Volunteer Concerns About Plan To Consolidate Middletown First Aid Squads And Potential Shift To Paid First Responders

I received an email recently from a Middletown First Responder, who is concerned about a plan between Township and First Aid officials, which will consolidate the town’s 5 Independent First Aid Squads (Fairview, Middletown, Port Monmouth, Leonardo and Lincroft) from 5 down to 3. This person, due to their current involvement in one of these squads, has asked me to keep their identity to myself so as not to result in any personal repercussion from the leaders of their current squad or ridicule from township officials. I assured this person that I would and I am passing on their concerns after I reached out to a few people, which might be able to shed more light onto this person’s concern.

Here’s a snippet of what was in the email I received:

“Mr. Fiore wants these 5 squads to “consolidate” down to 3 regionalize buildings operating as one entity. The issue in this is the Bayshore squads will be the ones closing. Lincroft and Fairview will stay operating as usual and Middletown, Port Monmouth, and Leonardo will merge into one squad at a central location. So now volunteers will have a longer distance to travel to their squad buildings to pick up the ambulance and also the ambulance will have a longer response time to certain Northside neighborhoods.

There are many other issues to lesser affect; such as time pride and tradition of each individual squad the oldest dating back to 1933. There are also issues that each individual squad has their own tax-exempt number and bank accounts. They all own their own buildings and vehicles.

Mr. Fiore has told the EMS department that his plan for this consolidation will be in place by the end of the year…”

After reading this, I understand the concern. After all, I happen to live on the north side of town and could be adversely affected by such a change if response time is delayed due to the location of the newly consolidated squads. Available first responders, who live close to their squads, will have to travel to the new location and may not be able to do so in a timely manner, delaying responses.

What I found after reaching out to others for some background, was indeed eye opening.

A plan for the consolidation of Middletown’s First Aid squads go back a long time; possibly as far back as the 1980’s but until recently, discussions have never advanced much past the talking stages. I also confirmed with others, the plan is indeed to consolidate the Leonardo, Middletown and Port Monmouth First Aid Squads into one unit, while leaving Fairview and Lincroft untouched. So while Tony Fiore may be pushing this, by no means was it his initial idea; Squad leadership has been thinking about this for a long time and appears to approve of it. This doesn’t seem to be the case however with rank and file volunteer members, I was told.

Many of the rank and file first aiders are longtime volunteers, with 10 or more years of service (there are some that have been on the job for over 20) that vehemently disagree with the direction the squad leadership is moving. These first aiders take great pride in their volunteerism and knowledge that they are helping the communities they live in. They don’t think this consolidation is a good idea because moral has been effected and it’s bad for the local communities that the squads service. They feel like they are being phased out by the powers that be, in favor of paid first responders. I was told that if the consolidation happens, there are some who feel that they will just walk away after already putting in their time.

So why would the Middletown First Aid Squads consolidate like this if so many of the general members disagree with the idea? That seems to be a complex question with a complex, multi-layered answer.

The main reason sighted for the consolidation was manpower. The number of EMS volunteers has been dwindling over the years and it’s been hard to cover weekday hours with volunteers.  As a result of the lack ofavailable daytime volunteers (I’ve been told that the nightshift and weekends are adequately staffed, near 98% staffed at Middletown), Middletown has contracted with Middletown Emergency Medical Service (MEMS), a, “non-profit organization formed by the five volunteer First Aid Squads of Middletown Township and will be the primary organization dispatched to respond to EMS calls during its hours of operation on weekdays….”. It should be stated that MEMS is a “paid” service (just as MONOC Paramedics); MEMS, will bill your insurance company for any services rendered while on a call, including transportation to the hospital via ambulance. Whereas, if one of the current 5 First Aid Squads respond, there is no charge I’m told.  

It’s been theorized by those I’ve reached out to, the move to MEMS was the first step in eliminating the all the volunteer members of the First Aid Squads in favor of a full time paid service, that costs the Township of Middletown nothing to support. Which would appear to be a big reason why Tony Fiore and some others, would support and push for the consolidation of the squads.

