maple Avenue resident reported on May 8 that someone fraudulently used the victim’s credit card.

Detective Stephen Schneider took the fraud report.

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven PBA Kudos to a Red Bank K9

Leave a comment

Call him a dogged public servant who had some howling success helping a brother out.

Red Bank K9 Hunter, partner of Patrolman Stanley Balmer, was brought to the aid of the Fair Haven Police Department, providing key assistance to officers in a motor vehicle stop on Saturday night, according to a Fair Haven PBA Facebook post.

Hunter, according to Red Bank police in their own post, was called in for a vehicle search after the stop. The search, dubbed Hunter’s “first successful scent” uncovered “marijuana and a weapon.”

Red Bank police are proud and Fair Haven officers are grateful.

“Thank you to K9 Hunter and Ptl. Balmer of the Red Bank Police Dept. for assistance last night,” police said in the Facebook post.

*Fair Haven police were not available for further comment and information as of press time. Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will update this story when more details become available.

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files

Fair Haven Police Chief & Officers Hit Destination in Police Unity Tour

Leave a comment
NJ Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge and Mayor Ben Lucarelli at the start of the Police Unity Tour in Red Bank on May 9. Photo/courtesy of Ben Lucarelli
NJ Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge and Mayor Ben Lucarelli at the start of the Police Unity Tour in Red Bank on May 9.
Photo/courtesy of Ben Lucarelli

By Elaine Van Develde

They rolled out of Red Bank on May 9 and rolled into Washington D.C. today.

Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge, Cpl. John Waltz and Patrolman Dwayne Reevey, part of the Chapter 10 group of Monmouth County cops in the “ride for those who died” — the Police Unity Tour — reached their destination at about 3 p.m., the Fair Haven PBA Local 184 announced.

The bike ride, which spanned roughly 230 miles for Chapter 10, began in 1997 with 18 riders, was designed to inspire “public awareness of of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and (to) honor their sacrifices” and raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum at the D.C. destination.

The Unity Tour, as of last year, had raised about $16 million. Nearly 20,000 officers who died in the line of duty are memorialized at the Washington site.

“Congratulations are in order for Chief Darryl Breckenridge, Cpl. John Waltz and Ptl. Dwayne Reevey on completing the journey! Well done!” the post on the Fair Haven PBA Facebook page said.

Yes, congrats to all!

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Beat: Theft, Tax Fraud, DUI & More

Leave a comment

Fair Haven police reported the following April arrests and incidents. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• An Oxford Avenue resident reported on April 3 that someone had attempted to defraud them through a PayPal account.

Patrolman John Koetzner took the report.

• Janienn Dastagirzada, 32, of Red Bank, was arrested on April 9 after an active traffic warrant for her arrest was located during a call for service.

She was released after posting full cash bail. Detective Stephen Schneider made the arrest.

• Mark Maroney, 38, of the Locust section of Middletown, was arrested on April 11 and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, speeding and refusal to submit to chemical testing of his breath following a traffic stop for speeding.

Patrolman William Lagrotteria made the arrest. Maroney was released pending a court appearance at Fair Haven Municipal Court.

• A Parker Avenue resident reported the theft of a cell phone on April 13.

Patrolman Christian Hostrup took the report.

• A Spruce Drive resident on April 13 reported that an unknown person had filed a fraudulent tax return using the victim’s social security number.

Patrolman John Koetzner took the report.

• A Cambridge Avenue resident reported on April 16 that an unknown person had filed a fraudulent tax return using the victim’s social security number.

Cpl. John Waltz took the report.

• William Crawford, 22, of Long Branch, was arrested on April 17 and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following a motor vehicle stop. Crawford also received citations for failure to maintain lane, and reckless driving.

Special Officer Brooks Robinson made the arrest. Crawford  was released pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.

• A Church Street resident reported on April 23 the theft of copper piping from his  residence’s A/C unit.

Patrolman Eric Patton took the report.

• Alan Sharpiro, 46, of Rumson, was arrested on April 26 after an active warrant was located during a traffic stop. Sharpiro was transported to headquarters where he was processed and later released after posting full cash bail.

Special Officer Brooks Robinson made the arrest.

• A Navesink Avenue resident on April 28 reported the theft of a plastic pipe from his property.

Patrolman Eric Patton took the report and is investigating.

Crime, Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police: Borough Business Burglar Nabbed, Connected to String of 30

Leave a comment

A Freehold Borough man linked to a Fair Haven business burglary/theft has been linked to a string of more than 30 similar cases spanning Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties and is being held at Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $113,000 bail.

Isiah Casrell, 28,  was arrested along with an alleged co-conspirator, Rachael Lovely, 33, of Newark, at 1:30 a.m. on April 5 in Holmdel, police said. The two were allegedly leaving the scene of a commercial burglary there when they “were spotted and stopped on State Route 34 in the area of the border of Aberdeen Township and Marlboro Township by Marlboro Township Police Officer Johnathan Gramcko,” a release said.

