The following January arrests and criminal incidents were reported by Fair Haven police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.
Category Archives: Fair Haven Police and Fire Files
All of the latest police and fire news in Fair Haven can be found here.
Reorganizing & Celebrating at the Fair Haven Fire Department for 2016
New Year’s Day was all about tradition, community camaraderie, fun and old friends connecting at Fair Haven Fire Department’s reorganization and open house.
With line officers for 2016 first taking their oaths at noon at the firehouse, a festive time of socializing was had by all for the rest of the day.
The 2016 line officers are:
Fire Company …
• Chief Michael Wiehl;
• Deputy Chief Timothy Morrissey;
• First Assistant Chief Matthew DePonti;
• Second Assistant Chief Christopher Shrank.
First Aid …
• Captain Kim Ambrose;
• 1st Lieutenant Amanda Lynn;
• 2nd Lieutenant Katy Frissora.
Fire Police …
• Captain Frank Scalzo;
• 1st Lieutenant Daniel Chernavsky;
• 2nd Lieutenant Douglas Anderson.
Auxiliary …
• President Amanda Lynn
Water Rescue/Dive Team …
John Felsmann, James Cerruti, Robert Frank, William Heath
Happy New Year! Congratulations to the new officers! And thanks to the Fair Haven Fire Department for the photos of the line officers taken before Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect arrived!
— Elaine Van Develde
Fair Haven: Lt. Bob Townshend’s Hometown Police Promotion
By Elaine Van Develde
You can call him Lieutenant — Fair Haven Police Lt. Bob Townshend.
The lifetime Fair Havenite and longtime policeman in the borough, surrounded by colleagues, forever friends and family, was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting.
Continue reading Fair Haven: Lt. Bob Townshend’s Hometown Police Promotion
Fair Haven Police Report Car Theft, Assault, DWI, Marijuana Possession
The following arrests and criminal incident reports were reported by Fair Haven police for the month of October. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.
Arrests
• Leobardo Martinez, 25, of Somerset, was arrested on Oct. 25 and charged with possession of marijuana by Patrolman Brooks Robinson following a motor vehicle stop.
Martinez was released pending a Fair Haven Municipal Court appearance.
• Melissa Neczesny, 53, of Fair Haven, was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct on Oct. 16 after being involved in a physical altercation with another female outside of a local establishment. Patrolman Dwayne Reevey was the arresting officer.
She was processed and released pending a court appearance.
Continue reading Fair Haven Police Report Car Theft, Assault, DWI, Marijuana Possession
Hail to the Chief: Darryl Breckenridge’s Retirement Dinner
By Elaine Van Develde
He lived his dream.
And for now former Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge, retirement doesn’t mean he’s awakening to any harsh reality — just vivid gratitude.
While he’s been officially off the job since Oct. 1, the chief’s surreal 38-year career culminated in a lucid award-strewn farewell retirement dinner last Thursday.
Roughly 200 state, county and local dignitaries, police and chiefs from several nearby towns, family and friends gathered at Raven and the Peach in Breckenridge’s hometown Fair Haven to celebrate his accomplishments, honor him with certificates and awards — even the key to Fair Haven — party with him and just plain thank him for his service.
“I just love this man!” a teary eyed Eileen O’Neill, widow of former Chief Bobby O’Neill said as she hugged and held the face of the man she knew as the kid her husband took on ride-alongs and mentored .
There were other mentors, too … former chiefs Ricky Towler, Lou DeVito. Then there was, of course, the chief who started it all for a 5-year-old Breckenridge when he stopped at his house to offer his mom a job as a crossing guard — Carl Jakubecy.
Then there was his mom, Dorothy — the woman Breckenridge credits with giving him the “character” to succeed and realize his dream.
“To have a dream at five years old and to actually see that dream come to fruition … Just being a patrolman and being fortunate enough to rise through the ranks of chief of police in the town where I wanted to do so is truly amazing … It’s more amazing when you go back and look at at our country in the 1960s … there was so much turmoil in the world, so much unrest within our country, there were riots on the street and hatred … there was so much uncertainty …”
Breckenridge’s children, Tyler, D.J. and Whitney, stood before their dad, certain of his success and their pride in him. “There aren’t enough words to describe how proud we are of our dad,” Whitney said.
The sentiment was echoed by D.J., who is now Fair Haven’s Recreation director.
He talked about the respect and pride his father, passing down that “character” his grandmother taught, was grateful, not only for the success, but also for the community in which he was raised. That community, Fair Haven, has always been family to him as well, D.J., a little choked up, said.
“I know that it’s very important for him to have all these Fair Haven residents here in addition to everyone else,” he said. “Because Fair Haven, for my dad, was always family and it always will be …”
Yes. Protecting and serving his hometown family was Darryl Breckenridge’s dream. He’s still living it in its second act. Although now, as he told the crowd, “I can let my hair down … Well, I can let down what hair I have.
“For me to have a dream of that magnitude and to be able to realize it … It’s really amazing. It happened because we are in this country. We have the best country in the world. God bless America. God bless you all.”
Congrats, Darryl, from your Fair Haven family!
Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon of the slideshow to enlarge. We had a few photo tech issues. So, in addition to the somewhat compromised quality of some of the photos, we also apologize for the fact that somehow the entire police department ended up looking like something out of a Halloween movie — all white eyes. Who knew? Officers of the Corn? Sorry!
Hometown Swearing-in: Fair Haven Police Patrolman Brooks Robinson
By Elaine Van Develde
“Because he’s one of our own, it’s even more special.”
That’s what Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge told a packed audience at Borough Hall Monday night about Fair Haven native Brooks Robinson just before he was sworn in as a patrolman in the borough’s Police Department.
A 2006 Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate, Robinson was brought into the department in 2012 as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I and more recently was promoted to a Class II.
He studied at Brookdale Community College and received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
But, for the chief, the honor in promoting Robinson was more a Fair Haven family affair.
Welcoming the Fair Haven Robinson family and the family, and extended family of his wife, Alyssa Pecyno Robinson, also a 2006 RFH graduate, he talked a little bit about why.
“To me, it’s a great honor to be able bring someone aboard on a full-time basis here in Fair Haven who actually went through the school system here, went to the high school and is a part of the town,” he said. “Brooks is going to be a tremendous asset to the department.”
Bringing out the bible, that he noted has been in the Fair Haven family for many years and was donated to the borough by Hap Williams for swearing-ins, Mayor Lucarelli administered the oath to Robinson, Alyssa holding the bible.
” … And that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform the duties of patrolman according to the best of my ability, so help me God … Congratulations.”
Applause.
Congratulations, Patrolman Brooks Robinson!
Fair Haven Police Lt. McGovern Promoted to Captain
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.
Fun Times at Fair Haven’s Night Out
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!
Getting Set for National Night Out with Fair Haven Police
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 Wins Third Place in 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 Report Marijuana Possession, DWI Arrests & Incidents
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.
Police: Fair Haven Man Jailed on Disorderly Charge & More
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.