I am not sure if consolidating First Aid Squads is a good idea. It will no doubt lead to some delays in response time. And if the plan and ultimate goal is to eliminate the volunteers and replace those with a full-time, paid response service, then that opens up a whole other can of worms for the volunteers and residents alike. And I haven’t even touched on the original emailers concern regarding the assets of each Squad and what would happen to them.

This is definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming months but to avoid all this, what is really needed is for more people to volunteer and join their local First Aid Squad.

2/19/19 Tony Fiore & 911 Safety: What Price Should We Put On Life?

How much does a life cost and what price would you put on it?

I'm asking this question because after viewing the video from Tuesday night's Middletown Township Committee meeting, I was left slightly stunned after hearing Deputy Mayor Tony Fiore's public comment regarding a recent stabbing that took place in North Middletown at McMahon Park.

During Committee Comments, Tony Fiore addressed social media criticism about an alleged delayed  response time by Middletown police after the stabbing in McMahon Park last week. The delay was blamed on the Monmouth County 911 dispatch operator not being able to identify the location of McMahon Park. Fiore then assured those listening that there really wasn't a delay and that police were on the scene in less than 4 minutes after the call came through.

Fiore then continued to state that he asked for some statistics and found that since Middletown turned over it's own 911 system to the County in 2016 via a shared- service agreement, the township had saved a "few million dollars". He said that since that time there has been 101,000 calls to 911 that the County dispatch had received, of those calls, 93,689 were actual emergencies and of those calls, ONLY 16 were delayed due to a wrong address or the need for additional information or clarification from the 911 dispatch operators. He then stated that those 16 delays represented  less than .07% of all calls and gloated, saying that he thought that it, turning our 911 call center over to the County,  has been a good deal.

I say Bullshit!

If 1 life was lost or 1 person suffered unnecessarily due to delayed response times from a 911 call center, which resulted in a  life long complications, than it isn't worth the money saved.

How can you look into someones eyes,  who lost a loved one or suffered needlessly, with a straight face and say it was worth it? You can't ... but I'd like to see our deputy-mayor attempt to explain it to someone who has experienced such a loss or tragedy.

I'm sure that if he or someone he cared about, was affected by a delay in response time after calling 911 for help, because the dispatcher on the other end of the phone was unfamiliar with an area or gave first responders the wrong information, he'd be the first to want answers and accountability from those involved. And I bet afterwards, he wouldn't think it was such a good deal.






Update 2/27/19:

It was brought to my attention last week, that the incident that I had mentioned above, the stabbing at McMahon Park,  may not have been the social media incident that lead Tony Fiore to make his comments that have been posted in the video. More than likely it was a different account of a recent event that taken place at McMahon Park a day or so prior to the reporting of the stabbing by the Asbury Park Press, which had a delayed response from 911.  The social media post was apparently
taken down sometime after initial posting but thanks to a forward thinking individual, there was a screenshot taken, which I have posted.  I apologize for any confusion.

Two be fair to the 911 operator who was involved in this incident, I will give the benefit of doubt to them, the name of McMahon Park was misspelled in the social media post as "McMann". If the caller spelled out the name of the park to the 911 operator wrongly,  then I can understand the confusion but not necessarily the delay. Any police officer or dispatcher in Middletown should know where a McMahon/McMann park is without hesitation. The name of the park is pronounced, as far as I know and others are concerned as, McMann, there is only one.  If that was the case, then all the dispatcher needed to do was inform local authorities of the incident at "McMann" park and send the help that was requested.

 

President Obama's Weekly Address 9/10/16: Upholding the Legacy of Those We Lost on September 11th

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama marked the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and paid tribute to the victims, survivors, first responders, and those who have served our country. The President said that although a lot has changed over the past 15 years, the core values that define us as Americans have remained the same. As Americans we are resilient, we will never give into fear, and we will always look out for one another. Our strength is in our diversity, our welcoming of all talent, and our fair treatment of everyone – no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or faith. The President said that’s part of what makes our country great – and if we uphold those values, we will carry on the legacy of those we lost and keep our nation strong and free.

