Snow Emergency is in effect January 23 - 24

CANCELED Jan 24 1630 Hours

ALERT: SNOW EMERGENCY ISSUED 

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from midnight through 6 PM on Saturday, January 24.

The system will bring a mixture of snow (3-5 inches possible), sleet and freezing rain. There exists the possibility of 1/10 inch of ice accumulation. Visibility will also be affected with 1/2 mile or less in snow, mainly in the morning hours. Heaviest snow is predicted to fall Saturday morning through the afternoon. Hazardous conditions will exist due to visibility and snow/ice covered roads.

(Issued by The National Weather Service New York City, NY)

Based on the storm prediction, which includes heavy, wet, snow and ice, the Borough of Bergenfield will have a SNOW EMERGENCY IN EFFECT for Friday, January 23 through Saturday, January 24.

NO OVERNIGHT PARKING WILL BE AUTHORIZED with the SNOW EMERGENCY being in effect.

The Bergenfield Police will enforce the no parking ban under the snow emergency under section D of Ordinance 299-12. This states that the snow emergency remains in effect until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

Department of Public Works personnel are prepared for the storm and will handle salting and plowing of the roadways. Officers will have the authority to tow any vehicle that is abandoned and interfering with traffic flow or the clearing of snow from the roadways.

The snow emergency will remain in effect until further notice which shall include until after the snow has ceased or until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

Borough Ordinance 299-12. Snow emergency.

A. A snow emergency shall exist whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway. In addition to this, when weather conditions cause a state or condition of the street that is hazardous or dangerous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic even if the entire street or highway is not covered by snow shall constitute a snow emergency when declared by the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking police officer in charge.

B. Definition: As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

SNOW: Any precipitation depositing any accumulation and shall be deemed to include snow, sleet, hail, ice, freezing rain or any combination thereof.

SNOW TIRES: Tires with or without studs and having treads designed for use in the snow which tread shall be of sufficient depth to accomplish the purpose for which the tire was designed.

C. Snow emergency declared. Upon the occurrence of a snow emergency as hereinabove defined, the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking police officer shall have the authority to declare such an emergency. Within one hour after such a declaration, no person shall cause, permit, allow or suffer any vehicle owned or driven by him to become stalled or immobile on any portion of any street in the Borough of Bergenfield because of the failure of the vehicle to be equipped with snow tires or chains. The Chief of Police or the ranking officer shall immediately inform the public of said snow emergency by issuing a press release to the local and metropolitan radio, television and news services.

D. Snow emergency routes. All streets of the Borough of Bergenfield are snow emergency routes upon which no parking shall be allowed during a snow emergency, and such parking prohibition, shall remain in effect until after the snow has ceased or until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic or until otherwise terminated by the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking officer, in the same manner as declared in above.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over runs through January 2

Nearly 10,000 people are killed annually on our nation's roadways due to drunk driving. In an effort to reduce these numbers, law enforcement agencies across the country are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Police will begin cracking down on drunk driving as part of the campaign on December 1, 2014. Enforcement continues through January 2, 2015. The goal of the campaign is prevention, according to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.  

"The key to deterring impaired driving is highly visible enforcement. The research is clear on the affect highly visible enforcement has on deterring impaired driving. Prevention and not arrest is the goal of the campaign."

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at 

http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/ 

 

Operation Take Back New Jersey is September 27, 2014



National Take Back Initiative September 27, 2014, 10 am  - 2 pm
Drop off your old, expired, unused, prescription medicine at
the Bergenfield Police Department, 198 N. Washington Avenue.
Click on link to the right for more information.

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

BPD to participate in National Take-Back Day September 27

On September 27, 2014, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Bergenfield Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its eighth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Bergenfield Police Department at 198 N. Washington Avenue. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Click on the link below for the National Drug Take back press release and results of the program for the last seven years.  http://www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/hq/2014/hq050814.shtml

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines— flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

DEA is in the process of approving new regulations that implement the Safe and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” (that is, a patient or their family member or pet owner) of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.

Suicidal Subject Reported April 24

On Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 12:12 p.m., members of the Bergenfield Police Department responded to the area of Hunt Walk, an apartment complex, for a report of a possible suicidal male. Information received indicated the male might be located within his garage.

Based on the information provided and gathered involving a firearm, the department handled the incident as a barricaded subject. The Bergen County SWAT Team was notified and responded to the scene along with the County Crisis Negotiation Team.

