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THE HISTORY OF THE
SOUTH PLAINFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
The South Plainfield Police Department was formed when the Borough of South Plainfield was established in 1926. The mission of the Department has always been to provide professional, effective and efficient police services to the residents and visitors of South Plainfield.
The Borough of South Plainfield is situated in the northern part of Middlesex County, and shares borders with the following municipalities: The City of Plainfield (Union County); the Township of Piscataway; the Township of Edison; and the Township of Scotch Plains (Union County).
HISTORY OF THE SPPD - TABLE OF CONTENTS
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MEMBERS OF THE SPPD RECEIVING AWARDS FROM THE 200 CLUB OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY |
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MEMBERS OF THE SPPD RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS |
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Early Police Officer in Uniform
One of the earliest known pictorial documentations of a South Plainfield Police Officer in uniform is this 1927 photo of SPPD Motorcycle Officer John R. Hogan. Standing next to him is Firefighter Jeff Sofield
Ray Deering working old desk - 1960 Officers Gene Sikanowicz, Ed Daly.
Chief Andrew Phillips, Ray Deering 1960
SECTION 1
THE POLICE STATION
Originally, the South Plainfield Police Station was located at 119 Hamilton Boulevard, which is now the home of private businesses. In 1961, the police department moved to then newly constructed Municipal Complex, located at 2480 Plainfield Ave., where it remains today.
Due to the increase in the number of personnel in the Police Department and increased need for space to house modern communications systems and equipment, periodic modifications have been made to the facility.
In 1996, what was once the main police entrance was closed off and rerouted to the nearby Borough Hall entrance. This was necessitated due to 
the expansion of the Emergency Services Communications Center.
In 2002, the Police Department moved into additional office space made available in Borough Hall. This increased space allowed for offices to be dedicated solely for operational purposes which resulted in a safer, more efficient work environment.
SECTION 2
THE COMMUNITY POLICING BUILDING
Starting in 1995, the D.A.R.E./Community Policing Officers called donated office space in the Middlesex Mall their home. This space not only gave officers assigned to this unit much needed office space, but provided a sub-station for the shopping public to stop by and talk to officers about a variety of concerns or interests. However, when the mall underwent renovations involving the removal of the interior/enclosed common area of the mall, this satellite office was no longer available and new office space for these officers was needed.
In 1999, Chief Steven A. Merkler and Officer Allen LaMonda were able to arrange for the Borough to take ownership of an old gas station building located at the corner of Hamilton Blvd. and New Market Ave. Officer LaMonda, Officer Joe Papa and members of our Public Works Department spent countless hours renovating the building, which these officers moved into in October of that year.
The costs for these renovations did not involve tax dollars, as many of the materials/labor were donated and forfeiture monies were utilized to fund the remainder of the project. The D.A.R.E./Community Policing Officers had a clean, renovated building that serves both the Police department and community needs.
In 2010, because of the economic downturn and the need to field operational units, the number of D.A.R.E. Officers was reduced, and the lone remaining D.A.R.E. Officer was reassigned to work from the main police station on Plainfield Ave. Their former home at the corner of Hamilton Blvd. and New Market Ave. has since been utilized to house other Borough Services.
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
GROWTH OF THE DEPARTMENT
The staffing of the Police Department increased over the years commensurate with the growth of private homes and commercial/industrial properties in the town and the increased workload resulting from this growth. While there have been many factors that contributed to the growth of South Plainfield, the construction of Interstate 287 in the late 1960's with entrance and exit ramps in South Plainfield as well as nearby communities played a significant role in changing the character of the Borough from a community of small single family homes and farms to one of a thriving suburb with homes in a variety of price ranges as well as a boom of industry and commercial establishments. In late 1960's to the early 1970's, the staffing of the Department increased from 36 to 52 sworn officers, where it remained until 1996, when the staffing of sworn officers increased to 56. In 2007, the Department briefly increased to 57 sworn members, which was its highest total ever. However in 2008, with the downturn in the economy and the need to reduce costs, the number of officers in the Police Department has been decreased, with numbers fluctuating anywhere from the mid/high 40's to the low/mid 50's.
In 2019, with the hiring of 6 new police officers, the SPPD reached 59 sworn police officers. Then in 2023, with the hiring of 3 additional officers, the SPPD reached a total of 61 police officers, which represents the highest number of police officers in the history of the SPPD.
1953 SPPD- Chief Philips, Sylvio Donatelli, William Sloan, Tulio Caparelli, Domenic Spinelli, Michael Oshanski, Leonard Riccardi, Daniel Spisso, Frank Cirigliano, Edward Ungaretta(Tyler), Bill DiSabato-Police Commissioner, top row(L-R) Joseph Spisso, Sacco(?), Robert Cobb, Al DellaValle.