Remarks of President Barack Obama as Prepared for Delivery

Weekly Address

The White House

September 10, 2016

Fifteen years ago, a September day that began like any other became one of the darkest in our nation’s history. The Twin Towers were reduced to rubble. The Pentagon was in flames. A Pennsylvania field burned with the wreckage of an airplane. And nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost. Sons and daughters, husbands and wives, neighbors and colleagues and friends. They were from all walks of life, all races and religions, all colors and creeds, from across America and around the world.

This weekend, we honor their memory once more. We stand with the survivors who still bear the scars of that day. We thank the first responders who risked everything to save others. And we salute a generation of Americans—our men and women in uniform, diplomats and our intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement professionals -- who serve, and have given their lives, to help keep us safe.

A lot has changed over these past 15 years. We’ve delivered devastating blows to the al Qaeda leaders that attacked us on 9/11. We delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. We’ve strengthened our homeland security. We’ve prevented attacks. We’ve saved lives.

At the same time, the terrorist threat has evolved, as we’ve seen so tragically from Boston to Chattanooga, from San Bernardino to Orlando. So in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and beyond, we’ll stay relentless against terrorists like al Qaeda and ISIL. We will destroy them. And we’ll keep doing everything in our power to protect our homeland.

As we reflect on these past 15 years, it’s also important to remember what has not changed—the core values that define us as Americans. The resilience that sustains us. After all, terrorists will never be able to defeat the United States. Their only hope is to terrorize us into changing who we are or our way of life. That’s why we Americans will never give in to fear. And it’s why this weekend we remember the true spirit of 9/11. We’re still the America of heroes who ran into harm’s way; of ordinary folks who took down the hijackers; of families who turned their pain into hope. We are still the America that looks out for one another, bound by our shared belief that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. /p>

In the face of terrorism, how we respond matters. We cannot give in to those who would divide us. We cannot react in ways that erode the fabric of our society. Because it’s our diversity, our welcoming of all talent, our treating of everybody fairly—no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or faith—that’s part of what makes our country great. It’s what makes us resilient. And if we stay true to those values, we’ll uphold the legacy of those we’ve lost, and keep our nation strong and free. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

COLONEL JEFF CANTOR, CANDIDATE FOR MONMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF, CALLED TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2016



HAZLET – Colonel Jeff Cantor, candidate for Monmouth County Sheriff, has been called to serve overseas in Slovenia. Cantor will be in command of approximately 1,900 soldiers from ten different nations. His mission is to teach emergency management, disaster response, and counter-terror operations to the allied nation’s military forces.

“When the country calls, I drop everything to fulfill our nation’s request. I am proud to do so,” said Colonel Cantor. He will be away for the next 3 weeks. While he is gone his team will sponsor a program called #OnDutyForJeff, asking people to campaign for him while he is overseas.

Cantor is a formidable opponent to his incumbent rival. His invaluable military experience has prepared him for the difficult tasks he could face as the next Monmouth County Sheriff. In 2011, Cantor started the Marlboro Sunshine Fund, benefiting local veterans.. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, he raised over $100,000 for veterans and their families.

The colonel enlisted in the Army in 1985 as a Private First Class, after which he became commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. Cantor holds four military occupational specialties in Infantry, All-Source Intelligence, Imagery Intelligence, and Civil Affairs. He served in various units both in active duty and in the Army Reserves. He currently holds the rank of Colonel (0-6) in the Army Reserve.

As sitting Marlboro Councilman and liaison to the Marlboro police department, Cantor has been at the forefront on improving public safety in town, while increasing resources available to police department. He was instrumental in getting the Certified Emergency Response Team started in town and has worked closely with first responders. As the current heroin epidemic paralyzes our communities, Cantor’s time as an EMT provides him with the insight and know-how to confront this issue head on.

