Radiation Detectors,'Skywatch' Tower Deployed for Ridgewood Run Security

In light of the Boston Marathon bombing in April, local law enforcement agencies are taking greater security precautions than ever for the upcoming Memorial Day marathon in Ridgewood.

The county police and Ridgewood police will be utilizing "state of the art" technology and dispatching the county bomb squad to ensure security on Monday, Bergen Counity Police Lt. James Mullin said.

According to Mullin, police will use wireless cameras connected to a "Skywatch" observation tower that will function as a command post for the Fred d'Elia Run. Bergen County firm Securewatch 24 will operate the surveillance. 

Bomb technicians will be on scene with radiation detectors (one is affixed to a county police vehicle) and K-9 dogs, he said.

Ridgewood will also have additional officers to provide security.

"You can't take chances when it comes to security," Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward said last week. "We'll be ready."

The run is scheduled to begin shortly after 8 a.m. on May 27, leaving from Veterans Field at 131 N. Maple Ave. Many streets will be closed until 2 p.m. for the runners.

The North Jersey Masters, which organizes the race, is asking that all purses, bags and backpacks be left at home. Any bags must be brought to the designated tent.