1975-Chief Tyler
1979-84 Chief Boosman
1992-1996 Chief Muller
Labor Day 2007 Chief Ferraro
SECTION 5
HISTORY OF THE CHIEFS OF POLICE
Since its inception, there have been twelve individuals who have earned the honor and privilege of serving as Chief of the South Plainifield Police Department. Listed below is a chronological listing of each Chief of Police who has served the Borough as well as the time frame in which he served his capacity.
Chief Cornelius McCarthy 1926-1945 (deceased)
Chief Andrew A. Phillips 1946-1965 (deceased)
Chief Dominic Spinelli 1966-1973 (deceased)
Chief Michael Oschanski 1974 (deceased)
Chief Edward Tyler 1974-1979 (deceased)
Chief Frederick Boosman 1979-1984 (deceased)
Chief Thomas Boyle 1984-1991
Chief John A. Muller 1992-1996 (deceased)
Chief Steven A. Merkler 1997-2001
Chief Robert K. Merkler 2001-2005
Chief John F. Ferraro 2005-2010
Chief James Parker 2010-2023
Chief Peter J. Papa 2023-Present
SIDE NOTES:
*Chief Cornelius McCarthy served as Chief of Police of the
Piscataway Police Department prior to taking over the South
Plainfield Police Department in 1926.
*Chief Thomas Boyle served as President of the Middlesex County
Association of Chiefs of Police in 1988.
*Chief Robert K. Merkler served as President of the Middlesex County
Association of Chiefs of Police in 2004.
SECTION 6
HISTORY OF THE DEPUTY CHIEFS OF POLICE
The South Plainfield Police department has occasionally had members of the agency serve in the position of Deputy Chief of Police. The role of the Deputy Chief of Police is to take on certain day-to-day administrative duties as determined by the Chief; to represent the department during ceremonial functions; to attend events on behalf of the Chief which are in conflict with the Chief's schedule; to oversee large scale projects/operations; and to fill in for the Chief during any extended absences, such as vacations. Since 1926, only four officers have had the distinction of being appointed to this position. They are:
Michael Oschanski 1968-1973 (deceased)
Tulio "Chuck" Capparelli 1980-1983 (deceased)
Thomas Boyle 1983-1984
John Muller 1985-1991 (deceased)
SECTION 7
DEPARTMENT FIRSTS
The first officers appointed to the SPPD: Cornelious McCarthy (appointed as Chief of Police), Dominic Spinelli and William Sloan(1926)
First African American Officer: Edwin Daly (1954)
First K-9 Officers: John Gear & Al Gajarsky (1976)
First Clinical Social Worker: Gail Dougherty (1980)
First set of brothers to serve as Officers: Steven & Robert Merkler (1983)
First twin brothers to serve as Officers: Robert & Richard Rogers (1986)
First D.A.R.E. Officer: John Alles (1990)
First father/son to serve as Officers: Phillip & Vincent Campagna (1994)
First Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator: Gail Dougherty (1994)
First Female Officer: Sherlyn Courtney (1999)
First Latino American Officer: Roberto Vega (2000)
First full-time Bicycle Officer: David Franchak (2002)
First father/daughter to serve as Officers: Thomas & Taralyn Bullock (2003)
First brother/sister to serve as Officers: Mark & Taralyn Bullock (2003)
First civilian supervisor of the SPPD Communications Center: Bette Schiavi (2003)
First School Resource Officer: Daryl Strother (2007)
First Asian-Indian Officer: Neil Budhan (2019)
SECTION 8
FAMILY MEMBERS IN BLUE
Policing has many traditions, such as the desire to protect and to serve the community. This passion is often passed to siblings and/or children of police officers which leads to policing becoming a "family business". The South Plainfield Police Department is no stranger to this tradition. The desire of family members to not only emulate a parent or sibling and pursue a law enforcement career but to do so within the same Department is a credit to Department itself and the Borough. Since its inception, the South Plainfield Police Department has had many cousins and individuals related through marriage serve the Borough in the capacity of police officers. However, the first- time immediate family members (i.e., parents children, siblings) served as Police Pfficers with the SPPD was 1983, when Robert Merkler was sworn in as a police officer, joining his brother Steven who was already on the Department. Since that time, this tradition has blossomed and demonstrates that family plays an important and influential role in the development of those individuals that are closest to them.
Listed below are all of the "immediate" family members who are serving or have served as police officers with the South Plainfield Police Department. It is important to note that not all served simultaneously with their parent/sibling.