To participate in #OnDutyforJeff please contact meghan@monmouthstrong.com or call 732-739-8888.

Jeff Cantor is a member of the US Army Reserve. The use of his military rank, job title, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of The Army or the US Department of Defense.

Pallone’s SANDy Act Passes Communications and Technology Subcommittee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2016

Legislation to improve Communications during Disasters will likely receive Full Energy and Commerce vote next week.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act – or the SANDy Act, passed the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), the Senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the legislation earlier this year to help ensure the resiliency of the nation’s communications networks during emergencies. During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of telecommunications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television, and internet services. This created a dangerous barrier to emergency response and recovery for residents and towns.

“I am proud that the SANDy act continues to move forward and one step closer to helping first responders, businesses and private citizens communicate during disasters,” said Pallone. “In New Jersey, we learned firsthand during Hurricane Sandy the importance of telecommunications during an emergency. Making a call for help is difficult when the power is out, and when the cell towers are also down, it can be nearly impossible.”

When Hurricane Sandy ripped through New Jersey three years ago, nearly one in four cell towers were knocked out. In some of the hardest hit areas of the state, as many as half of the towers went down – many of them stayed down for weeks.

“The SANDy Act would recognize the critical role that all communications providers—broadcasters, cable, and telecommunications—serve in emergencies, but most notably, the bill would ensure consumers have access to wireless service even if their particular wireless network goes down,” said Pallone. “We need to be better prepared because no one should be left with silence on the other end of the call when they dial 9-1-1.”

Among other things, this legislation would:

· Make sure that during an emergency consumer cell phones work on other carriers’ networks if their own network goes down, giving priority to calls to 9-1-1 services and emergency alerts;

· Increase coordination between wireless carriers, utilities, and public safety officials;

· Begin a process to provide 911 services over Wi-Fi hotspots during emergencies;

· Make sure all communication providers—radio, TV, and phone—can fix outages faster, even across state lines; and

· Launch an expansive study of the future of network resiliency.

Pallone Joins 9/11 First Responders and NJ & NY Colleagues at Ground Zero to Call for Zadroga Reauthorization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2015

LONG BRANCH, NJ – As the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks approaches, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a bipartisan group of his New Jersey and New York colleagues called on Congress to prevent the expiration of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The Members of Congress were joined by first responders and survivors at Ground Zero. Reauthorization of the legislation would ensure first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center continue to receive the monitoring and care they need. Pallone is an original co-sponsor of the bill and, as the lead Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been integral in securing a June hearing and advancing the bill.

"On 9/11, first responders answered our call for help when we needed them most. Yet, with the 14th anniversary approaching, many are still forced to deal with the enduring after-effects of their service at Ground Zero. We owe it to them to reauthorize the Zadroga Act so they can continue to receive the care they rely on,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am glad we were able to secure a hearing in my Committee, which was a critical first step toward passage. But as the anniversary approaches and as expiration of the program draws closer every day, Congress must redouble its efforts and renew its commitment to our 9/11 heroes.”

In addition to his efforts to advance the legislation in his Committee, Pallone has consistently made it a priority to call attention to the need for reauthorization. Prior to the June hearing, Pallone toured and held a press conference with first responders at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program clinic at EOHSI in Piscataway, NJ.

In 2011, the bipartisan James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 was signed into law, establishing the WTC Health Program and the Nationwide Provider Network and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The programs provide the thousands of 9/11 responders and their survivors with medical treatment for 9/11-related health conditions and economic compensation for losses resulting from the attack. Without reauthorization, the WTC Health Program will expire in October of this year and the VCF will expire in 2016.

In addition to providing health care services, the legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research into new conditions that may be related to the attacks and to evaluate emerging methods of diagnosis and treatment. The program builds on the expertise of the Centers of Excellence, which are currently providing high-quality care to thousands of responders and ensuring ongoing data collection and analysis to evaluate health risks.

