'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives 'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives
'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives The Stars & Stripes were raised and then lowered to half-staff in honor of a tow truck-driving first responder from Bergen County who was taken off life support this weekend after being gravely injured while responding to a call. Robert Thornton, 31, of Ridgefield Park, was officially pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, loved ones said. Even in death, Thornton "will now save many lives," Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad Lt. Chris Yuhasz said. Thornton's organs were harvested following a solemn ceremony Sunday that drew a large cr…
Beloved Saddle Brook Teacher, Philanthropist Laid To Rest Beloved Saddle Brook Teacher, Philanthropist Laid To Rest
Beloved Saddle Brook Teacher, Philanthropist Laid To Rest TRIBUTE: Whenever a cause needed attention in Saddle Brook -- and beyond -- a familiar face inevitably turned up. It’s why news of the death of one of the township’s most popular educators this week stung so deeply. It’s also why Mayor Robert White proclaimed Tuesday, Nov. 15 "Howard Weinberg Day" in Saddle Brook. Weinberg, a multi-faceted Fair Lawn native with a multi-faceted life, died on Sunday. He was being interred at Americus Cemetery in Saddle Brook on Wednesday following a 1 p.m. funeral service at Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel on Route 4. Many in town -- parents as well as s…
Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18 Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18
Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18 Three men were each charged with murder in a street shooting that killed an innocent college-bound honor student from Paterson as he carried in his grandmother’s groceries. Jaquin Williams and Jahed Jones, both 19 of Paterson, and Kahaz D. Heron, 18, of Clifton remained held in the Passaic County Jail following an intense and furious investigation into the slaying of 18-year-old Robert Cuadra. Cuadra was struck by a bullet that was among no fewer than 16 rounds that authorities said were fired on Godwin Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Responding officers found the mortally wounded teen o…
Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says
Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says A man was fatally shot while bear hunting on Saturday, according to a report by Erie News Now citing the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The shooting, which was initially called into authorities as a cardiac arrest, happened on Pennsylvania State Game Lands 197 property in Columbus Township, Warren County, just afternoon, according to the outlet.  Gary R. Hunt, 64, of Corry, was pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet says. Hunt's 42-year-old hunting partner was crossing a creek when he fell on his .270 rifle shooting Hunt in the abdomen, according to the report. Hunt was a police lieu…
Vandals Damage Mahwah Girl Scout's Little Free Library, DPW Comes To Rescue Vandals Damage Mahwah Girl Scout's Little Free Library, DPW Comes To Rescue
Vandals Damage Mahwah Girl Scout's Little Free Library, DPW Comes To Rescue Mahwah residents beamed proudly as a township Girl Scout unveiled the Little Free Library she'd designed in a local park late last month. They were equally distressed when someone vandalized it this past weekend. Township DPW workers came to the rescue, though, repairing Ishika Ranka's creation for Mahwah Troop 95829 at Continental Soldiers Field. The doorknob of the birdhouse-sized depository had been ripped off, along with part of the shingled roof, Mayor Jim Wysocki said. Public works employees were "quick to lend a hand and repair the damage," however, the mayor said. "They're the be…
Local Dads Erase Graffiti In Kids' Playground In Mahwah Local Dads Erase Graffiti In Kids' Playground In Mahwah
Local Dads Erase Graffiti In Kids' Playground In Mahwah UPDATE: James Burns III was glad that township officials planned to erase graffiti sprayed throughout a children's playground in Mahwah. He just didn't want to wait. So Burns and Andrew Kazella, a fellow sales associate at Keller Williams Realty in Ridgewood, got to work Saturday in Winter's Park. "I was very disheartened to see my daughters favorite park defaced by vandals," Burns said. "Not only do we work in this community but we also live here and want to make it a safe, clean, and accessible place for all." "Something really special happened today," said Mayor James Wysocki, who offe…