Traffic in the immediate area of the incident was detoured during the incident. The residents in the area were evacuated from their homes as a safety measure.

The SWAT Team entered the garage and determined the victim was deceased and the area was safe.

The scene has been secured and the matter is currently under investigation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Units that assisted during this incident were the Bergen County SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Crisis Negotiators, Dumont, New Milford, Tenafly, Teaneck and Englewood police departments and the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Link to Northjersey.com article:http://www.northjersey.com/news/report-of-suicidal-man-brings-swat-team-to-bergenfield-apartment-complex-1.1002612

April is Distracted Driver Month

New Jersey's first statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Crackdown began Tuesday, April 1 and runs through Monday, April 21. The Bergenfield Police Department will be participating in this campaign in an effort to educate the motoring public. During the month, the Traffic Bureau will be conducting an educational enforcement detail geared towards this campaign as well as pedestrian safety. The Police Department is urging motorists to avoid collisions and don't drive distracted.

Click on the link below to visit the Department of Law and Public Safety website for more information on both campaigns.

http://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/index.html

Bergen County residents warned to be wary of jury duty phone scam

The Bergen County Sheriff's Office released the following information today in an effort to warn residents of a recent scam that has come to the attention of the BCSO. Authorities warn residents to be wary of a "jury duty phone scam" being reported in Bergen County. Please read the following and share with family and friends.

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous complaints from Bergen County residents with regards to a jury duty phone scam. The individuals perpetrating this fraud, claim to be members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and accuse residents that they have missed jury duty and that there is a warrant for their arrest. The individuals posing as Sheriff’s Office employees tell residents that in lieu of being arrested, they must provide a credit card number and/or prepaid debit card to pay a fine. Once the fine is paid, the warrant (which is fictitious) will be lifted. For example, on one occasion last week, the caller instructed the victim to transfer money using prepaid debit cards such as Green Dot Money-Pak to wire the money. 

The individuals whom are committing this fraud are utilizing pre-paid cell phones with a “201” area code designation to appear as if they are from the Bergen County area. This juror fraud is not isolated to Bergen County. It has occurred in neighboring counties as well as other states. 

“If a government agency is to contact you via phone, it will be done utilizing a bona fide publicized government phone number” said Sheriff Michael Saudino. “All notices regarding jury duty come through the mail, including summonses to report for jury duty, and failure to report for jury duty.  These notices are mailed directly from the New Jersey Judiciary Jury Management Office and give you specific information on who to contact, and how to comply with the summons.” 

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments are aware of this matter and are currently investigating it. Sheriff Saudino advises Bergen County residents that “You should not give out any personal information or identification over the phone, and are advised not transfer any money using prepaid debit cards on behalf of a government agency.  If you are being asked for your personal information from an unsolicited phone number, hang up immediately and notify your local authorities.”

 “No Government agency will tell you to make payments to them through a bank or wire transfer.   It is incumbent on all residents to be alert and it does not hurt to take the time to verify these incidents with us,” says Sheriff Saudino.

Anyone who believes they may also have been exposed to this or a similar type fraud is asked to contact either the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office at 201-646-2222, www.bergentip.com, or your local police department. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding jury duty, please refer to the Bergen County Superior Court Jury Management Office at www.judiciary.state.nj.us/juryreporting/bergen, or contact the jury office at 201-527-2290.

Suspicious Incident - Possible Luring

Suspicious Vehicle-Luring
 

On February 19, a 13-year-old female reported being followed by black, four-door SUV, operated by white male with orange-colored hair and same color mustache, between 30-35 years of age. The incident occurred on February 18 between 5:30 and 6 pm in the area of S. Summit and S. Taylor streets. The car operator approached the female while in the vehicle and asked if she wanted a ride. He is also reported to have circled around onto S. Woodside Ave.  Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Bergenfield Police Department at 201-387-4000. Tri-Community Crime-Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest. The case will be investigated further. Any additional details on the incident will be released when available.

New Jersey’s Move Over Law

While New Jersey’s Move Over Law, legislation enacted to protect roadside emergency workers, was signed into law more than five years ago on January 27, 2009, there are still many in our state who are either unaware of the law and its requirements or neglect to follow it. 