"IMMEDIATE' FAMILY MEMBERS TO SERVE WITH THE SPPD 
("Immediate" meaning parents, children, siblings)
Bullock: Thomas, Mark & Taralyn - Father & Son /Daughter
Bori: William & Daniel - Brothers
Brembt : John & Paul - Brothers
Campagna : Philip, Vincent & Joseph - Father & Sons
Cochrane: Bill & Chris– Father & Son
DeLair : Mark {deceased} & David– Brothers
Glowacki: Joseph & Michael - Brothers
Grasso : Antonio & Michael - Brothers
Hoppe : Michael & Daniel - Brothers
Magnani: Peter & Craig - Brothers
McConville : John & James - Brothers
Melanson: Justin & Zach - Brothers
Merkler : Steven & Robert - Brothers
Molinaro: Michael and Michael- Father & Son
Papa : Joseph & Peter - Father & Son
Petriello: John & Stephen - Father & Son
Piro : Peter & Michael - Father & Son
Rogers : Richard & Robert - Brothers
In addition to the list of "immediate" family members who currently serve with or have served with the SPPD, there are two other categories of relatives of current and/or retired (full pension) SPPD members that are noteworthy, which are:
1. SPPD members who have relatives (immediate or otherwise) that currently work or have worked for other law enforcement agencies;
and
2. Relatives of SPPD members further removed from the “immediate” standard, but who also serve with or retired with a full pension from the SPPD (brothers-in-law, newphews/nieces, etc).
RELATIVES TO SERVE WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OR “DISTANT” RELATIVES TO SERVE WITH THE SPPD
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Albertocki : George retired from the SPPD, while his father George L. {deceased} retired from the Newark PD.
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Alles : John and his great uncle Andrew Phillips {deceased} both retired from the SPPD.
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Arancio : Peter retired from the SPDD, while his son Marc is currently serving with the Middlesex Boro PD and his daughter, Michelle is currently serving with the SPPD as a 9-1-1 Communications Operator.
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Barone : Robert retired from the. His father Frank was a Police Officer in Throop, PA in 1957-1958. He currently has a cousin, Scott Moran serving with the Scranton, PA P.D. and a cousin Jeff Mackie who is retired from the Scranton, PA P.D.
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Bender : Robert H. is retired from the SPPD, while his son Robert J. is currently serving with the Middlesex County Department of Corrections.
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Bori: William and Daniel are brothers who were sworn in as SPPD Police Officers at the same time. Their father, John is retired from the NJ State Police.
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Bowden : Wayne is retired from the SPPD, while his son Robert retired from the Huntington Beach (CA) PD.
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Bowe : Wesley is currently serving with the SPPD while his uncle serves with a federal law enforcement agency and other members of his family serve with corrections organizations.
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Boyle & Bowden : Tom Boyle and Wayne Bowden are brothers-in-law who both retired from the SPPD.Budhan : Neil is currently serving with the SPPD while his father, Himant is employed by the NJ Dept of Corrections.
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Cady : William was killed in the line of duty while employed with the SPPD. His son Rhett retired from the Hollywood [FL] PD.
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Campagna : Philip and his son Vincent retireed from the SPPD. Philip has two other sons employed in law enforcement as well: Anthony is currently serving with the NJ Department of Corrections while Joseph is currently serving with the Port Authority PD.
- Capparelli: Tulio "Chuck" Capparelli (deceased) reitred from the SPPD, while his grandson Michael Hanley briefly served as a Sheriff's Officer with the Harford County (MD) Sheriff's Department.
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Cleary : Michael Jr. is currently serving with the SPPD, while his father Michael Sr. (deceased) retired from the East Orange PD.
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Clifford : Sean is currently serving with the SPPD, while his father William is retired from the Union City PD
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Colucci : Chris is currently serving with the SPPD, while his brother Nick is currently serving with the NJSP.
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Courtney : Sherlyn retired from the SPPD, while her father Gerald {deceased} retired from the Plainfield PD.
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Daly : Edwin {now deceased} retired from the SPPD, while his son Glen is currently serving with the Pennsylvania State Police.
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DeBiase : Frank is currently serving with the SPPD, while his father Joseph Jr. is retired from the NJSP, his grandfather Joseph Sr. {deceased} retired from Dunellen PD and his sister, Nicole is currently with the Somerville PD.
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Dellavalle : Albert is retired from the SPPD, while his son Mark is currently serving with the NJSP.
- Dziomba : Timothy is retired from the SPPD, while his son Brian is currently serving with the Monroe Twp. PD.
- Ferguson : Meredith is currently serving with the SPPD, while her brother Sean is a former member of the SPPD and is now serving with the Middlesex County College Police Department.
- Ferraro : John is retired from the SPPD, while his daughter Dana is currently serving with the East Brunswick Twp. PD.
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Franchak : Joseph and his nephew David are both retired from the SPPD.
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Fusaro : Frank is retired from the SPPD, while his father Rosario is retired from the North Brunswick PD.
