Category Archives: Police and Fire

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Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, Local Life

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!

 

 

Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Make Several DUI Arrests

The following arrests were made by Rumson police in August and September. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Julia Mannion, 21, of Fair Haven, was arrested on Aug. 13 in the area of Hartshorne Lane and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) by Patrolman Daniel Campanella .

• Paul Ritchie, 45, of Monmouth Beach, was arrested on Aug. 14 in the area of Ridge Road and Bingham Avenue and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) b Patrolman Daniel Campanella.

Continue reading Rumson Police Make Several DUI Arrests →

Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report Jewelry Theft, Vandalism, Stolen Construction Equipment

The following criminal incidents for the months of August and September were reported by Rumson police:

• Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone took a report on Aug. 7 of the theft of a bicycle valued at $500 from a Ward Avenue resident.

• Patrolman Cody Lovgren took a report on Aug. 14 of vandalism to a motor vehicle from a Forrest Avenue resident.

•  Patrolman Anthony Ciambrone took a report on Aug. 17 of the theft of construction equipment valued at $1,500 from a Buttonwood Lane job site.

Continue reading Rumson Police Report Jewelry Theft, Vandalism, Stolen Construction Equipment →

Rumson Police and Fire Files

Drug Drop-Off at Rumson PD

From Rumson police …

Got drugs? You can drop them off at the Rumson Police Department on Saturday.

The department is taking part in the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the 80 East River Road police headquarters.

People can drop off unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter pills and patches.

Liquids and/or sharp objects, such as needles, will not be accepted.

Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report Car Theft

An edited release from Rumson police … 

Rumson police are alerting residents to lock their vehicles after reporting the theft of a “high-end motor vehicle” from Holly Tree Lane sometime overnight on Monday.

Police did not specify in the release whether or not the stolen vehicle was unlocked.

However, in light of past car thefts that involved unlocked high-end vehicles in the area, they urged that “residents to keep valuables and keys out of their vehicles and lock them at all times,” the release posted on Facebook said. “Please share and spread the word.”

Police ask that anyone witnessing suspicious activity call the department at 732-842-0500 or dial 9-1-1.

 

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, News

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!

Local Life, Police and Fire

The Fair Faces of Firemen’s Night

They call it Firemen’s Night.

It’s the night of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair when firemen, first aid squad members, police officers — really, all first responders — from all around the country are welcomed to the fair to join their brothers and sisters, honor one another, be treated to some food and drink and just get together and have a good time.

That night was — always is — Wednesday. Tradition. The fair grounds were packed with the people who show up when you dial 9-1-1.

This year, responders showed up from as near as Rumson to as far as Alexandria, VA. True story.

Also on the grounds were reps from: Tinton Falls, Middletown, Shrewsbury, Morganville, Sea Bright, Eatontown, Manalapan, Colts Neck, Ramtown, Freehold (East, Borough and Township), Englishtown, Long Branch, Allenhurst, Brielle and Holmdel.

Oh, and milling around giving thanks to the firemen, showing support for his Fair Haven neighbors and enjoying the festivities with wife Lolly was Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the evening of tradition and thanks. (Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!)

Have you thanked a first responder today? 

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, Rumson Police and Fire Files

The Crabbiest Captain in Rumson

“It was a great time,” Rumson Police Chief Scott Paterson told Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect on Monday, chatting a little about the weekend’s ninth annual Rumson PBA Crab Tournament.

A local guy, he said, won. That guy — along with his boatload of crabbers — was Captain Don Schneider with a bucket full of 50 crabs.

The chief and several other crabbers were already out in crabbing waters by the time Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect arrived, but some sights were caught.

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the above slideshow of the scene around. And thanks to the Rumson PBA Facebook page for the pic of the winning crew! Congrats, Captain Schneider!

Fair Haven Police and Fire Files, News

Fair Haven Police Lt. McGovern Promoted to Captain

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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.

Local Life, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Getting Crabby in Rumson for the PBA

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“Good luck out there!” a man shouted as he waved to crabbers launching their boat into the water,  all set with a plethora of fishing-appropriate nets, cages and buckets.

Saturday evening was looking pretty mellow as a few more boats hit the waters of the river by the Rumson Municipal Boat Launch for the  PBA Crab Tournament.

The tournament was slated to last until 10 p.m. By about 6:30, about half an hour after the tournament’s official start, only a couple of boatfulls of crabbers could be spotted near the launch.

Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the evening’s event and the scene around it (Don’t forget to click on the lower right icon to enlarge!). The Rumson PBA has not yet reported who won. As soon as that information is shared, it will be added. 

 

Police and Fire

DWI Checkpoint in Monmouth Beach

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Police have announced that there will be a sobriety/DWI checkpoint in Monmouth Beach from Saturday night to early Sunday morning.

From 10 p.m. Saturday night until 2 a.m. on Sunday, the Monmouth Beach police and members of the Monmouth County DWI Task Force will be pulling drivers over from southbound lanes on Ocean Avenue into the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center parking lot to test those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for sobriety, according to Task Force Coordinator and Brielle Police Chief Michael Palmer said.

 

 

Police and Fire, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report Theft, Vandalism, Fraud

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Rumson police reported the following criminal incidents for the month of July:

• Sgt. Ronald Vilardi on July 9 took a report of the theft of an I-pod valued at $199, from an East River Road resident.

• Special Officer Shannon McCurdy on July 10 took a report of vandalism to a vehicle in the area of Blackpoint Road and Rosalie Avenue. The complainant advised that the the rear window of his vehicle had been broken overnight.

• Sgt. Peter Koenig on July 16 took a report of a fraudulent tax return filed to the IRS using the personal information of a Bruce Place resident. The incident will be forwarded to the IRS fraud department.

• Patrolman Richard Torres on July 29 took a report of the theft of a set of golf clubs from the front of an Island Road home. Total loss approximately $1,500.

• Patrolman Richard Torres on July 31 took a report of vandalism to numerous mailboxes on Warren Street.

• Special Officer Michael Berger on July 31 took a report for a theft from a parked vehicle in the area of 41 Bellevue Avenue. The victim advised that his wallet and briefcase were taken from his unlocked vehicle. Subsequent use of the victim’s credit cards in Irvington were referred to the detective bureau.