The law requires that operators of motor vehicles – whether passenger vehicles or commercial trucks – must reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching vehicles with emergency lights. These vehicles include police, fire and medical services as well as highway maintenance, tow trucks and other official motorist aid vehicles with amber emergency lights. If possible to safely do so, vehicles must move over a lane to allow for an empty lane between traveling traffic and the emergency vehicle. If moving over is not a safe possibility, drivers must slow down to a speed below the posted limit before passing the emergency vehicles.

“Motorists approaching stationery flashing lights, whether an ambulance, police, fire or tow truck, must heed the warning and safely move over to another lane, or slow down below the posted speed limit,” then Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer said at the time the legislation was passed. “Remember, emergency responders are there to help. Give them the space they need, so they can work safely.” 

New Jersey was the 44th state in the US to pass a Move Over Law.

According to Move Over America, more than 150 law enforcement officers were killed after being struck by vehicles along American highways from 1999 to 2010. 

Violations can cost between $100 and $500 in fines. But even greater than the cost of the fines that can result from failure to abide by this law, is the cost of the lives that can be taken.

For more information about the Move Over Law, visit nj.gov/oag/hts/move-over-law/.

Snow emergency declared for Monday, February 3

Snow Emergency Declared



The Bergenfield Police Department has declared a snow emergency on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 8:45 am, which will be in effect until further notice due to the Winter Storm Warning and road conditions. Four (4) to eight (8) inches of snow is expected to accumulate.

All are urged to remain indoors. If travel is necessary please use extreme caution. No overnight parking will be permitted on the streets this evening to allow for plowing of the roadways. 

Borough Ordinance 299-12. Snow emergency. 

A. A snow emergency shall exist whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway. In addition to this, when weather conditions cause a state or condition of the street that is hazardous or dangerous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic even if the entire street or highway is not covered by snow shall constitute a snow emergency when declared by the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking police officer in charge.

B. Definition: As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
     
SNOW: Any precipitation depositing any accumulation and shall be deemed to include snow, sleet, hail, ice, freezing rain or any combination thereof.

SNOW TIRES: Tires with or without studs and having treads designed for use in the snow which tread shall be of sufficient depth to accomplish the purpose for which the tire was designed.

C. Snow emergency declared. Upon the occurrence of a snow emergency as hereinabove defined, the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking police officer shall have the authority to declare such an emergency. Within one hour after such a declaration, no person shall cause, permit, allow or suffer any vehicle owned or driven by him to become stalled or immobile on any portion of any street in the Borough of Bergenfield because of the failure of the vehicle to be equipped with snow tires or chains. The Chief of Police or the ranking officer shall immediately inform the public of said snow emergency by issuing a press release to the local and metropolitan radio, television and news services.

D. Snow emergency routes. All streets of the Borough of Bergenfield are snow emergency routes upon which no parking shall be allowed during a snow emergency, and such parking prohibition, shall remain in effect until after the snow has ceased or until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic or until otherwise terminated by the Chief of Police, or in his absence, the ranking officer, in the same manner as declared in above.

Winter storm set to arrive tonight

A winter storm warning is in effect for Bergen County beginning at 6 p.m. this evening, Thursday, January 2, and continuing through to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, January 3. A winter storm warning is defined by the American Red Cross as the following: “Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.” 

Wind gusts could exceed 40 mph during the storm. Snow accumulations are expected to be between 4 and 8 inches, and could be as much as 10 to 12 inches in parts. Temperatures will fall tonight and remain low through the end of the weekend.

The following are tips from the American Red Cross for winter storm preparedness as well as keeping safe during the storm. For more information from the American Red Cross, visit the website at redcross.org.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Put Together a Supply Kit

• Water — at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food — at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
• Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves

Remaining Safe During a Winter Storm

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information on snow storms and blizzards from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.
• Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
• Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

After suffering postponements and cancellations due to the nor'easter of 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, kids throughout Bergen County will finally be able to enjoy trick-or-treating on Halloween this year.

While many parents want to make sure their children have fun this holiday, it is also important to make sure we are keeping our kids safe this October 31. While we may not be facing downed live wires, power outages or fallen trees, there still exist conditions that could put our kids' safety at risk.

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some great tips for trick-or-treaters, which you can find below and on the department's website.

S - Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
A - Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F - Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E - Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
H - Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you and others see. Always walk - don't run.
A - Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime.
L - Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
L - Lower your risk for eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O - Only walk on sidewalks when possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
W - Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E -  Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Don't eat homemade treats from strangers.
E - Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit homes.
N - Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

More safety tips can also be found at Safe Kids Worldwide. 