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Green : George is retired from the SPPD, while his two brothers and two sisters are currently serving with various law enforcement agencies in Florida: Michael is with the Brevard County Sheriffs Department., Nick is retired from the the Coca Beach Police Department., Lisa is with the Orange County Sheriffs Department, & Laura is retired from the Orange County Department of Corrections.
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Hunter : Chante’ served with the SPPD from 2004 to 2012, while her father Darnell retired from the Plainfield PD.
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Jazikoff : Raymond retired from the SPPD while his wife Angel earned a disability pension while serving with the Middlesex Coundty Sheriff's Department.
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Kline : Gary retired from the SPPD, while his nephews Joseph and Michael Glowacki are currently serving on the SPPD. His cousin Brad Stover is retired from the Piscataway PD.
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LaVerne: Ken is retired from the SPPD, while his son Danny is currently serving on the Flagler County (FL) Sheriff's Department.
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Malecki & Diana : Ted Malecki and Wayne Diana are brothers-in-law, and both retired from the the SPPD.
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Marte : Rene III is currently serving with the SPPD, while his father Rene II retired from the Plainfield PD.
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Martin : Richard retired from the SPPD, while his cousin Jeffrey Martucci is currently serving with the NJSP and a relative Mike Daikalo is currently serving with Rahway PD.
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Merkler : Steven and Robert are both retired from the SPPD, while their brother Paul retired from the Hillsborough Twp. PD & their cousin Joe Braun is retired from the Middletown Twp. PD. Additionally, Robert’s son William is currently serving with the South Brunswick PD and his brother-in-law Stephen Ultsh is currently serving with the Palm Beach County [FL] Sheriffs Department.
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Muccigrossi : Gary {deceased} earned a disability pension while employed with the SPPD, while his brother, Robert, retired from the Plainfield PD.
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Murtagh: Kevin retired from the SPPD, while his father William {deceased} served for a period of time with the Lake Hopatcong PD and his uncle/godfather Walter Clarke {deceased} retired from the Newark PD. Kevin's son-in-law Tramane Miller is currently serving with the NJSP.
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Pellegrino : Ricky is currently serving with the SPPD, while his late Grandmother, Gloria Pellegrino, was part of the first group of civilian 9-1-1 Operators employed by the SPPD.
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Petriello : Stephen is currently serving with SPPD, while his father John is retired from the SPPD, and his uncle Joseph is retired from the Piscataway PD.
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Piro : Peter Sr. {deceased} retired from the SPPD, and he has three sons currently or formerly involved in law enforcement: Peter Jr. retired from the Monroe Twp. PD; David retired from the Piscataway Twp. PD; and Michael earned a disability pension while serving with the SPPD.
- Rogowski : Richard is retired from the SPPD, while his son-in-law Vincent Powers is currently serving with the Union County Sheriffs Department.
- Siedenburg : Charles is currently serving with the SPPD, while his son Christopher is serving with the Edison PD.
- Seider : Jacob is currently serving with the SPPD, while his father Jeff is retired from the Franklin Twp. PD
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Sikanowicz: Eugene {deceased} retired from the SPPD, while his grandson Michael is currently serving with the SPPD.
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Smialowicz : Walter is retired from the SPPD, His son Richard retired from the Westfield PD while his grandson Rick is serving with the NJ Department of Corrections.
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Wylam/Perhach : Paul Wylam retired from the SPPD while his stepson Stephen Perhach is currently serving with the SPPD.
- Yurinko/Cassio: Ronald {deceased} retired from the SPPD while his son-in-law Gary Cassio is currently serving with the SPPD.
SECTION 9
MAKING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE Police work is inherently dangerous and every time an officer answers a call for service or is asked to perform a law enforcement related task, his/her safety is at risk regardless of the nature of the call or function being performed. This risk is something each officer and his/her family must deal with each time the officer reports for duty. The officers serving the South Plainfield Police Department are not immune to the risks associated with the profession. The nature of the calls handled or tasks performed range from simply assisting a lost or stranded motorist to encountering individuals armed with weapons to handling emotionally disturbed people. On separate occasions, the South Plainfield Police Department has experienced the tragic loss of one of its "finest" in the performance of their duties. In a strange twist of fate, one of deaths occurred on top of the Stelton Road overpass of Interstate 287, while the other occurred on the entrance ramp to Interstate 287 where it intersects the Stelton Road overpass.
While these officers lost their lives many years ago, our thoughts and prayers are always with them and the families they left behind. Below is a synopsious of the lives of these brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice to the community they served. May they never be forgotten.
