JACKSON, NJ – Jackson Township welcomed new police officers and promoted veteran officers during a ceremony at the town hall on Tuesday. Director of Public Safety Joseph Candido administered the oath of office to each new department member and promoted officers.
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At the ceremony, Lt. George Vidalis was promoted to Captain. Sergeants Fred Meabe and Michael Friedman were both promoted to Lieutenant. Patrolmen Michael Basso, Michael Cocchiara, Robert Gravina, and Jeffrey Henba were promoted to sergeant.
The township welcomed two new police officers, Bradley Bonito and Trevor Fox, to the department.
“We are proud of all of our police officers, and we remain committed to fully supporting our department, our officers, and their families. Each of these promotions was well deserved,” said Mayor Michael Reina. “Behind every good officer in Jackson is a strong family that supports them each and every day. Jackson is a better place because of all of the hard work and sacrifices they make to keep our community safe. Jackson is a very safe town, and it’s because of the hard work and dedication of our police department.”
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“I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new police officers; congratulations on joining the Jackson Township Police Department. Your commitment to upholding the law, serving the community, and protecting our citizens is truly commendable,” said Council President Jennifer Kuhn. ”To our newly promoted sergeants, your advancement is a testament to your hard work, leadership, and dedication. You have proven to be a capable officer and role model for your peers. As sergeants, you will now take the greater responsibility of guiding and mentoring the next generation of officers. Your leadership will be crucial in maintaining the high standards of our department, and we trust that you will continue to lead with honor and integrity.”
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“It is through the constant work and dedication of Mayor Reina and his administration that these hirings are possible, and we’re able to continue to grow our police department,” Council Mordy Burnstein said.
Councilman Burnstein thanked the officers for their dedication to the community and wished them much future success.
“Welcome aboard to our new members. We wish you a long and safe career. It’s an honorable position, and thank you for your willingness to serve,” said Councilman Steven Chisolm.
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Chisholm also thanked the officers being promoted for their hard work and dedication to the township and the people of Jackson.
“The men and women of the Jackson Police Department know we, as a township, support them 110%,” Mayor Reina said.
- Eight Men Out as Police Uncover Drug and Gun Ring Outside Yankee Stadium
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced the indictment of eight Bronx men on charges related to the sale of firearms, cocaine, and methamphetamine near Yankee Stadium. The defendants are accused of endangering the public by conducting illegal transactions in a highly trafficked area.
District Attorney Clark highlighted the risk posed by the defendants, stating, “The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy. These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Commissioner Caban emphasized the ongoing threat of illegal guns and drugs, praising the efforts of the undercover officer and the collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney's office. “These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said.
The defendants, identified as Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31 (all related), Marvin Fortuna, 29, Ronny Fortuna, 32 (related), Jose Tejada Jr., 26, his father Jose Tejada Sr., 60, and Christian Espinal, 49, are charged in a 108-count indictment. The charges include first-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, and first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm.
The investigation, which led to the recovery of 11 firearms, including an AK-47, and $418,000, culminated in the arraignment of the Tejadas, the Fortunas, and Jonathan Fernandez on July 2, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera.
This indictment reflects the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal trafficking of guns and drugs, ensuring the safety and security of New York City's residents and visitors.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.
- Stamford Firefighters Quickly Douse Fire at Five Story Multi-Family Home
Stamford, CT — On July 1, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Stamford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and visible flames on a porch at Mill River House, located at 35 West Broad Street, a five-story multi-family dwelling with a unique “C” shaped layout.
Upon arrival, the first unit observed no visible smoke or flames from the street. Further investigation revealed that a heater on the porch of apartment 312 had ignited, causing damage to the exterior wall and burning into an adjacent closet. The fire, located on a porch facing an interior courtyard, initially obscured the smoke from view.
Electrical power to the affected apartment was promptly shut off at the panel. The fire was extinguished without the use of water, preventing additional property damage. The Stamford Police Department assisted with traffic control in the heavily trafficked area.
The incident was brought under control at 11:29 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Stamford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.