LATHAM, NY – Major Dennis Schager, Commander of Troop G, led a memorial service today at the Troop G Headquarters in Latham. The ceremony was held to honor the memory of fallen officers and to support the families they left behind.
During the event, Major Schager emphasized that the fallen heroes are not forgotten and remain an integral part of the State Police family and the esteemed long grey line. The State Police used their Facebook page to reflect on the significance of the ceremony and to reaffirm their commitment to remembering their lost colleagues.
- Ocean City appoints Raymond J. Austin as new police chief
OCEAN CITY, MD — Raymond J. Austin has been named the next Chief of Police for the Ocean City Police Department, town officials announced Monday. A veteran law enforcement officer with over 30 years of experience, Austin returns to lead the department he first joined as a seasonal officer in 1991.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Austin became a full-time OCPD officer in 1994 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in roles including Patrol Lieutenant and Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th Session in 2013.
Austin’s career includes a landmark role in a 2002 legal case that helped shape Maryland’s laws on extra-jurisdictional police authority and fresh pursuit. He has been recognized with multiple commendations, including Officer of the Year and the MADD Award.
Beyond policing, Austin has been a consistent presence in Ocean City’s community engagement efforts, taking part in initiatives such as National Night Out, Play It Safe, Coffee with Cops, and the Citizen’s Police Academy.
After retiring from OCPD in 2022, Austin continued public service as a Special Investigator for the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office. His return as chief signals a renewed focus on public safety, accountability, and community policing.
Key Points
- Raymond J. Austin appointed Ocean City Police Chief after more than 30 years in law enforcement.
- Austin previously served OCPD in various leadership roles and retired in 2022.
- He will be sworn in at the May 5, 2025, City Council meeting.
City officials say Austin’s experience and commitment to the community position him to lead OCPD into a new era of service and safety.
- Skydiving Easter bunny greets guests in Wall Township
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Wall Township Police Department teamed up with the Glendola Fire Department this past weekend to help the Easter Bunny complete a busy schedule of community appearances, including a high-flying holiday stunt.
Officers and firefighters escorted the Easter Bunny to the Annual Wall Easter Egg Hunt, ensuring a safe arrival for the seasonal guest to greet children and hand out candy. But the festive fun didn’t end there.
Later in the day, the Easter Bunny took to the skies at the Monmouth Jet Center, skydiving out of a plane to make a dramatic entrance at another Easter Egg Hunt celebration. Police were on-site to help ensure a safe landing and smooth transition into the event.
Skydiving Easter Bunny – File Photo
Key Points
- Wall Police and Glendola Fire escorted the Easter Bunny to the town’s Easter Egg Hunt.
- The Bunny made a surprise skydive at Monmouth Jet Center to delight attendees.
- Officers ensured safe landings and festivities at both events.
Wall Township officials say the weekend events brought smiles to local families and showcased strong community coordination.
- New four-way stop coming to busy Beachwood intersection
BEACHWOOD, NJ — The Beachwood Police Department announced that a new full four-way stop will be implemented at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Chestnut Street starting Wednesday, April 16.
The intersection, which previously operated as a two-way stop, will now require all approaching traffic to stop. Officers will be stationed at the location to assist with the transition and educate drivers on the new traffic pattern.
Police are urging motorists to remain alert and use caution while traveling through the area as the community adjusts to the updated stop configuration.
Key Points
- Ocean Avenue and Chestnut Street will become a four-way stop on April 16.
- Beachwood Police officers will be on-site to assist with the transition.
- Drivers are advised to stay alert during the traffic pattern change.
Beachwood officials say the change aims to improve safety at the intersection for drivers and pedestrians.
- Manchester Township mayor honors emergency dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
MANCHESTER, NJ — Mayor Joseph T. Hankins has officially proclaimed April 13–19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Manchester Township, recognizing the critical role of telecommunications personnel who serve as the first line of contact in emergency situations.
In a formal proclamation issued by the Office of the Mayor, Hankins praised public safety telecommunicators as “the calm voices of reassurance for individuals in distress,” and acknowledged their often behind-the-scenes efforts in coordinating emergency response from law enforcement, medical services, and fire departments.
“These professionals offer critical assistance and comfort during emergencies, no matter how challenging the situation,” the proclamation stated. While their work may go unnoticed, it added, their contributions are vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
The proclamation emphasizes the selflessness and professionalism of telecommunications personnel, noting their “unwavering commitment” to public safety. It also called for the community to recognize and appreciate the efforts of these individuals who help ensure that emergency help arrives when needed most.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all public safety telecommunicators in Manchester Township,” wrote Mayor Hankins. “They are ensuring the safety and security of our community.”
Township recognizes essential behind-the-scenes heroes
The declaration highlights how the work of telecommunicators directly supports life-saving actions and reinforces community resilience during crises.
Key Points
- Manchester Township has proclaimed April 13–19 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
- Mayor Joseph T. Hankins praised dispatchers for their critical behind-the-scenes emergency coordination.
- The proclamation honors telecommunicators’ dedication, professionalism, and impact on public safety.
- Jackson schools prepare for upcoming mergers and mascots
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Will Jackson Liberty High School retain its name and mascot when it merges with Jackson Memorial High School in September?
Will the new high school merger result in a new name? The Jackson Liberty Jaguars? The Jackson High School Lions? Jackson United? Those are just a few ideas students are residents are talking about, but the district said committees are being formed and meeting to discuss the upcoming merger.
The Jackson School District has launched a district-wide restructuring plan, initiating a series of student-centered events, committee meetings, and staffing actions aimed at unifying schools and supporting staff and students through the transition.
Following the plan’s approval earlier this year, several committees have begun working on merging efforts across the district. The district is emphasizing student and staff collaboration and announced that it will continue to provide updates to the community as efforts progress.
A major milestone took place March 7, when 600 students from both Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty high schools attended a joint assembly led by Mike Smith, a Stanford-certified life coach. The session encouraged students to explore their ability to shape the future narrative of their unified school community. The district called the assembly “a successful and empowering first step.”
Students also began participating in the High School Rebranding Committee, which is focused on decisions regarding the school’s future name, colors, and mascot. A survey will soon be sent out to collect student feedback, with the committee expected to reconvene later this month.
Committees form across school levels
Committees for merging Jackson’s middle and upper elementary schools are also underway. The Middle School Merging Committee, which includes staff and Parent-Teacher Network volunteers, held its first meeting on March 6 and discussed strategies to ease the transition for students in grades 7 and 8. Plans include interactive events before year’s end and ideas for building small communities within the new school.
The Upper Elementary Merging Committee will be formed once a principal is appointed. This group will focus on transitional programming for grades 5 and 6.
Jackson Liberty Hs – GM All head coaching and co-curricular advisor positions were posted on February 28.
District and school administrators began interviewing candidates the week of March 10, with coaches to be announced at the April Board of Education meeting.
Co-curricular advisors will be named in May, and some roles may be co-led in the 2025–2026 school year to ensure continuity during the high school merger.