On 26 September 2009, through the efforts of South Plainfield Recreation Director Kevin Hughes and South Plainfield Police Athletic League President Detective Chris Colucci, the PAL Memorial Field located behind the PAL building was dedicated to the memories of SPPD Officers Richard H. Conklin and William J. Cady. Surviving family members and friends, many current and retired members of the SPPD as well as members of the public attended the dedication ceremonies. Family members unveiled the plaques containing the busts of these officers and brief history of each officer. These plaques are affixed to the entrance to the field for all who to see as they enter the facility.
RICHARD H. CONKLIN , Patrolman, Badge #23, was born on 11 October 1944 in Queens, N.Y. and graduated from South Plainfield (NJ) High School. Conklin served in Cuba and Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he received the National Defense Medal. After completing his tour of duty with the military, Conklin became a member of the South Plainfield (NJ) Police Department on 13 November 1967 and served in the Patrol Division for his entire career. It was while working in the capacity of a patrol officer that he was killed on 21 January 1972.
Conklin was directed to assist the local Rescue Squad in the transportation of a mentally ill patient. Conklin was riding in the rear patient compartment of the Rescue Squad vehicle when the patient, who had been restrained, broke free of the restraints, literally ripped Officer Conklin's firearm from his holster, and shot the officer twice. Officer Conklin died as a result of his wounds within moments of being shot. The circumstances of his death resulted in a nationwide review and subsequent revision of the then accepted practice of officers remaining armed while performing escort duties in the patient compartments of Rescue Squad vehicles.
During his five-year career, Conklin received numerous commendations and had earned the respect of his fellow officers, his superiors and the citizenry of the community he served.
His parents, Henry and Mary, and sisters Mary and Ethel survived him. He was engaged to be married to Patricia Ann Gratta at the time of his death. The Borough of South Plainfield named a local street in memory of Office Conklin. Officer Richard H. Conklin was 27 years of age at the time of his death.
(It should be noted that shortly after his sons’ death, Mr. Henry Conklin initiated a bulletproof vest fund drive to ensure that all of the officers of the South Plainfield Police Department were outfitted with vests.)
Richard Conklin with Philip Campagna
WILLIAM J. CADY , Patrolman, Badge #9, was born on 22 April 1945 and graduated from Woodbridge (NJ) High School. Cady served in Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corps. While in the military, he received a Good Conduct Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. After completing his tour of duty with the military, Cady became a member of the South Plainfield (NJ) Police Department on 24 February 1969 and served in the Patrol Division for his entire career. He was selected to become a member of the Tactical Response Squad, whose responsibility it was to target high crime areas. It was while working in this capacity that he was killed on 19 April 1975.
While conducting a routine traffic stop on an entrance ramp to Interstate Highway 287, he was struck by a passing vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Muhlenberg Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, despite the efforts of the medical staff, he passed away as a result of those injuries. The operator of that vehicle was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the crash.
During his six-year career, Cady received numerous commendations and had earned the respect of his fellow officers, his superiors and the citizenry of the community he served. In 1971, he received a commendation for single handily subduing two burglary suspects who had violently resisted arrest.
His wife, Jane, daughter Stephanie, and son Rhett survived him. The Borough of South Plainfield named a local street in memory of Officer Cady. Officer William J. Cady was 29 years of age at the time of his death.
Rhett Cady, Bills’ son, has followed in his fathers' footsteps, having served his country as a member of the United States Navy and retired as a police officer from the Hollywood, Fla. Police Department.
Last picture standing L to R: R.Yurinko,J.Muller, T.Boyle, F.Heyeck,F.Boosman,T.Malecki,D.MacDonald, P.Campagna, E.Colucci. Sitting L to R: C.Aniunas, T.Gold, B.Cady, J.Praul, W.Bowden, J.Sofield, J.Franchak, F.Wyckoff, T.Bullock.
NOTE: The names of these officers are permanently memorialized on the police monuments in both Washington D.C.and Monument Park of South Plainfield. Their names and their stories are also included in the registry of the "Officers Down Memorial Page", which can be accessed at: http://www.odmp.org .
Also, representatives from the South Plainfield Police Department have periodically made the trip to Washington D.C. during National Police Week to honor SPPD Officers Conklin and Cady. For more informaiton concerning National Police Week, you can visit the website for the "National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund" at: http://www.nleomf.org/programs/policeweek/ .
On September 26, 2009, through the efforts of South Plainfield Recreation Director Kevin Hughes and South Plainfield Police Athletic League President Detective Chris Colucci, the PAL Memorial Field located behind the PAL building was dedicated to the memories of SPPD Officers Richard H. Conklin and William J. Cady. Surviving family members and friends, many current and retired members of the SPPD as well as members of the public attended the dedication ceremonies. Family members unveiled the plaques containing the busts of these officers along with a brief history of each officer. These plaques are affixed to the entrance to the field for all to see as they enter the facility.