BPD Receives AAA North Jersey Award




Chief Carr, Mayor Carlos Aguasvivas, Capt. Madalone.

On October 23, 2013, AAA North Jersey presented to the Bergenfield Police Department, a AAA Special Recognition award, at a luncheon held at the Brownstone in Paterson NJ. The award gives recognition to communities with outstanding traffic safety program activities. The BPD received the recognition based on its very effective traffic safety education programs including Safety Town, AAA North Jersey's "Otto the Auto" pedestrian safety program, glow sticks for halloween trick or treators, and child seat safety inspections and installations.The goal of the safety programs is to educate the public in traffic safety to prevent injuries or fatalities. It is also a great way for the police to build on their community policing philosophy and improve police-community relationships.


The BPD Traffic Bureau is supervised by Lt. Jerry Stapleton and commanded by Capt. Cathy Madalone. The Traffic Bureau along with all the officers of the BPD, maintain vigorous traffic enforcement and education to the public. Their efforts to promote safety are aided by community partnerships in order to reach their goals that earned them this special recognition.

Thank you to AAA North Jersey for their partnership and support in these efforts.

Today, October 10, is Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day

Today, October 10, we observe the annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. According to a report released by the National Highway and Traffic Administration, there were approximately 33,000 traffic deaths in 2012 alone. When broken down, that 33,000 translates into 90 fatalities every single day - one death every 16 minutes.

The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the risks involved in unsafe driving behavior. It is also meant to encourage all drivers to strive for a full day without any traffic deaths.

All motorists can do things to help eliminate the unsafe driving behavior. First, it is vital that all distractions - such as talking on cell phones or texting - are eliminated. Motorists must drive defensively and always be attentive. One should never drive while drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here are some safety tips from the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration campaign, "Share the Road Safely."

 

Car Drivers

• Cutting in front can cut your life short! Avoid cutting in front of other vehicles as you may create an emergency braking situation for others around you, especially in heavy traffic.
• Buckle your seat belt! ALWAYS!
• Watch your blind spots and the "No Zones" around trucks and buses.
• Inattentive drivers. While driving, please focus only on the road. If you need to attend to another matter while driving (cell phones, kids, application of cosmetics, etc.) safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.
• Avoid aggressive drivers and driving aggressively. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, making frequent lane changes and tailgating can create dangerous and potentially fatal situations on the road.
• Avoid squeeze play. Be careful of trucks and buses making wide right turns. If you try to get in between the truck and the curb, you could be caught in a squeeze and suffer a serious accident.
• Keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle! 
• Never drink and drive!

Motorcycle Drivers

• Watch the "No-Zones". Never hang out in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone".
• Always wear a helmet!
• Drive to survive! Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road and offer no protection in a crash. Be cautious, pay attention to the signals and brakes of other vehicles, especially trucks!
• Check yourself and your bike. Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride and be sure to wear the proper protective gear.
• Watch your speed!

Truck and Bus Drivers

• Take care of yourself! The most important part of a moving truck or bus is the driver. Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel, eat well and stay fit!
• Always maintain your vehicle
• Be aware of your "No-Zone"! The "No-Zone" represents the danger areas, or blind spots, around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur. Be vigilant in watching out for vehicles in the "No-Zone".
• Slow down in work zones!
• Always keep your distance - leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Fasten your seat belt. Buckle up for safety and control.
• Always drive defensively and AVOID aggressive drivers!
• Work to help yourselves. Help stranded motorists, notify traffic safety agencies of crashes, unsafe road conditions and other situations that can lead to crashes.

Pedestrians

• Watch your walkways. Walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever possible. Pay attention to walk signals and keep a safe distance when standing on corners.
• Know your "No Zones". Be aware of blind spots around trucks, buses and cars when walking near and around them.
• Stopping Distances. Use caution when crossing intersections and streets. You may think vehicles will stop for you, but they may not see you or even be able to stop. Never take a chance with a truck, even if the driver sees you, they may not be able to stop. Truck brakes and gears are notorious for sticking.
• Make Yourself Visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Watch our for wide loads. Trucks with wide loads may have very limited visibility as well as difficulty maneuvering.

Bicyclists

• Wear your helmet!
• Bikers Beware. Always be aware of the traffic around you. Never assume that all drivers see you. Ride defensively.
• Check your brakes and be prepared to stop.
• Ride with traffic. Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic.