The Holmdel burglary was found, by a multi-jurisdictional police task force, to allegedly be one of more than 30 that occurred in the three-county span in the past few months.

Fair Haven Police Detective Stephen Schneider, a member of the task force, said he signed specific complaints against Casrell in connection with the March 19 burglary of Distinctive Toys, 595 River Road.

As a result, Casrell was charged by Fair Haven police alone with: criminal mischief, burglary and theft of movable property. His bail on the Fair Haven charges alone was set at $30,000 with no 10 percent option, set by Judge James M. Newman, according to police.

In addition to the Fair Haven burglary/theft, Casrell, Schneider said in a release, “was responsible for committing numerous commercial burglaries in the following jurisdictions: Marlboro, Howell, Aberdeen, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Ocean Township, Plumsted Township, Old Bridge, Berkeley, Upper Freehold Township, Manalapan and Shrewsbury Borough.”

Concerning the alleged burglaries throughout the three counties committed by Casrell and Lovely, detectives from Monmouth County’s Marlboro, Howell and Holmdel Township police departments charged the two with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of burglary tools, theft, burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal mischief.

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Beat: Fugitive from Justice Arrested, $100K Bail

Leave a comment

Fair Haven police reported the following incidents and arrests for the month of February. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Arrests

• Sheikh Bilal, 50, of Jersey City, was arrested on Feb. 10 following a motor vehicle stop when an active full extradition warrant out of Louisiana was found to be on file.

The Louisiana warrant was based on charges that included two felony counts of worthless checks. Bilal was charged with being a fugitive from justice.

The arrest was made by Special Officer Brooks Robinson. Bail was set at $100,000 with no 10 percent option.

Bilal was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold to await extradition to Louisiana to face his previous charges (according to the warrant).

• Garry Vandemark II, 32, of Atlantic Highlands was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Feb. 6 and charged with driving while suspended, unlawful possession of a weapon and obstruction by Special Officer Brooks Robinson.

He was released pending a Fair Haven court appearance.

• Ryan Marchese, of Red Bank, was arrested on Feb. 28 following a traffic stop on an active warrant out of Middletown for his arrest.

He was released after posting bail. Special Officer Brooks Robinson made the arrest.

Incidents

• A Linden Drive resident reported on Feb. 6 that someone had filed a fraudulent 2014 tax return in his name.

Patrolman John Koetzner is investigating.

• A River Road business reported on Feb. 9 that someone had broken a window in the front of her store.

Cpl. John Waltz took the criminal mischief report.

• A Gillespie Avenue resident reported on Feb. 11 that they had video surveillance of an unknown male trespassing on their property.

Detective Stephen Schneider investigated and identified the trespasser as a juvenile.

The case has been forwarded to Juvenile Officer Patrolman William Lagrotteria for review.

• A Highland Avenue resident reported on Feb. 16 that someone attempted to file a fraudulent tax return in her name.

Detective Stephen Schneider took the report and is investigating.

• An Oxford Avenue resident reported on Feb. 24 that there were fraudulent charges on her debit card.

Patrolman Dwayne Reevey took the report and is investigating.

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Police and Fire

Fair Haven Police Report: Theft, Assault, Identity Theft

Leave a comment

Fair Haven police reported the following incidents and arrests for the month of January. Arrests do not constitute convictions.

Incidents

• An Oxford Avenue resident reported on Jan. 1 an identity theft with an $800 loss.

Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• Patrols responded on Jan. 3 to a report of a possible assault on Battin Road. Neither of the parties involved wanted to sign complaints.

Special Officer Henne took the report.

• A theft of services was reported on Jan. 4 by a River Road business.

Patrolman William Lagrotteria took the report.

• An identity theft report involving a purchase at a Bridgewater Best Buy was taken for a Dartmouth Avenue resident on Jan. 8.

Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• A Battin Road resident reported the theft of a watch valued at $8,000 on Jan. 12.

Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took the report. Detective Steve Schneider is investigating.

• A River Road business patron reported on Jan. 16 that his vehicle had been keyed while in the parking lot.

Patrolman William Lagrotteria took the report.

• On Jan. 26, Sgt. Jesse Dykstra took a report of an assault at a River Road business. Both parties involved were located and neither opted to sign a complaint.

• A McCarter Avenue resident on Jan. 30 reported his bicycle was missing/stolen from McCarter’s Pond.

Special Officer Brooks Robinson took the report.

Arrests

• Conor Ban,18, of Rumson, was arrested by Sgt. Jesse Dykstra on Jan. 22 on the charge of an outstanding warrant.

He was released after posting cash bail.

• Kyle Jadevaia, 22, of Rumson, was arrested by Patrolman William Lagrotteria on Jan. 30 following a traffic stop and charged with an outstanding warrant out of Belmar.

He was released after posting cash bail.

• William A. Crawford Jr., 22, of Long Branch, was arrested on Jan. 2 and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop by Special Officer Brooks Robinson.