SECTION 10
RETIRED MEMBERS OF SPPD
SUBSECTION 10-A
MEMBERS OF SPPD WHO EARNED FULL
PENSION BENEFITS
The following is a roster of sworn members (living) that served on the SPPD and qualified for a full pension from the NJ Division of Pension and Benefits (minimum of 25 years of service):
George Albertocki, John Alles, Casmir Aniunas, Peter Arancio, Robert Barone, Gene Bataille, Robert Bender, Wayne Bowden, Thomas Boyle, John Brembt, Paul Brembt, Thomas Bullock, Phillip Campagna, Vincent Campagna, Garrett Cassio, William Cochrane, Sherlyn Courtney, Gerald Cvetko, James Darby, David DeLair, Wayne Diana, Timothy Dziomba, John Ferraro, James Foran, David Franchak, Joseph Franchak, Frank Fusaro, John Gear, George Green, Michael Grennier, Mark Hollain, Brian Iarrapino, Raymond Jazikoff, Gary Kline, Frank Knofel, Mathew Koep, Allen Lamonda, Michael Lane, Kenneth LaVerne, Kevin Lomonte, Joseph Lynch, Thaddeus Malecki, Richard Martin, John McConville, Robert Merkler, Steven Merkler, John Muller, Kevin Murtagh, William Newman, Daniel Noonan, Joe Papa, James Parker, John Petriello, Robert Pilukaitis, Michael Redden, Richard Rogers, Robert Rogers, Richard Rogowski, Richard Schenck, Karl Schuetz, Walter Smialowicz, Daryl Strother, Kenneth VanKleef, Roberto Vega, Fran Yurick and George Zampella.
The following are civilian staff members (living) who served the SPPD and earned a full pension from he Public Employees Retirement System:
Mary DeRose, Tim Kelly, Schanna MacDonald and Sandra Tharp.
SUBSECTION 10-B
MEMBERS WHO EARNED DISABLITIY PENSION BENFITS
OR OPTED FOR A DEFERRED PENSION
A disability pension is awarded by the NJ Division of Pension and Benefits and is available for officers who can no longer perform the duties of a police officer due to a serious injury or illness, and their condition qualifies them for this type of pension.
A deferred pension applies to officers who are vested in the pension system but leave the profession prior to being eligible for a full pension but choose to leave their pension contributions in the system. Personnel who opt for a deferred pension are eligible to receive a reduced pension starting at the age of 55.
The following members of the SPPD either earned a disability pension or opted for a deferred pension:
Brad Bullard, Kevin Krajniak, Gary Muccigrossi {deceased}, Charles Page {deceased} , Michael Piro, Anthony Schlack (deceased) , Ahmad Stuckey and John Wilson (deceased)
SUBSECTION 10-C
INDIVIDUALS WHO ONCE WORKED AS POLICE OFFICERS FOR SPPD BUT RESIGNED PRIOR TO EARNING ANY PENSION BENEFITS
It is not unusual for police officers in law enforcement agency to resign from that agency for one reason or another prior to being eligible for a any type of pension or choose not to opt for a deferred pension. The reasons for an officer leaving a law enforcement agency vary: some transfer to another law enforcement agency; others change career paths; while others relocate to other areas of the state or country. Regardless of the reasons, the fact that they once served the residents of South Plainfield make them a part of the history of the SPPD.
The following are the men and women who fall within this category:
Ronald Beekman {deceased}, William Buczek {deceased}, Tara Bullock, Joseph Campagna, Paul Cano,
Chris Cochrane, Ralph Cortese {deceased}, Jessica DeJesus, Ray Deering {deceased}, Silvio Donatelli {deceased}, Sean Ferguson, Al Gajarsky, Alan Hall {deceased}, John Hogan {deceased}, Chante' Hunter, Matthew Mahoney, Roy Middleton (deceased), Anthony Moretti, Doug Pierson, John Sabia, Tommy Sexton, Richard Smith, Danny Spisso, Joe Spisso {deceased}, and Gerry Starr {deceased}.
It should be noted that Silvio Donatelli resigned from the SPPD to become a Detective with the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, where he eventually rose through the ranks and became Chief of County Detectives.
