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Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson
Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson The family of a beloved EMT who died last year suffered another tragedy when fire severely damaged their Emerson home earlier this week. Valderes “Val” Toulouzan-Vaporakis and her twin boys are physically OK. So are their cat and three dogs – one of whom was rescued from the fire and another who was found following an intense search. Firefighters prevented Tuesday's smoky blaze from causing major structural damage to the Sanford Avenue home. "As it turns out, their house was underinsured, making things even more difficult for them," said friend Lisa Leuck. "There are many repairs to be do…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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Bergen Robbery Trio Severely Beat Emerson Victim For Pair Of $600 Sneakers, Authorities Charge Bergen Robbery Trio Severely Beat Emerson Victim For Pair Of $600 Sneakers, Authorities Charge
Bergen Robbery Trio Severely Beat Emerson Victim For Pair Of $600 Sneakers, Authorities Charge Three Bergen County robbers severely beat a young Emerson man, taking a pair of $600 sneakers and a vape cartridge, in a violent pre-planned attack, authorities charged. Bergenfield residents Jacob Inglis, 19, and Colin Murphy, 18, and Cameron Schneid, 20, of New Milford were each seized at their homes early Wednesday, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella confirmed. Their cellphones, among other items, were also confiscated, investigators said. The trio, all unemployed, "punched and kicked" the victim -- whom they know -- while robbing him of the Jordan sneakers and vape shortly before 1:…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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Harrington Park Firefighters Make Quick Work Of House Blaze Harrington Park Firefighters Make Quick Work Of House Blaze
Harrington Park Firefighters Make Quick Work Of House Blaze Harrington Park firefighters quickly doused a house blaze Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported in the two-alarm fire, which broke out in the attic of the two-story wood-frame home on Bogerts Mill Road around 1 p.m., firefighters said. No injuries were reported. "The fire was knocked within 15 minutes of arrival with no extension to the lower floors," the Harrington Park Fire Department reported. "A great stop by members. We want to thank neighboring companies for the assistance and coverage." These included companies from Emerson, Old Tappan and River Vale. PSE&G was also summ…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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Teen Daughter Of Slain Fair Lawn Mom 'Lost Her Best Friend' Teen Daughter Of Slain Fair Lawn Mom 'Lost Her Best Friend'
Teen Daughter Of Slain Fair Lawn Mom 'Lost Her Best Friend' TRIBUTE: Jeanette Willem "was not much for attention," but the late Fair Lawn mom would've appreciated the tidal wave of love and support that has come her family's way, her grieving brother said. A funeral service is scheduled this Monday for Willem, 43, who was slain at her job at Jamis Bikes in Northvale this week. "Everyone has been so supportive," Matthew Willem wrote Friday afternoon, adding that his sister "would have loved seeing everyone come together during this time." The shock and grief has barely subsided since news of Jeanette Willem's death was announced on Wednesday. A co-…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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NJ Temporarily Suspends License Of Paterson Massage Therapist Accused Of Sex Abuse In Bergen NJ Temporarily Suspends License Of Paterson Massage Therapist Accused Of Sex Abuse In Bergen
NJ Temporarily Suspends License Of Paterson Massage Therapist Accused Of Sex Abuse In Bergen A massage therapist from Paterson had his state license temporarily suspended after he was charged with sexually abusing two different female clients in Bergen County, authorities said Wednesday. Jhon A. Cabrera, 28, was first charged this past March with groping the breast of a client at a Hackensack spa. A joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Emerson police led to additional charges in May that Cabrera “penetrated” another client without consent at a spa in Emerson in 2016. Cabrera resolved an investigation by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Thera…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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Bergen County-Run Nursing Home Closing Bergen County-Run Nursing Home Closing
Bergen County-Run Nursing Home Closing Officials promised to help find new "high-quality and compassionate" accommodations for residents of the Bergen County-run Health Care Center in Rockleigh before closing the facility by the end of this year. "The [c]ounty is consolidating its in-patient health care services into one facility, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center [in Paramus], and will guarantee a new home at BNBMC for residents who have not transferred to an alternative long-term care facility by the end of the year," Bergen County Health Department Director/Health Officer Hansel F. Asmar said in a letter to residents, families…

