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by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 9:22pm Hover over Photos to see Locations and Photo Credit Click on Photo to Enlarge  Big Piece Road at Dell Court, Fairfield PHOTO: Mark Andrew Bilhuber  WEST ESSEX, NJ - Late Tuesday afternoon, West Essex was slammed with a storm so strong that many have questioned if we had a tornado come through the area. While some areas of New York did see tornados touch down, West Essex experienced a brief, but incredibly powerful, Squall with Whole Gale, Category 10, 66mph Winds, which was followed up by equally damaging Thunderstorms. The violently intense onset was reported by NOAA's Fairfield Weather Station as a Squall - which they define as a "sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm" - and it began in West Essex at 4:44pm, followed by Thunderstorms which continued until 6:01pm. In this very short period of time, the Winds, Lightning, and Rain caused a huge amount of damage around the West Essex area. What follows is a timeline of incidents chronicled as they were reported (not as they occured) to which Police, Fire and DPW crews responded and worked tirelessly to clean up for days: Tuesday, May 15 4:44pm
4:46pm
4:49pm
4:50pm
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4:55pm
 Stewart Road, Essex Fells PHOTO: Carolyne Volpe Curley 5pm
5:02pm
5:04pm
 Grandview Avenue by Sunset Drive, North Caldwell PHOTO: Carolyne Volpe Curley 5:11pm
5:14pm
 Cedars Road near Washburn Place, Caldwell PHOTO: Chris Wysocki 5:16pm
 Campbell Road at Bodkin Road, Fairfield PHOTO: Bonnie Kamochi 5:18pm
5:24pm
 Passaic Avenue across from Essex County Airport, Fairfield PHOTO: Carolyne Volpe Curley  Passaic Avenue across from Essex County Airport, Fairfield PHOTO: Fiona Curley 5:27pm
5:31pm
 Williamsburg Drive, Roseland PHOTO: Michele Madia Valeriani 5:32pm
5:33pm
5:35pm
5:36pm
5:37pm
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5:44pm
Police begin welfare checks of residences, including homes where children are on their own. 5:45pm
5:48pm
5:51pm
5:52pm
5:55pm
 Roseland Methodist Church, Eagle Rock Avenue PHOTO: Carolyne Volpe Curley  Roseland Methodist Church, Eagle Rock Avenue PHOTO: Carolyne Volpe Curley 5:59pm Roseland: Eagle Rock Avenue, Methodist Church
 Midvale Avenue near Esposito Drive, Fairfield PHOTO: Mark Andrew Bilhuber 6:04pm
6:08pm
6:12pm
6:14pm
6:16pm
6:20pm
 Hamilton Drive South by Woodland Place, North Caldwell PHOTO: Lisa Margolis Goldstein 6:22pm
6:25pm
 Alan Drive, Fairfield PHOTO: Lisa Pitera Pasternak 6:26pm
 Gazebo from lower deck landed upside down on upper deck, Lane Avenue, Caldwell PHOTO: Janna Smith 6:29pm
6:30pm
6:39pm
6:41pm
7:02pm
 Kennedy Drive, Fairfield PHOTO: Fairfield Police 7:06pm
7:23pm
7:31pm
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8:04pm
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By the end of the Storm, over 90 streets which included hundreds of residents, were without power:
by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 10:30pm WEST CALDWELL, NJ - On Saturday, Feb. 24, West Caldwell Police and police from the surrounding West Essex community responded immediately to James Caldwell High School on reports of an individual possibly at the school with a gun. What follows is a timeline of events which eventually led to the arrest of former student Michael Schmitt, 18, of West Caldwell.  Michael Schmitt Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 2:16pm
2:17pm
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3pm
West Caldwell Police Chief Gerard Paris then released the following statement: West Caldwell Police was notified  Michael Schmitt PHOTO: Essex County Jail On Sunday, afternoon, Paris then stated the following information about Saturday's incident:
The following notice was then sent out to parents from the school administration: Dear JCHS Students and Parents/Guardians, I know many of you have been waiting for additional details regarding yesterday's lockdown and tomorrow's school procedures. I have been in close contact with the West Caldwell Police and here is some of the information that I now have permission to share with you.