SECTION 11
DECEASED MEMBERS OF SPPD
The following are the sworn members who retired from the SPPD (qualified for a full pension) and have since passed away or passed away while still a member of the SPPD:
Fred Boosmann (Ret.), William Cady (killed in the line of duty),Tulio Capparelli (Ret.), Anthony "Jake" Cataldo (Ret.), Frank Cirigliano (Ret.), Robert Cobb (Ret.), Richard Conklin (killed in the line of duty), Michael Cuminsky (Ret.), Edwin Daly (Ret.), Richard Dashuta, Joseph DeCarlo (Ret.), Mark DeLair, Albert Dellavalle (Ret.), Anthony DiCanto (Ret.), William Frink (Ret.), Frederick Heyeck (Ret.), John Hogan (Ret.), Joseph Lynch (Ret.) David MacDonald, Cornelious McCarthy(Ret.), John Muller (Ret.), Michael Oschanski, Charles Page (Ret.), Andrew Phillips (Ret.), Peter Piro Sr. (Ret), James Praul (Ret.), Leonard Riccardi (Ret.), Anthony Schlack (Ret.), Eugene Sikanowicz (Ret.), William Sloan (Ret.), Robert Smith (Ret.), Thomas Smith (Ret), Dominic Spinelli (Ret.), Charles Strassle (Ret.), Judson TenEyck (Ret.), William Thompson (Ret.), John Torsky (Ret.), Edward Tyler (Ret.), John Whalen (Ret.) Frank Wyckoff (Ret), Paul Wylam (Ret) and Ronald Yurinko (Ret.).
The following SPPD Officers earned a disability pension or opted for a deferred pension and have since passed away:
Gary Muccigrossi, Anthony Schlack and John Wilson
These names are affixed to the police memorial located in Monumental Park.
The following are the civilian staff members who retired from the SPPD and have since passed away or passed away while still employed with the SPPD: William Chapman (Ret.), Gail Dougherty, Marion Fulton (Ret.), Bette Schiavi and Eleanor Wascavage (Ret.).
SECTION 12
"SPECIAL" POLICE OFFICERS AND "RESERVE" POLICE OFFICERS
When the police department was originally formed in 1926, only three full-time police officers were initially appointed to the force. As you can imagine, with just three officers, it would have been nearly impossible for the entire Borough to be patrolled and the need of the community met on a 24 hour per day, seven days per week basis. To address this problem, South Plainfield did what many communities did during this era - they turned to its' residents for assistance. Sometime in the late 1920's or early 1930's (exact year unknown), an organization was formed to supplement the full-time police officers. The men in this organization were designated as "Special Police Officers" (commonly referred to as "Specials"). Years later, a second organization was formed to further supplement the police department with certain tasks that required less training/certification than that of a "Regular" or "Special" but involed equally civic minded citizens. The men in this organization were called "Reserve Police Officers" (commonly referred to as "Reserves").
The "Specials" and "Reserves" were utilized extensively from the time they were established until the late 1970's. However, a variety of circumstances led to diminished usage and eventual elimination of these two organizations, including but not limited to: installation of traffic signal lights at intersections that previously required manual traffic control; new training and certification requirements established by the State which made it much more difficult for members to become certified and to maintain certification; greater liability associated with police work; and less number of volunteers available.
The "Specials" and "Reserves" were dedicated citizens who contributed greatly to the safety and security of our community during a time of need and were clearly "public servants" who represented the SPPD well. This passage is included in the History of the SPPD as recognition of their contributions and acknowledgement that they were indeed an integral part of the SPPD's history.
NOTE: Last names followed by an asterisk [*] denote individuals who served in dual roles as a "Special" and a "Reserve".
Special Police Officers
The "Specials" were sworn part-time police officers with full law enforcement powers, were paid on an hourly basis, carried firearms, wore the same uniform as the regular police officers (but different shoulder patch and different badge) and fell under the command of the Chief of Police. They would perform routine patrol duties during staffing shortages of "regular" police officers and supplemented the police force during busy periods of the year (i.e., holidays, parades, special events).
The names of the men who served as "Specials" are as follows: Roy Abramson*, Joseph Aniunas, Carl Bjorling*, William Bowers*, Leonard Capraro, Charles Carone, Norm Chicarelli*, Raymond Costa, Peter DeFillipo, Anthony DiCanto, Dale Flakne, James Doody, William George*, Burr Green*, Joseph Guerieri, R. Hamilton, Edward Holtz, Hy Kadish, Leo Karr, T. Lauria, F. Otto Linke, Felix Malecki, Walter Manner, Matthew Marino, Joseph Mondoro, Raymond Mount*, Joseph Nagy, Joseph Remetta, Anthony Riccardi, Walter Riley*, Charles Russo, Dennis Saverd, Michael Scabry*, Joseph Scalera, Bernard Sinkiewicz*, Donald Spisso Sr., Louis Spisso, Al Springer, William Stevens*, Louis Stieglemeyer, John Vayda and John Zazzara*.
NOTE: Anthony DiCanto later became a regular police officer with the SPPD.