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by Jerry DeMarco
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Emerson Driver Rescued By Westwood Officer In Pool Plunge Gets Careless Driving Summons Emerson Driver Rescued By Westwood Officer In Pool Plunge Gets Careless Driving Summons
Emerson Driver Rescued By Westwood Officer In Pool Plunge Gets Careless Driving Summons UPDATE: A motorist who was rescued by a Westwood police officer after her wagon crashed into a backyard swimming pool received a summons for careless driving. The 32-year-old Emerson driver, who wasn't identified by name, was headed south on Lafayette Avenue when her 2021 Honda wagon crossed over the center line as it rounded the bend at Ridgewood Road around 3 a.m. Monday, Police Chief Michael Pontillo said Thursday. The Honda hit a curb, then crashed through a fence, a shed and another fence before barreling down a small retaining wall, onto the pool deck and into the in-ground pool on …

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by Jerry DeMarco
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SEEN HER? Morris County Girl, 17, Missing Since Friday, Police Say SEEN HER? Morris County Girl, 17, Missing Since Friday, Police Say
Seen HER? Morris County Girl, 17, Missing Since Friday, Police Say Police in Morris County are attempting to locate a 17-year-old girl missing since Friday. Laila Burton was last seen entering a small grey hatchback vehicle on West Hanover Avenue around 2:45 p.m., according to the Morris Township Police Department. She was wearing grey sweatpants and a light grey sweatshirt, police said. “There are no suspicious circumstances as Laila appeared to get into the vehicle on her own accord,” police said. Burton may have traveled to Morristown, Newark, East Hanover or Emerson, according to police. Anyone with information about Burton’s location is asked to co…

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by Valerie Musson
Police & Fire
HERO: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool HERO: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool
Hero: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool UPDATE: A driver who was rescued by a Westwood police officer after her wagon crashed into a backyard swimming pool received a summons for careless driving, Police Chief Michael Pontillo said Thursday. The 32-year-old Emerson driver, whom he didn’t identify by name, was headed south on Lafayette Avenue when her 2021 Honda wagon crossed over the center line as it rounded the bend at Ridgewood Road around 3 a.m. Monday, Pontillo said. The Honda hit a curb, then crashed through a fence, a shed and another fence before barreling down a small retaining wall, onto the pool deck and into the…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
HERO: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool HERO: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool
Hero: Westwood Officer Rescues Emerson Driver After Car Plunges Into Backyard Pool UPDATE: A driver who was rescued by a Westwood police officer after her wagon crashed into a backyard swimming pool received a summons for careless driving, Police Chief Michael Pontillo said Thursday. The 32-year-old Emerson driver, whom he didn’t identify by name, was headed south on Lafayette Avenue when her 2021 Honda wagon crossed over the center line as it rounded the bend at Ridgewood Road around 3 a.m. Monday, Pontillo said. The Honda hit a curb, then crashed through a fence, a shed and another fence before barreling down a small retaining wall, onto the pool deck and into the…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Funeral Arrangements Set For Bergen Firefighter Timmy Rice Funeral Arrangements Set For Bergen Firefighter Timmy Rice
Funeral Arrangements Set For Bergen Firefighter Timmy Rice A funeral Mass is scheduled Tuesday for a beloved Bergen County firefighter who died this weekend. Timothy “Timmy” Rice, 42, of Emerson fought a valiant battle with cancer, supported by legions of loved ones, friends and fellow firefighters. Rice, who served with the Hackensack and Paramus fire departments, died Saturday at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Timmy was a fireman's fireman," his Hackensack brethren wrote. He was "always there to help out in the firehouse, with union activities and any time anyone needed a hand or someone to talk to." Visiting hours are from 4 to 8 p.m.…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter A career Bergen County firefighter's valiant battle with cancer ended Saturday, leaving countless loved ones, first responders, friends and others devastated. "We all ask why the great ones are taken to soon and we can't find the answer," Hackensack Fire Capt. Justin Derevyanik wrote as news of the death of Timothy Rice spread on Saturday. Timmy Rice, 42, of Emerson leaves Regina, his wife of 15 years, their daughter, Aubrey, and their son, TJ. He was "one of a kind, truly one of the nicest, most caring people I’ve ever known," Doug Habermann wrote -- just one of a rapidly growing collect…

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by Jerry DeMarco