Beware of the "No-Zone." Never sneak in between a truck or bus and the curb, or you could get crushed. Be aware that large trucks have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which make it difficult for the driver to see around them.

For more information about traffic safety tips and information, visit the website for Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.

Weather Bulletin Monday, Oct. 7, 2013: Tornado Watch

Monday, October 7, 2013

Weather Information Bulletin: Released by Bergen County Office of Emergency Management

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Northern New Jersey until 5 pm today Oct. 7, 2013. The Tornado Watch area extends from Washington DC to the lower Eastern region of New York State.

A cold front producing a line of thunderstorms will be moving from the east throughout the day.

Current NWS predictions:

A slight chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3 pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 78. Breezy with a south wind 13-20 MPH with gusts as high as 33 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 90 %. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch is possible.

Please monitor local weather conditions.

Additional bulletins will be issued as necessary.

Thank You to Crossing Guard Dos Doheny

Capt. Madalone, Dos Doheny, Chief Carr and Lt. Stapleton.

Records clerk Sue Frei, Dos Doheny and records clerk Vickie Vradenburg.

On Tuesday, October 1, BPD officers, civilian personnel, and all of Bergenfield's dedicated School Crossing Guards came to headquarters to thank one of their own who retired from her crossing guard position as of the first of the month. Dos Doheny, who served in the position since September 2000, was surprised in the BPD Squad Room by her colleagues, police supervisors, and her biggest supporter and son, Detective Kevin Doheny. 

Dos was assigned to the Jefferson School post at Hickory and Third. She was very instrumental in maintaining the safety of many Jefferson School children over the years. Her desire to create the safest school zone on a busy traveled road such as Hickory Avenue gave her the nickname "The Cone Lady." Dos utilized more cones than the NJ Division of Transportation uses in NJ Turnpike construction zones. She created a more visible area for the crossing zone in front of Jefferson School. 

The result was a safe school zone every single day, 180 school days of the year. She also assisted the Traffic Supervisor in managing the time sheets and school post coverage for all the guards. She will surely be missed by her colleagues, the officers, and especially the students at Jefferson School.

Detective Kevin Doheny with Dos "Mom" Doheny at the retirement celebration.

                                         
BPD sends a big THANK YOU to Dos Doheny for a job well done.

Local law enforcement supports End DWI

Supporters of End DWI at the ceremony and remembrance walk held last weekend in Paramus.

This past Sunday, September 29, local law enforcement members, volunteers, supporters and victims of driving while intoxicated accidents gathered in Van Saun Park for the first annual End DWI Walk of Remembrance.

The mission of End DWI is "to provide support to victims and families effected by impaired driving through a myriad of services and to create public awareness about devastating effects and the need to end driving while intoxicated."

Approximately 150 people attended the first annual event held at the End DWI Memorial Tree Grove. More than 20 police chiefs and law enforcement members from Bergen County were in attendance at the event to support the efforts of this organization. Our own Police Chief Michael Carr, a member of the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County, played the bagpipes during the ceremony,

The ceremony in the Memorial Tree Grove was followed by a 1 1/2 mile walk through Van Saun Park.

End DWI is looking for both volunteers as well as funding. If you are interested in donating to the organization or becoming a volunteer, email info@enddwi.org or mail to END DWI, P.O. Box 156, Bogota, NJ 07603.

It is important that we all support organizations such as End DWI, which seek to honor the memory of those lost to DWI accidents, help the families left behind and work to bring an end to this senseless, preventable crime.

For more information, visit the End DWI website.

To read an article about the event, click here.

"If You See Something, Say Something" nationwide campaign

Today, the eve of the anniversary of Sept. 11, we think it important to share information about the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” nationwide campaign. 

The public awareness campaign was created “to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities."

The slogan really says it all. If you see something suspicious, say something. The best thing you can do to help deter crime and support anti-terrorism efforts is report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Some examples provided by Homeland Security that people should be on the lookout for include an unattended backpack in a public area or someone trying to break into a restricted area. Homeland Security warns that factors of characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. “Only reports that document behavior reasonably indicative of criminal activity related to terrorism will be shared with federal partners,” Homeland Security states. 

To view a “If You See Something, Say Something,” public service announcement video, click here.

To learn more about the nationwide campaign, visit Homeland Security's website.