After the Parkland shooting, Detective Mazzeo and I decided to meet with every student to review our security procedures and answer questions. We planned to meet tomorrow to develop a schedule because I wanted these meeting to be with relatively small groups to make sure all students are heard. We still plan to have these security meetings, but if any student would like to speak with either of us sooner, please see me or send an email. I know that despite the assurances of the West Caldwell Police, some students are still nervous about coming to school tomorrow, I hope this additional information makes most of you feel more comfortable and secure. Certainly, the police presence tomorrow will make it one of the safest days to come to school. As I mentioned in my email on Saturday, I regret that our students had to experience this lockdown, but I am proud of the actions of our students, faculty, administrators, and the West Caldwell Police. Please contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Jim Devlin Principal James Caldwell High School 973-228-6981 While the investigation continues, West Caldwell Police are asking anyone who has information about this matter to contact them at:
973-226-4114. by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 9:25pm  Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent Kulik surrounded by fellow Law Enforcement Officers, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley ESSEX FELLS, NJ - After 30 years of service, Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent A. Kulik, Jr. said a fond farewell to his department and fellow law enforcement officers during a walk-out in his honor yesterday afternoon. Escorted by the drone of a bagpipe, Kulik stepped out from the Roseland Avenue station into a double wall of saluting officers waiting to wish him well. On hand were many of the West Essex area police chiefs, along with Essex County officials. "Thank you, everyone, for being here Born in Jersey City, Kulik grew up in Livingston and graduated from Livingston High School in 1975. After graduating from Union County Technical Institute in 1977 he was employed as a technician for the RCA Service Company (which later became General Electric) where he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1430 in New York City. In January 1987, Kulik began his law enforcement career as a chanceman with the Livingston Police Department and in May of that same year graduated from the Essex County Police Academy. Essex Fells recruited the future chief as a patrolman in July 1988, and then promoted him to Sergeant in January 1998. Kulik became Essex Fells Chief of Police on Oct. 6, 2009, leading a 12-person police force. During his time heading up the department, Kulik instituted a Motorcycle Unit, Narcotics Unit, and updated the rules and regulations to comply with NJSACOP accreditation. Kulik oversaw the remodeling of the Essex Fells police facility, added a Firearms Cleaning Unit, installed workstations for Department Supervisors, and enhanced security. Kulik is currently completing his Masters in Administrative Science at Fairleigh Dickenson University, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. Over the years, the retiring chief attended numerous police courses offered by Caldwell University, Essex County College, The Institute of Police Technology and Management, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Northwestern University, and Rutgers University. Kulik's certifications include:
Kulik served in 2015 and 2016 as the President of the Association of Chiefs of Police of Essex County and is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. He's also been a longtime member of the Livingston Fire Department for 42 years. His other associations include the Livingston Benevolent Paternal Order of Elks Lodge 1855, The New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association (West Essex PBA Local 81), Essex County Emerald Society Chapter Number 1, and the Knights of Columbus #3533 of Livingston. Vincent and his wife, Judy have been married for 34 years and are the proud parents of Lianne, 27, a teacher of history at Long Branch High School and Michael, 23, a New Jersey State Trooper. Recently, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored Kulik with a Commendation in recognition of his 30 years of dedicated service. At yesterday's walk-out, the officers applauded as Kulik made a point of symbolically handing over the department's flag to his soon to be predecessor, Lieutenant William Theilacker, who has been with the township since 1990. "I'm happy to report that unlike the last time when I got made chief, this time everything is in order," Kulik chided. "So I can take this flag from our department and "I'm not a great one for making a lot of words As the bagpipe played again, the retiring chief made his way through the wall of his fellow officers while they wished him well. "Thank you all for being here it's been a great run." North Caldwell Officer Krueser Stops Windridge Home Invasion Early this Morning; Three Arrested12/23/2016
by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 10:20am  NORTH CALDWELL, NJ - At about 4am this morning, North Caldwell Police Officer Charlie Krueser was out on patrol when he noticed a suspicious vehicle parked on Windridge Drive. Police Chief Mark Deuer explained that after Krueser noticed the car, he turned his own patrol car around and then saw three individuals putting a television in the backseat of the parked vehicle. North Caldwell officer John Herbert arrived immediately to the scene as back-up. To assist with the investigation, the North Caldwell Fire Department arrived on the scene with a search light, while mutual aid came from the Caldwell Police, Essex Fells Police, West Caldwell Police, and Verona Police departments. "Officer Krueser's sense to turn around Ultimately, three individuals were located in the area and were taken into custody:
Through the course of the investigation it was determined that three people were inside the home, sleeping, when it was broken into. Officers recovered a 357 Magnum handgun along with controlled substances. Further information is not available at this time. "Officer Krueser's proactive actions while on patrol at four in the morning should bring a level of comfort to our residents, by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 2pm  Essex Fells Sgt. Darren Volker ESSEX FELLS, NJ - During the month of November, officers from the Essex Police Police Department will be raising awareness and monies for mental health and suicide prevention. Essex Fells Sgt. Darren Volker initiated the fundraising effort utilizing the Movember Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit global charity which advocates for men's health. Volker explained that he approached Chief Vincent Kulik with the idea of focusing on mental health issues and suicide prevention particularly because of the high rate of suicide among law enforcement officers. "The rate of suicide worldwide, particularly with men, is alarmingly high, " commented Volker. Volker's team page has already surpassed its $1000 fundraising goal and the group is now hoping to get the public involved with their efforts. Anyone interested in making a donation of any level can click through here. Those who choose to use Visa Checkout and donate $50 or more will be matched by Visa with an additional $20 donation. All monies donated are processed through the Movember Foundation and will go to the Prevention Institute, a national non-profit dedicated to improving community health and well-being. One hundred percent of monies raised go directly to delivering health initiatives. The National Institute of Mental Health asserts that Men are more likely to die by suicide than Women, and have found that the highest rate of depression is in Men aged 40 to 59. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center states that men between the ages of 35 and 64 have a suicide rate that is more than double the national average. Men are believed to be less likely than women to connect with those who offer them support. For both men and women, there are specific factors which are believed to create an increased risk of suicide:
Volker has focused his team members on communicating about the high rate of suicide and depression among law enforcement officers. According to a 2012 National Surveillance of Police Suicide study, while the general public experienced 11 out of every 100,000 suicides in 2012, law enforcers committed suicide at a rate of 14 for every 100,000 suicides. "The men will be growing a beard, or mustache, or goatee Mental health experts agree that the most important first step for someone experiencing mental health pain is to talk to someone about the situation.
To speak with someone immediately, anyone can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Warning Signs of Suicide The Lifeline site lists the following signs and cautions that, while the suicidal individual may display them, police officers in effect are trained to hide them.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Movember initiative should feel free to contact: Essex Fells Sgt. Darren Volker at 973-226-3000. Further Information Essex Fells Police Department Chief: Vincent Kulik 255 Roseland Avenue Essex Fells, NJ 07021 973-226-3000 Website by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com Published 11:50am  Credit: Allison Freeman NORTH CALDWELL, NJ - On Wednesday afternoon, reports began circling around West Essex High School that a student was set to pull-off a possibly dangerous violent act tomorrow at the school's Pep Rally. According to North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer, his department immediately began an investigation which ultimately concluded that the threat was unfounded. In an interview with West Essex Now, Deuer described that he and his officers worked through the night and into this morning investigating students, their families, their homes and additionally had three K-9 dogs searching the school's lockers for any and all weapons. A full team of officers were in place this morning at the school for student arrivals, will be there during after-school departures and and will be on hand tomorrow at the Pep Rally. "After a long and exhuastive investigation, Assisting North Caldwell in the investigation were officers from the Essex Fells Police, Fairfield Police and Roseland Police departments and members of the Essex County Sheriffs Office. Further Information
North Caldwell Police Department Police Chief Mark Deuer 136 Gould Avenue North Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-0800
Published 4:40pm  Credit: John Foley  Credit: John Foley WEST ESSEX, NJ - Late Saturday night, the National Weather Service issued a Freezing Rain Advisory for northeast New Jersey warning of hazardous travel conditions through Sunday morning. The Advisory was expected to be in effect from 3am until 8am Sunday morning, but it was gradually extended until 1pm Sunday afternoon. "Light freezing rain and drizzle will make Reports began to come into West Essex Now by early morning saying the roads were extremely hazardous. "Black ice everywhere from Bloomfield to West Caldwell. By 8:30am, about 10 vehicles were already disabled along Mountain Avenue and there were numerous accidents occurring throughout the area. Area police and surrounding towns used their emergency alert systems within the next ten minutes to warn their residents to remain at home and they would continue to do so throughout the morning.