Pallone Gets Progress Report on JerseyNet, Disappointed that Christie Refused to Allow Important New Jersey Testimony

WASHINGTON, DC – At a hearing today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, got a progress report on JerseyNet, a dedicated radio network to improve communications amongst first responders in New Jersey. In response to a line of questions from Pallone, T.J. Kennedy, Acting Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), stated that JerseyNet is making terrific progress, is on track to be completed by the September 30 deadline, and that the JerseyNet system is a great platform for FirstNet to learn from. Despite the positive progress report on JerseyNet, Pallone expressed his disappointment that Governor Chris Christie refused to allow JerseyNet to testify at today’s hearing. The hearing was held in the Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

“I am not only pleased that JerseyNet is one of the first of its kind to be deployed in the country, but also that it will improve critical public safety in New Jersey’s emergency response network,” said Congressman Pallone. “As we knew when I worked to secure the funding to create the program, clear lines of communication are crucial to our first responders and stronger communications networks will save lives.”

Pallone was a leading advocate in securing a grant from the Department of Commerce to create JerseyNet in 2011. JerseyNet, New Jersey’s FirstNet program, benefits 51 public safety agencies that serve a population of more than 4.5 million people.

“I’m disappointed that Governor Christie refused to permit JerseyNet to testify today,” added Pallone. “By all accounts, JerseyNet is a model for the rest of country and the nation could have benefited from learning from our experiences. I wish Governor Christie agreed.”

The 9/11 Commission identified first responders’ inability to communicate with each other across multiple jurisdictions as a major problem on 9/11. In response, Congress moved forward with establishing dedicated radio spectrum for use by first responders, removing communications barriers.

JerseyNet will be a dedicated public safety wireless broadband network, allowing 167 local law enforcement agencies and 224 fire departments access to the network. The network also provides the capability for streaming patient data from paramedics to hospital personnel, fingerprint and mug shot information, mobile access for firefighters to building blueprints and more.

Pallone and First Responders Call on Congress to Pass 9/11 Health Legislation in Advance of Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2015

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – In advance of a June 11th hearing on legislation to ensure first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center continue to receive the monitoring and care they need, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today toured and held a press conference at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program clinic at Rutgers. Pallone called on Congress to pass the legislation, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. Pallone is an original co-sponsor of the bill and, as the lead Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been integral in securing the upcoming hearing and advancing the bill.

“On 9/11, first responders answered our call for help when we needed them most. Now, we owe it to them to reauthorize the Zadroga Act so they can continue to receive the care they need and deserve as they deal with the after-effects of their service at Ground Zero,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am encouraged by the many hardworking and resilient groups dedicated to the cause, and I look forward to the hearing, which will help shine even more light on the necessity to reauthorize this vital legislation.”

The tour and press conference were held at the WTC Program clinic at Rutgers’ Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) in Piscataway. The program at Rutgers, which is treating over 4,800 responders or survivors, was created by the Zadroga Act and will expire in 2016 if Congress does not reauthorize the bill.

Congressman Pallone was joined by first responders and patients; Dr. Iris Udasin, Medical Director, EOHSI Clinical Center; Rob Beattie, 2nd District Vice President, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey; Tim Duetsch, Central District VP, New Jersey State Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association; and members of other labor groups.

Dr. Udasin and one of her patients who was also in attendance, David Howley, will testify at the June 11 hearing on Capitol Hill.

In 2011, the bipartisan James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 was signed into law, establishing the WTC Health Program and the Nationwide Provider Network and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The programs provide the thousands of 9/11 responders and their survivors with medical treatment for 9/11-related health conditions and economic compensation for losses resulting from the attack. Without reauthorization, the WTC Health Program and the VCF will expire in 2016.

In addition to providing health care services, the legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research into new conditions that may be related to the attacks and to evaluate emerging methods of diagnosis and treatment. The program builds on the expertise of the Centers of Excellence, which are currently providing high-quality care to thousands of responders and ensuring ongoing data collection and analysis to evaluate health risks.

