News from the Holmdel Police Department

Holmdel Police to Host “National Night Out” Celebration

The Holmdel Township Police Department, joining other police forces throughout the nation, will host a community event on August 6, 2019 to celebrate National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign established in 1984 that promotes positive police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to support safer, more caring places to live. Each year on the first Tuesday in August, millions of citizens participate in National Night Out in thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide. Celebrations include block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and much more.

Here in Holmdel, the celebration will begin at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 6 at Holmdel Town Hall, 4 Crawfords Corner Road. Come out and join families, friends, and neighbors for a special evening designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit throughout the township and recognize the partnership between Holmdel police officers and the community. There will be games, food, fun activities, a Police K-9 demonstration, and more. Prepare to get creative and decorate your own luminaries to help light up the night at Memorial Circle outside town hall, and take one home with you. After the illuminated circle has been completed, overhead drone photos will be taken to memorialize what is sure to be a terrific night out!

Honoring Fallen Officers at Memorial Service

On May 21, members of the Holmdel Township Police Department offered a solemn salute to officers killed in the line of duty by attending the 35th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ. Holmdel attendees included Police Chief John Mioduszewski, Captain Frank Allocco, Lt. Jeff Ackerson, Lt. Robert Philhower, Sgt. Charles Groder, Det. Sgt. Edward Martinez, Det. Andrew Kret, Det. Eric Hernando, Ptl. Christopher Broglia, Ptl. Brian O’Keefe, Ptl. David D’Arcy, and Ptl. Thomas Struble.

Founded in 1984 by former Holmdel Police Chief R. Bruce Phillips, the ceremony was initially held for years at the PNC Bank Arts Center, formerly the Garden State Arts Center, before moving to the historic Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. The memorial service honors all officers who have lost their lives protecting and serving citizens across New Jersey. At the ceremony, the fallen are recognized with black sheets placed over empty chairs, with a rose positioned on each seat. Sadly, there were six new chairs added at this year’s ceremony, remembering the “end of watch” for the New Jersey police officers, FBI agent, and state trooper who died in service in 2013, 2016, 2017, and three in 2018.

Hundreds of police officers and honor guard members from throughout the Garden State participated in the beautiful and tremendously moving ceremony, which also featured high school band and choir performances. Asbury Park Police Officer Tyron McAllister sang “You Raise Me Up” while Officer Michelle Koroseta and the Florence Police Department performed “Amazing Grace: The Policeman’s Tribute.” Keynote speakers included New Jersey’s 61st Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, and John Ciuppa, the president of the Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors.

Residents Urged to Join Neighborhood Watch

Over 20 years ago, a Holmdel resident asked the police for a way to better communicate with her neighbors after burglaries had been committed close to her home. Thus began Holmdel’s Neighborhood Watch Program, which has grown over the years to include 80 groups throughout the township.

The primary function of Neighborhood Watch is “Watching Out, Helping Out,” encouraging residents to act as the eyes and ears of the police department by being more aware of activities around them as they go about their normal routines. Participants are instructed to promptly report any unusual activity as accurately as possible to the authorities. Criminals find it difficult to operate in any area where citizens take an active role in preventing crimes. Neighborhood Watch is a cooperative effort among responsible citizens to improve security for themselves, their families, and their property.

With new developments being built in recent years, new families moving in, and older families moving out, the Holmdel Neighborhood Watch Program is always seeking to start groups in areas where none have been established or to refresh existing groups. If you would be interested in becoming a Neighborhood Watch Captain or wish to join an existing group, email Lt. Michael Pigott at mpigott@holmdelpolice.org or 732-946-9690, ext. 1742.

Internship Program

With the start of the new school year fast approaching, it’s worth noting that the Holmdel Police Department participates in an internship program with area colleges. For more information, contact Sgt. Charles Groder at cgroder@holmdelpolice.org or 732-946-2820, ext. 1703 or Captain Frank Allocco at fallocco@holmdelpolice.org or 732-946-2820, ext. 1723.

Vacation House Checks

It’s still summer vacation season – and soon enough, it will be holiday vacation season, too. Did you know that the Holmdel Police Department offers a House Check program? When you are going to be away from your home for a period of time, you can contact the department and request a house check. Officers patrolling your neighborhood will check your home each day while you are away and alert you if they discover any problems. Submit a request form for the House Check program online at www.holmdeltownship-nj.com/FormCenter/Police-12/House-Check-Form-65.

Police Explorer Home Run Derby is a Hit

The Holmdel Police Department recently hosted a special event with hopes of hitting it out of the park for the Holmdel Police Explorers program. On June 15, the police held a Home Run Derby for kids in three different age groups: 7-9 years, 10-12 years, and 13+ years, with trophies presented to the first and second place winners. The fee to participate was $10 per batter and all funds raised will help purchase new gear for members of the Holmdel Township Police Explorers, a career education program for young men and women who are at least 14 years old and graduates of the eighth grade, or 15 to 20 years old. Participants gain insight to law enforcement and are able to experience firsthand the life of a police officer. Police Explorers learn leadership, life skills, character education, service learning, and hands-on career activities.

The Holmdel Police Explorers program is open to young adults from Holmdel Township and the surrounding area. They conduct monthly meetings and give training in such areas as first aid, traffic control, self-defense, and crime prevention. They also conduct a “ride-along” program, in which the Explorers ride with Holmdel Police Officers during a regular tour of duty.

If you have questions about the Holmdel Police Explorers or would like to join, email Ptl. Matthew Menosky at mmenosky@holmdelpolice.org or Ptl. Thomas Struble at tstruble@holmdelpolice.org. They can both also be reached by calling 732-946-4400.

Stay Informed

For ongoing updates, breaking news, and alerts from the Holmdel Township Police Department, visit www.holmdelpolice.org and be sure to follow Holmdel Township Police Department on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/holmdelpolice/.

(Photo credit: Holmdel Township Police Department)