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Police & Fire

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Update: 16 Road Closures Reported

Village issues list of closed roads.

Courtesy of the village, below is a list of all current road closures as of 11 a.m Thursday. The village's Web site will update openings as they come in. Updates will also be posted on Twitter—@RidgewoodPS.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Police Caution Against Downed Power Lines

Ridgewood police release storm statement.

The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents that many of the power outages have been caused by fallen trees and branches. All power lines should be considered live, and please stay away from the barricaded areas. Do not touch or drive over these wires. The village departments are coordinating with PSE&G to clear road closures as the power lines are cleared. Please remind your children of the dangers of the downed power lines. An updated list of road closures is available on the village's Web site. Police blotter: A village employee observed Javon Jones discard a wallet into a trash can March 9 in the area between the library and Village Hall. Responding officers located Jones in the library and determined that the wallet…

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

When Life Storms Lemons...

Residents make best of power outage.

Compared to a frigid snow day, today's power outage school closing seems a bit absurd. As though it were a summer day, Ridgewood students rode bikes, tossed footballs, and enjoyed the nice weather. In Upper Ridgewood, three girls ran a lemonade stand. Anne McGinley, Stephanie Kusel, and Bridget Mulen charged 50 cents a glass for the pink beverage. The young entrepreneurs say they made about $5 today.  Although outside, many residents like the girls remain without power, and the village reports 37 closed roads. With receding rain and prominent sunshine, an estimated 1,000 residents are in the dark, according to the fire chief. The village inches closer to normalcy but postponements still persist. Tonight's Planning Board meeting on the …

Monday, March 15, 2010

Schools Closed Tuesday, Power Outages Persist

Around 30 tree incidents to be addressed.

Updated: 5:30 p.m. Ridgewood schools will remain closed Tuesday as village and utility officials work toward restoring power and clearing streets. Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein said Ridgewood High School, Willard Elementary and Glen School remain without power. In addition, several streets are blocked by fallen trees and downed power lines. The district encouraged residents tell friends and neighbors of the closure. Like many residents, the village awaits PSE&G action to fully recover from the storm. With 46 fallen tree incidents reported from the weekend storm, Ridgewood needs the utility company's clearance to address the approximately 26 to 30 sites that remain, a village official said. Director of Operations Frank Moritiz said …

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Add Laurie Goodman to the photo contributors lists. Once again, feel free to send me your storm pictures—samfran@patch.com  more ›

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Resident Arrested on Drug Charges

Craig Andrews allegedly disrupted traffic while in possession of drugs, police said.

A Ridgewood resident was arrested on drug charges after police found him standing in an intersection screaming. Craig Andrews, 42, was arrested March 4 and police charged him on five counts—three drug-related. Patrol responded to East Glen and North Maple Avenues at 10 p.m. on a report of man in the middle of the street. Officer John Chuck found Andrews, who then jumped into a taxi. He started yelling that he was God and reportedly made no sense. While attempting to take Andrews into custody, the officers smelled marijuana. Andrews was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released pending a future appearance in Ridgewood Municipal …

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fire Calls Drop In Snowless Week

Nearly 20 fewer department responses last week.

The Ridgewood Fire Department responded to 37 requests for assistance from Feb. 28 to March 6, 2010. The previous week, the department dealt with 56 requests for assistance.  Description/Number of Calls:  Other fire news: The Ridgewood Fire Department has obtained smoke detectors donated by Kidde through the WABC Operation Save-A-Life Program for residents. These detectors are being made available at no cost to senior citizens living on a fixed income or families with low incomes. Please contact Fire Chief James Bombace at 201-444-8822 if you would like to receive these free smoke detectors. The Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department is currently understaffed and looking for new members. Volunteer firefighters assist members of the career …

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Two Thefts Reported

Juvenile arrest also made by Ridgewood Police Department.

Two residents reported thefts to Ridgewood police. One resident that discovered Internet shopping accounts were accessed, and a Southern Parkway resident reported her residence entered.  A Ridgewood resident reported Feb. 27 that an unknown person had gained access to their Kohls, Ebay, and PayPal accounts. The resident became aware following an e-mail confirming a Kohls purchase. The resident then checked other accounts and found that they had been accessed. The matter is under investigation by the Ridgewood Detective Bureau. Later that week the Southern Parkway resident reported a break-in at her home, as well. Returned home March 1, she found it entered. The entry was gained through the front door. Bedrooms were ransacked, and a jewelry…

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Fire Dept. Handles Minor Fire, Down Power Lines, Trees in Storm

Last week's snow storm caused several incidents.

Although the recent snowstorm caused 17 down power lines and five residents to receive fallen tree damage, Fire Chief James Bombace said it wasn't so bad. "Other parts of the county got hit considerably harder and had more incidents," he said. "It was the deepest [snowfall] but not deep enough to impede access to fire hydrants." Three trees fell causing damage to five houses. The Building Department told Ridgewood Patch Feb. 26 of fallen trees on Hamilton and Heights Roads. An additional incident occurred on Hillcrest Road, Bombace said. No one was injured in the incidents, and the Building Department reported roof damages. Across the village 17 incidents of down fire lines were reported, Bombace said. All were minor and caused by the snow…

Thursday, February 25, 2010

While Residents Away, Parties and Thefts Occur

Police blotter Feb. 18 to 22.

Two vacationing residents reported break-ins following their return to Ridgewood.  After leaving Feb. 12, Bogert Avenue residents reported Feb. 20 that someone had entered their home. The residents reported money and other items missing to Ridgewood police. Returning Feb. 22, Glenwood Road residents found their home to have been the victim of several parties. Although nothing was reported missing, it was evident that numerous parties were held in the home while they were away. Both matters are under investigation by the Ridgewood Detective Bureau. Other police news:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Firefighter Applications Available in Village Hall

Full-time firefighters must complete applications and pass Civil Service exam.

Ridgewood now offers potential full-time firefighters a chance to apply in Village Hall. Those interested in seeking out a firefighting career may find applications at the Village Clerk's Office in Ridgewood's North Maple Street facility. Previously, applicants could only sign up online at the state's Web site. The state has amended applications, and the newest form is available on its site.  Prospective candidates must apply before March 31 and provide a $35 examination fee. The Civil Service Commission will administer tests over the summer. Candidates must be between the ages of  18 and 35, live in New Jersey, and possess a high school diploma (by June 30, 2010), among other requirements.  Fire blotter—The Ridgewood Fire Department …

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