Pallone Announces $36,100 in Federal Funding for First Responders in Asbury Park & Keyport

WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Asbury Park Fire Department has been awarded $24,700 and the Keyport Fire Department has been awarded $11,400 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The AFG program is part of a coordinated, ongoing effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations.

"It is critical that our brave first responders have all the tools necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves in the case of an emergency,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am very pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has selected Asbury Park and Keyport to receive these federal grants. These funds will enhance the response capabilities of our emergency personnel, making our community an even safer place to live.”

Grants under the AFG program are awarded directly to fire departments and non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations for emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. In Fiscal Year 2013, the AFG program will provide approximately $320 million in competitive grants to first-responder organizations.

On Anniversary of 9/11, Pallone Announces Support for 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Legislation

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement to declare his support for reauthorization legislation that provides health care and compensation for the more than 60,000 9/11 first responders and area residents and workers who continue to suffer from health conditions associated with the side effects caused by exposure to toxins at Ground Zero:

“Although more than a decade has passed since 9/11, the brave men and women who risked their lives to report for duty at Ground Zero on that fateful morning, as well as the weeks and months that followed, are still experiencing adverse health effects,” said Pallone. “I am proud to announce my intention to co-sponsor reauthorization legislation so that vital health care services and deserved compensation can be provided to our heroes who chose to run toward the fire and smoke that day, not away from it. Now, in their time of need, we must not run away from them. This critical program should be extended without delay.”

Without congressional action, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which passed Congress back in 2010, will expire in 2015. The legislation created a health program that provides monitoring and treatment for those suffering from adverse health effects, as well as a compensation fund for economic damages and loss for individuals and first responders who became ill from the toxins at Ground Zero.

Congressman Pallone served as the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health in 2010 when the original law passed. He helped author and secure passage of the Zadroga Act after eight years of examination of the public health effects of 9/11.

A Sense of History

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter

July 20th marked the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The idea of going to the moon was daring and maybe even quixotic, but true to our traditional American character: thoroughly optimistic.

A sense of our history helps us understand whether we are making progress in things like science, research, protecting the environment, and the humanities, but it also helps us understand whether we are making progress as a country. In some ways, yes. We are conducting some of the most ingenious research that is helping people understand our universe. We are making in America some of the most innovative things that are sought after, even essential in the modern world. But with a sense of history we must also ask: are we true today to our traditional American character? Specifically, I find myself asking, is Congress staying true to that American tradition of optimism?

Think about the Morrill Act of 1862, which established out nation’s land grant college system, including Rutgers University, to advance research, agriculture, and commerce. In 1863, President Lincoln also signed the law creating the National Academy of Sciences, chartered not just as an honorific, but as a working agency to help the country grow in a smart way. Both were passed at a very difficult time – during the Civil War – when it was not obvious that the country could afford to do so.

These creations were optimistic – as were the GI Bill and the Civil Rights Act, about which I have written to you recently, and so many other public programs. The history of the U.S. is a history of enormous economic, social, technological, and cultural optimism. Our indisputable success as a nation over two centuries shows that our optimism has been well justified, and a good case can be made that American optimism has a lot to do with American success. I still find among most Americans that traditional optimism, despite some economic hard times, but our government at present does not match that optimism. I regret that so much of the talk in Washington is about what we cannot do, what our deficit - or our obsessions with it - will not allow us to do. Just imagine if at this time of near-zero interest rates, we invested boldly in education, infrastructure, and research! (From my remarks at a reception earlier this month.)

Supporting Our First Responders

Last week, I successfully assisted Fire District No. 1 in Franklin Township, Somerset County, in securing a $450,242 federal grant to replace outdated firefighting equipment.

I often visit with local first responders and see firsthand how important it is that they have the right training and equipment to keep us safe. Saying "thanks" to firefighters is only part of the support they need. Equipment and training take money.

