Newark, NJ – The NJ state police held an annual “Pre-Summer Community Leaders’ Conference” today at the FBI headquarters in Newark, New Jersey.
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Over 70 police chiefs and NJ law enforcement agencies participated in this yearly discussion where police and the community interact and leaders of all faiths communicate their unique concerns regarding summer scheduling. These include issues revolving around roadways, and include heavy travel dates, religious or cultural holidays, and specific large events.
Opening the conference was Major Gerald Lewis, Commanding Officer of NJ State Police Community Affairs. Major Lewis first thanked FBI for allowing conference to take place at their facility in Newark, and then thanked FBI community relations officer Kim McDonald. He also pointed out his interest in having open door policy and completely open lines of communication with all religious leaders.
Lewis also introduced Lt Col. James Heartfield, whose presentation on counter terrorism was eye opening and fascinating. Heartfeld is senior member of NJ state police and he demonstrated special tactics employed by law enforcement to protect mosques and schuls.
Homeland Security’s NJ Director Charles McKenna also spoke, and his tremendously detailed list of religious institutions and schools and coordinated special events as well as other initiatives with state police and the FBI were educational for all those in attendance.
A special prayer was offered by Lakewood, NJ Mayor Menashe Miller. It was a call for the safety of local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel, and he profusely thanked the NJ state police and all involved in protection and security for their sensitivity when it comes to cultural and religious mandates.
As in previous years, the NJ State police and other local NJ State law enforcement will be out to enforce reckless driving and other moving violators. At the same time we are prepared to accommodate and be helpful to all community’s needs, said Major Gerald Lewis of the NJ State police.
The meeting’s conclusion began with NJ State Police Chaplains Rabbi Yoseph Carlbach, Rabbi Yoseph Hershkowitz and Rabbi Abe Friedman , thanking the NJ State Police. FBI, Sheriff’s Departments and all involved in security for their tireless work serving NJ and its people.
Kim Mcdonald the FBI Agent in Charge took the floor again and spoke about being honored for the opportunity to speak at such a large gathering with so many agencies including sheriff’s departments. She also gave small presentation on how the FBI is dealing with threats and day to day issues pertaining to fighting terrorism.
“This was an example of Community leaders and Law enforcement working-hand-in hand for the safety of all,” said Menashe Miller, Mayor for Lakewood NJ and US Military Chaplain.
“Community leaders and local volunteer organizations expressed sincere thanks to the NJSP leader-ship for hosting such important conference, and looking forward for a safe summer season”, said Rabbi Moses Indig a Police Chaplain.
It been estimated that over 100 thousand travelers of the Jewish faith travel through the state of NJ during the 9 weeks of summer season.
maybe the police should tell the frum community we can help keep your children safe and you. But that only works if you cooperate with us even if the criminals is a Jew.
Wow all the chasidishe rasers
“Pre-summer”? We are already half way through חודש סיון!
Thanks loads for arranging a meeting like this its crucial, this helped so much for the communication between hatzalah and the nj authorities, in the past we were stopped countless times they didn’t appreciate our services, thanks to these meetings it changed,.
Special thanks to Abe Friedman who is always ONLY a phone call away we helped us countless times to make sure the lines of communications are always open, hashem should pay u pack.