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.
- Wall Township fire crews join overnight battle to protect homes from massive Jones Road Wildfire
WALL TWP., N.J. — Wall Township emergency services deployed multiple units to assist with firefighting efforts in Ocean County on Tuesday as a massive wildfire near Jones Road threatened neighborhoods and forced coordinated emergency response efforts across jurisdictions.
Crews from the West Belmar Fire Department, Glendola Fire Company, and South Wall Fire Rescue were dispatched at approximately 4:30 p.m. as part of a Structural Protection Task Force. Their mission: safeguard residential properties in the wildfire’s path. Units remained on scene until about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Key Points:
- Wall Township emergency crews deployed to Ocean County wildfire on April 22
- Task Force operated for 10 hours, protecting neighborhoods from wildfire damage
- Effort coordinated through Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office
Local firefighters credited with saving homes
The task force, led by Fire Chiefs Chris Tamayo of South Wall Fire Rescue and Dave Spera of Glendola Fire Company, was activated through Monmouth County’s emergency coordination system. Officers from the Wall Township Police Department, including those in large-scale incident management roles, supported the deployment.
During their operation, Wall Township units executed structural protection measures to prevent homes and buildings from catching fire as flames approached populated areas. Officials credit their swift and strategic response with preserving multiple structures in danger zones.
Overnight efforts reflect cross-agency coordination
The deployment was one of many statewide efforts to control the Jones Road Wildfire, which prompted emergency calls for assistance across county lines. The Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office facilitated the coordination, working alongside local police and fire departments.
Wall Township Police praised the emergency services personnel, citing their commitment to public safety and the critical role of interagency partnerships in responding to major incidents.
Crews lauded for decisive wildfire response
Authorities did not report any injuries or property losses among the areas protected by the Wall Township units. Firefighting efforts are continuing in Ocean County, where state and local agencies are monitoring conditions and maintaining structural defense lines.
The Wall Township Police Department extended gratitude to all participating agencies for their “outstanding efforts” during the high-risk deployment.
- Power back on after massive New Jersey wildfire as utility crews praised for swift response
OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. — All power has been restored to customers affected by the Jones Road Wildfire, one of New Jersey’s largest blazes in two decades, according to an update from Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) and parent company FirstEnergy.
The utility confirmed that service restoration was completed following coordinated emergency operations that prioritized safety amid fast-moving flames. The wildfire, which scorched 12,000 acres in Ocean County, forced temporary power shutoffs in parts of the area as a safety measure to support firefighting efforts and protect infrastructure.
Key Points
- Power has been fully restored to customers affected by the Jones Road Wildfire.
- Utility crews worked closely with first responders, enabling fire suppression efforts to focus on protecting homes and lives.
- No homes or lives were lost during the incident.
Utility workers highlighted for role in fire response
JCP&L praised its lineworkers and substation electricians for their response during the emergency, emphasizing their commitment to the company’s core value of safety. “In the face of an aggressive wildfire that is one of the largest the state has seen in the last 20 years, our crews remained focused on their tasks,” the company said in a statement.
The power restoration allowed fire crews to concentrate their resources on containment and property protection, contributing to what officials have called a remarkable outcome: zero homes lost and no reported fatalities.
The cooperation between utility staff and emergency responders has been recognized as a key factor in the overall management of the wildfire, which burned through forested land dangerously close to residential communities.
Crews coordinated with emergency teams during peak danger
With containment of the wildfire still ongoing, officials continue to monitor the area for flare-ups. However, the risk to infrastructure has diminished, allowing full electrical service to resume across the affected regions.
FirstEnergy and JCP&L also expressed gratitude to customers for their patience and cooperation throughout the disruption, which began earlier this week when the fire’s spread prompted preemptive power cuts.
The company noted that ongoing inspections of lines and equipment will continue to ensure network stability in the aftermath of the fire.
- Mystery dinghy found adrift on Middle River shore, Maryland police seek owner
MIDDLE RIVER, MD — The Maryland Natural Resources Police are searching for the owner of a dinghy found Thursday morning along the Wilson Point shoreline in Middle River.
The small vessel, identified as a West Marine WaterTender 9.4, was recovered without any registration or identifying information, prompting an appeal for public assistance in locating its owner.
Key Points
- A West Marine WaterTender 9.4 dinghy was found Thursday on the Middle River shoreline.
- Maryland Natural Resources Police are asking for information to help identify the vessel’s owner.
- Officials recommend paddle-craft owners label their vessels with contact details for safety.
Dinghy found with no ID prompts public safety reminder
Authorities urged anyone with knowledge of the vessel to contact the Natural Resources Police dispatch at 410-260-8888 or email Officer Stephen Street at stephen.street@maryland.gov.
In a statement posted on social media, police also reminded boaters and paddle-craft users to mark their equipment with “If Found” stickers or personal information. This precaution allows responders to determine whether a missing watercraft signals an emergency or a vessel simply went adrift.
No immediate evidence of foul play or distress was reported in connection with the recovered dinghy.
The investigation remains open as officials work to verify if the boat’s owner is safe.
An unmarked dinghy stirs questions on Maryland waters as police seek its mysterious owner.
- Man shot in broad daylight on Van Vranken Avenue, Schenectady cops say
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A man in his 20s was shot in broad daylight Wednesday afternoon on Van Vranken Avenue, prompting an active investigation by the Schenectady Police Department.
Police said the incident occurred around 3:24 p.m. near 1807 Van Vranken Ave., where officers found the male victim lying outside after suffering at least one gunshot wound. Emergency personnel from the Schenectady Fire Department treated the victim at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital. His current condition has not been released.
Key Points
- Shooting reported at 3:24 p.m. on Van Vranken Avenue
- Male victim in his 20s hospitalized; condition unknown
- Investigation ongoing; police requesting public tips
Police seek information as shooting probe unfolds
Authorities have not released any details regarding potential suspects or a motive. As of Wednesday evening, there had been no arrests and no description of the shooter provided.
The Schenectady Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact its Detective Division or the anonymous Tips Line. Investigators remained on the scene into the evening, interviewing potential witnesses and canvassing the area for surveillance footage.
Van Vranken Avenue, a well-traveled roadway in the city’s northeast section, was partially closed during the initial response. Officers established a perimeter and diverted traffic as they examined the crime scene.
No additional updates were provided by law enforcement by press time.
No known motive, suspect still at large
This marks the latest in a string of shootings reported in the area in recent months. The department has not indicated whether this case may be related to any other ongoing investigations.
Police have not confirmed whether the victim was targeted or if the shooting appeared random. The department emphasized the need for public assistance to advance the investigation.
- State Police investigate officer-involved shooting in South Glens Falls
SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — New York State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon in the area of State Route 9 and Catherine Street.
According to a statement released by police, the incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. on April 23. A suspect was injured during the encounter and is being transported for medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that no State Troopers were harmed during the incident, and no other law enforcement agencies were involved. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been disclosed.
Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
Key Points
- Officer-involved shooting occurred April 23 near Route 9 and Catherine Street in South Glens Falls.
- One suspect was injured and transported for treatment; no Troopers were injured.
- Police state there is no threat to the public as the investigation continues.
State Police say no public threat after suspect wounded in Glens Falls officer-involved shooting.