 Credit: John Foley Over the next hour, Eagle Rock Avenue, Bloomfield Avenue, Passaic Avenue, Eisenhower Parkway and Route 280 were all closed completely or intermittently as accidents arose. Vehicles were reported to have collided into each other, hit poles, gone onto lawns and spun around onto oncoming traffic. There were countless injuries and multiple airbags deployed; in general, drivers were proving it was unsafe for any but emergency vehicles to be out on the road. Pedestrians were equally affected; falls with injuries from icy stairs, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways were reported all over the area.  Credit: John Foley So many accidents happened in such a short period of time that First Responders resorted to the rare practice of "triaging" - which usually happens during extreme emergencies when large amounts of wounded or ill patients are assigned degrees of urgency. By 9am, Roseland and West Essex First Aid EMTs were responding to emergencies all over the area, while at the same time their emergency vehicles were attempting to circumvent the dangerous roads to transport patients to local hospitals and trauma centers in Newark. All available EMTs were asked to report for duty and mutual aid from Wayne was also requested. This is only a sampling of accidents which occurred throughout the region:
Reports of abandoned cars left where they had crashed came in from all over. By 11:30am, there were so many accidents and disabled vehicles along Eagle Rock Avenue that residents were opening their homes to shelter people as they waited for assistance. Local religious organizations including St. Peter's Church in Essex Fells, LifeSource Church in West Caldwell and Our Lady of the Lake in Verona canceled morning prayer services or afternoon gatherings.  Credit: NJ EMS The ice storm affected everyone in the Metropolitan Area. Governor Chris Christie announced that speed restrictions of 35-45mph were in effect on the NJ Turnpike by 9:15am. NJ Transit and DeCamp buses were all cancelled until the afternoon due to the icy road conditions. At 1:30pm, the mutual aid agreement between New York City and NJ was activated and those EMT teams, which were available, waited at the Hudson Tunnel to assist with the City's backlog of 911 calls.
At 1pm, the Freezing Rain Advisory was cancelled while NOAA then issued a Flood Warning which was in effect until 6pm Sunday afternoon. Briefly, thundershowers came into the area adding to the day's weather challenges. All the roads in the area were open by 1:45pm. The roads remain wet and temperatures will continue below freezing tonight. At 5:50pm, there was an accident, with injuries, on Grandview Avenue, in North Caldwell.
Published 9:30am  Credit: Kathy Pigott ROSELAND, NJ - Early Monday morning, West Essex area police participated in a combined effort to catch a suspect wanted for stealing a car in Parsippany. It began around 1:15am when the NJ State Police announced that two cars had been stolen out of Parsippany; a car matching one of the descriptions was found crashed and abandoned in Roseland near the Route 280 / Eisenhower Parkway ramp. Roseland officers alerted the State Police that the car had been found and began a foot pursuit of a suspect who was believed to be dressed in dark clothing. As officers canvassed the wooded area, mutual aid was requested from police of the area towns including East Hanover, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell. Officers from West Caldwell were searching the streets and wooded areas of Passaic Avenue while the other towns centered on the backyards and woods near Cooper Avenue, Glen Avenue and all around Pitcairn Drive. By 1:52am, an Essex County Sheriff's Office canine unit had arrived to assist with the search. During this time period, Fairfield Police Officer Frank Tracey was patrolling the streets along Passaic Avenue. According to Fairfield Officer in Charge Anthony Manna, Tracey came across a gold colored Ford Explorer, coming out of the Stonegate condos. "Officer Tracey observed that the vehicle was occupied  After Tracey located the suspects at about 2:20am, officers from West Caldwell arrived to assist. The occupant of the backseat was arrested and turned out to be a teen, 17-years old, out of East Orange. The Parsippany Police responded to the scene to investigate further and by 2:50am, all units had cleared the scene.
Published 3:11pm  CALDWELL, NJ - Area police will be participating in the 2014 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national campaign which begins today. Caldwell Police Chief James H. Bongiorno, Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent Kulik, Fairfield Deputy Chief Anthony Manna, North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer and West Caldwell Police Chief Michael J. Bramhall all confirmed that their agencies will take part in the coordinated effort with other local and state law enforcement agencies, to crack down on drunk drivers. Each group on their own will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. Little Falls Police will be taking part in the campaign as well. From Friday, Aug. 15 through Monday, Sept. 1, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period. In 2013, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 22 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. The 2013 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown resulted in:
WEST ESSEX AREA POLICE Law enforcement agencies from around West Essex reported the following results during the 2013 campaign:
In New Jersey, a person is guilty of drunk driving if they operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC - the amount of alcohol the bloodstream) of 0.08 percent or greater. Although the law refers to a 0.08 percent BAC, you can be convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor even when your BAC is below 0.08 percent. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol dulls the senses, decreases reaction time, and hampers judgement, vision and alertness. If you consume any amount of alcohol and your driving is negatively impacted, you can be convicted of drunk driving. Driving under the Influence Penalties 1st Offense - BAC: 0.08 percent or higher, but less than 0.10 percent
2nd Offense
3rd Offense
All offenses also carry:
Refusal to Submit to Breath Test Penalty 1st Offense
2nd Offense
Possessing an Open Container Penalty 1st Offense
If occurring within a school zone, some of the above penalties are increased.  “More than 10,000 people are killed in the United States each year The Division of Highway Traffic Safety offers the following advice:
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