Upcoming Academy Nomination Deadline

America’s military service academies provide a four-year college education, with full scholarship, to young men and women who pledge to serve as the next generation of leaders in the U.S. military services. I am currently accepting application for upcoming academy nominations, and welcome applicants from all areas of the 12th District. The information packet and application form are available on my website, and October 1, 2014 is the deadline to submit all materials. For questions and additional information, please email Zainab Chaudary on my staff at Zainab.Chaudary@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/20/13: America Stands with the City of Boston

WASHINGTON, DC— In his weekly address, President Obama spoke to the American people about the act of terror at the Boston Marathon that wounded dozens and killed three innocent people on Monday, and said that through it all, Boston’s spirit remains undaunted and Americans have proven they refuse to be terrorized. This past week, first responders, race volunteers, doctors and nurses, and the good people of Boston joined together to show the world how Americans respond to evil: with resilience and resolve, and without fear. And that’s the way Boston and America will move forward together.

President Obama's Weekly Address 11/22/12:Wishing the American People a Happy Thanksgiving

WASHINGTON, DC—During this holiday season, President Obama gave thanks in his weekly address for all of the blessings we share as Americans, and expressed his gratitude to the brave men and women who are defending our freedom around the world. As we come together to spend time with those we love, we also stand with those who are less fortunate this year, including our fellow Americans in the northeast who lost so much during the recent storm. This Thanksgiving, friends, family, and community will gather in the spirit of unity and look out for those less fortunate – to pull each other up and move forward together.

President Obama's Weekly Address 11/3/12 : Recovering and Rebuilding after the Storm

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama thanked the brave first responders and National Guardsmen for their tireless work through one of the worst storms in our nation’s history, and reassured the millions of Americans affected by Sandy that our country will be there for them as we work towards recovery. The President and his team continue to work with state and local partners to make sure that all available resources continue to be made available to support ongoing response and recovery. Already thousands of FEMA personnel and over ten thousand National Guardsmen are deployed in affected states to support the Governors and their teams. At the President’s direction, agencies are moving assets as quickly as possible, ensuring red tape is not standing in the way of making sure state and local responders have the federal resources they need. Now it is time for all Americans to join together so that we can recover, rebuild, and come back stronger than before.

M'town Newsflash 10/26/12: Preparing for Hurricane Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy threatens to hit New Jersey as it moves up through the Atlantic in the days ahead Middletown Township has planned for what could happen as the storm reaches us early next week.

Township officials have begun readying township equipment including barricades, heavy equipment, chainsaws, pumps, generators and personnel. The township has set up the Township’s Emergency Operations Center as of Friday. Fire stations and first aid buildings will be manned as the storm gets closer. All emergency personnel are on standby by as the storm advances as well. The township is prepared to open its emergency shelter at Croydon Hall as needed. Please note the township shelter cannot accommodate pets.

Meanwhile, Middletown Township asks that residents make preparations before the storm hits as well. “I urge residents to prepare, plan and stay informed about the current weather situation,” said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore.

STAY INFORMED by registering to receive emergency alerts from Middletown Township. Residents can register through the town website at www.middletownnj.org. Alerts and updates are sent by text and e-mail. Please be sure to include your home or local address since messages are sometimes sent based on geographic location. Registration is not necessary to receive voice messages via landline phone. However, residents need to register their cell phone if they want to receive voice messages on their cells.

Updates will also be posted on the township website (www.middletownnj.org), the township television station (Comcast Channel 20 and Verizon Channel 26), Middletown Emergency Radio 1620 AM, Facebook at middletownnjtownhall and Twitter at middletownnj. Also, listen to local radio and television for the latest information on storms and other emergencies.

Residents should PREPARE for the upcoming storm now, said Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Rogers.

Assembling Kit of Emergency Supplies that includes batteries, a flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, and toiletries.

Secure your property. Put away lawn furniture, outdoor decorations and other items that could be affected by high winds and rain. Residents in low-lying areas are reminded to move vehicles to higher ground.

Residents with home generators need to be aware that they must be placed at least 20 feet away from any habitable structure when they are in use for safety reasons. Now is also a good time to start up the generator and make it is in working order, he said. It is also a good idea to have extra fuel stored in the appropriate containers on hand

Residents should also have an EMERGENCY PLAN in place. Know your evacuation routes. In addition, your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations, Rogers said.