Volunteer Carpenters Begin Reviving Paramus Firehouse Volunteer Carpenters Begin Reviving Paramus Firehouse
Volunteer Carpenters Begin Reviving Paramus Firehouse Paramus' bravest are getting a welcome assist from a group of benevolent tradesmen in renovating one of their firehouses. Members of The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 253 who volunteered their services began this past weekend by installing new drywall in the second-floor meeting room and staircase leading to it at the Company 1 firehouse. Volunteer members of the International Union of Painters and Tapers District Council 711 Local 1976 will join the carpenters next in taping and finishing the drywall.  Local 253 has a long history of volunteering to help a…
Charges Filed In Auto Death Of Beloved Clifton Icon Charges Filed In Auto Death Of Beloved Clifton Icon
Charges Filed In Auto Death Of Beloved Clifton Icon Grieving loved ones prepared to bury a beloved Clifton icon as authorities announced that charges had been filed against the driver who struck and killed 81-year-old "marathon man" Marinus Lalumia. The driver, Ibrahim Jadallah, 21, remained held in the Passaic County Jail pending a first appearance Thursday in Central Judicial Processing Court in Paterson, authorities announced.  He's charged with death by auto, otherwise known as vehicular manslaughter, they said. Jadallah was behind the wheel of a speeding 2017 Honda HR-V that struck Lalumia as he crossed Hazel Street, a few doors down …
Tragedy Follows Joy: Hackensack Funeral Director Tom Gentile Dies Tragedy Follows Joy: Hackensack Funeral Director Tom Gentile Dies
Tragedy Follows Joy: Hackensack Funeral Director Tom Gentile Dies He’d walked his daughter down the aisle just the day before when beloved Hackensack funeral director Tom Gentile died suddenly this weekend, friends and loved ones said. “After a day of celebration, it is with heavy hearts that our family regretfully needs to announce that our patriarch, G. Thomas Gentile…passed away this morning,” the family announced Sunday. He was 72. Gaetano Gentile, a father of three, dedicated his life to helping people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. “This community has been kind to me over the years, giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my …
Memorial Service Set For Bergen Police Veteran, 51, Who Loved Intensely, Had Everyone's Back Memorial Service Set For Bergen Police Veteran, 51, Who Loved Intensely, Had Everyone's Back
Memorial Service Set For Bergen Police Veteran, 51, Who Loved Intensely, Had Everyone's Back He was as strong as he was emotional. He wore his heart on his sleeve and always had a special smile and knowing look to go with an immense kindness for others. That’s what many will remember when they gather in Van Saun Park this Thursday for a memorial service for River Edge Police Detective Sgt. Chris Cheevers. Cheevers, who died last week at 51, “intensely loved those who survive him,” his obituary says, “especially his wife Tara, his five children Avery, Katie, Joseph, Owen, and Kiersten, his siblings and cousins, their extended families and the many friends he made over his lifetime i…
Never-Ending Dedication To Service Marked Life Of Bergen Firefighting Veteran Never-Ending Dedication To Service Marked Life Of Bergen Firefighting Veteran
Never-Ending Dedication To Service Marked Life Of Bergen Firefighting Veteran TRIBUTE: In the world of public service, John Holter of Emerson was a rare breed. He worked for not just one but two fire companies for decades, and his professional life was all about helping people. Holter died Monday at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood surrounded by a small group of family and friends. He was 70. The man wore several hats, as they say. A top-notch mechanic, Holter made sure your vehicle was humming when you brought it to Alpine Texaco – and, later, Alpine Shell, – which he and his late wife owned for more than 15 years. The station at the top of Closter Dock Road becam…
Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week
Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week Bruce Springsteen’s federal court appearance on DWI charges Wednesday will be streamed live via Zoom for the news media. A part-time U.S. magistrate judge based in Newark will handle the case in what is known as enclave court because the arrest was made on federal property at Sandy Hook. Members of the media must follows U.S. District Court rules that strictly prohibit "broadcasting, photographing, recording or otherwise transmitting court proceedings," including live streaming and rebroadcasting. Violators could face contempt of court charges in addition to losing federal court privileges…