An emergency plan should also include financial preparations. Consider your insurance and financial needs in the event of a disaster. Also, take time to prepare a household inventory. If an evacuation is necessary, be sure to have cash or credit cards at your disposal.

Please limit 9-1-1 calls to emergencies only. In the event of power outages that do not involve hazardous conditions, contact JCP&L directly at 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877).

Public Works reminds residents that leaves should not be placed at the curb more than 7 days before their scheduled pick up date and the schedule does not begin until November 13th.

Middletown OEM works closely with the School District, Monmouth County, federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, that could affect New Jersey’s families, communities and businesses.

Visit www.ready.nj.gov for more preparedness information.

President Obama's Weekly Address 9/8/12: Coming Together to Remember September 11th

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama marked the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks by remembering the innocent lives lost, and honoring the first responders and men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed to keep our country safe. In the difficult years following the attacks, the United States has come back stronger as a nation, decimated the leadership of al-Qaeda, ensured that Osama bin Laden will never attack America again, and strengthened our alliances across the world. Looking forward, we will continue to demonstrate that the legacy of 9/11 is that no adversary or act of terrorism can change who we are as Americans, and that we will always come together to preserve and protect the country we love.

Pallone Announces Grant to All-Volunteer First Responder Squad in Atlantic Highlands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 2, 2012

First Responders to Receive Funds for Improved Equipment and Training Opportunities


WASHINGTON D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) announced the Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Safety Squad will be awarded a $13,381 grant under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“Thanks to this grant, the Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Safety Squad will have more resources for training and equipment so they may continue to provide valuable, free medical services in the community,” said Pallone.

The AFG program is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security and is part of a coordinated effort to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergencies.

The Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Safety Squad is an all-volunteer emergency medical services and rescue operation which provides the Atlantic Highlands with free, around-the-clock emergency medical services. The Squad will be able to use the funds for training and equipment.

In 2011, under the U.S Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, the AFG Program delivered more than $380 million in competitive grants to the nation’s fire departments and first responders. The Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Safety Squad competed with fire departments and first responders throughout the country and were awarded funding based on the strength and success of the organization and their applications.

President Obama's Weekly Address 9/10/11: Coming Together as One Nation to Remember

President Obama marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and pays tribute to the first responders, those serving our nation in the military, and those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

Highlands Thanks Local PD, FD, EMS for Irene Response Sunday 9/11/11

Local officials in conjunction with Quick Check will host a "Welcome Back Highlands" celebration to thank Police, Fire, EMS and Volunteers for their hard work during Hurricaine Irene and welcome back local residents who had evacuated.


FREE REFRESHMENTS (INCLUDING PASTRIES AND COFFEE) WILL BE PROVIDED COMPLIMENTS OF QUICK CHEK - ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. FIRST RESPONDERS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES WILL ALSO BE TREATED AS GUESTS OF HONOR.

Where -Veteran’s Park, located near 20 Bay Ave Highlands NJ 07732 (Monmouth County)

When - Sunday, September 11th, 2011 at 4pm.

Why - Both the residents of Highlands, NJ and Quick Chek highly value the numerous contributions made to our community by our first responders and citizen volunteers during Hurricane Irene and wish to say thanks as well as bring the entire community together.


Press Contact: Councilman Connelly at 908-309-9598

President Obama's Weekly Address 8/27/11: Coming Together to Remember

WASHINGTON— In this week’s address, President Obama called on the American people to come together in the spirit of service and remembrance as we approach the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. All Americans can pay tribute to those who lost their lives during 9/11 by visiting Serve.Gov to find ways to help within their own communities. Through even the smallest of actions, we can reclaim the sense of unity that followed the attacks, and demonstrate that our sense of common purpose is just as strong today as it was ten years ago. Americans can once again come together to mark this solemn anniversary with service, and move towards a bright future as one nation.