Reserve Police Officers
The "Reserves" were volunteers - they did not receive any financial compensation for the time worked. They would often ride with regular police officers but did not have police powers (i.e. powers of arrest), they wore a different uniform hat, badge and shoulder patch than that of the "Regulars" and "Specials", and fell under the command of the "Civil Defense" organization ("Civil Defense" has evolved into what is now known as the "Office of Emergency Management"). Examples of duties performed by the Reserves included but were not limited to: directing traffic at locations that required manual staffing; working parades (starting with the first South Plainfield Labor Day Parade in 1958); and assisting the SPPD during busy periods of the year (i.e. holidays, parades, special events). They also participated in the original fundraising efforts that led to the construction of the Police Athletic League building (P.A.L.) and supplied manual labor for the construction of the original police pistol range, which was located at the corner of Morris Avenue and Chambers Street.
Photographs of their official banner indicate the Reserves were officially organized in 1949, but this could not be substantiated.
The names of men who served as "Reserves" are as follows: Roy Abramson*, Harry Anderson, Peter Andreatch, William Bartok, Edward Berman, Carl Bjorling*, Bernard Bohl, Ralph Bossert Jr., William Bowers*, Michael Buldo, Anthony Bulsiewicz, Michael Campanelli, Ed Cannizzaro, Art Chicarelli, Norm Chicarelli*, Harry Coddington, Edwin Daly, Charles Delayo Jr., Marshall DelNegro, Dominic Demico, Michael Doloroso, John Dorst, Paul Evans, George Freeman, John Forsyth, Michael Gallasso, Frank Gangemi, Joseph Gangemi, William George*, Reginald Gile, Ed Gorman, Paul Gorman, Leo Grabowski, Burr Green*, Harry Jacobs, John Johnson, Lester Karr, John Lanza, Byron LaVerne, James Lynch, John Mayersky, Joseph Mingione, Francis Mittermeier, Davis Moses, Raymond Mount*, Bernard O'Keefe, Sydney Olafseki, Paul Piano, Anthony Pino, Harry Place, Frank Pulicaro, John Putnosky, Joseph Rea, Walter Riley*, Peter Rogers, J. Rosenberg, Kenneth Ross, John Ridzik, Michael Scabry*, Albert Scavuzzo, Frank Scavuzzo, Al Sickle, Bernard Sinkiewicz*, Willard Smith, Nicholas Spadero,Charles Spine, Albert Spisso, William Stevens*, Art Stone, Louis Sullo, Emil Suoninen, John Tavaglione, John Triano, Herbert Trisker, John Vayda, Clifford Weber, Stanley Wreden, Joseph Zaleznack, John Zazzara*, Joseph Zazzara and Joseph Zekas.
NOTE: Edwin Daly later became a regular police officer with the SPPD.
It is important to note that no official records could be located on file with the Borough of either organization or those who served. All of the information contained in this segment was derived from newspaper articles, minutes of meetings, memories of those who served as or with the Specials/Reserves and identification of its members via photographs of the respective organizations
SECTION 13
THE SPPD HONOR GUARD
In 1984, at the request of Lieutenant Thomas Bullock, Chief Thomas Boyle authorized the formulation of a Police Honor Guard. The purpose of the Honor Guard was to perform ceremonial functions at funerals for officers killed in the line of duty throughout the tri-state area. The SPPD Honor Guard quickly developed a reputation of an elite unit that place the SPPD in a positive light.
During the existence of the SPPD Honor Guard, various members of the SPPD served on this unit. Regardless of which members were actively involved with the Honor Guard, the unit continued to represent the SPPD and the Borough with class and distinction until approx. 2006, at which time it was disbanded. Listed below are those members who have served in this unit. The asterisk (*) donates members who have served at some point as a Commander of the Honor Guard.
Phillip Aquilina, Robert Bender*, John Brembt, Paul Brembt, Thomas Bullock *, Wayne Diana, John Ferraro *, David Franchak, Joseph Franchak, Raymond Jazikoff, Michael Lane, Kenneth LaVerne, Richard Martin, Robert K. Merkler *, Steven A. Merkler *, Gary Muccigrossi, Kevin Murtagh, James Parker, John Petriello, Karl Schuetz, Walter Smialowicz and John Wilson
In September 2023 the Honor Guard was resurrected and lead the Labor Day Parade ahead of the newly appointed Chief Peter J. Papa.
SECTION 14
THE PISTOL TEAM
For many years, police departments throughout New Jersey had pistol teams that represented their agencies and would compete with pistol teams from other law enforcement agencies. These teams competed for recognition and also created an opportunity for police officers from the participating agencies to socialize, become acquainted, and itneract with personnel from other agencies, which enhanced communication between those agencies.
Shooting competition eventually led to the formation of competitive pistol leagues where agencies would compete for league championships. In 1950, SPPD members Chief Andrew Phillips, Sergeant Ed Tyler and Sergeant John Whalen were instrumental in not only starting the pistol team on the police department but also in helping form the Central Jersey Police Pistol League.
The South Plainfield Police Department was known for having a top-quality pistol team that was in contention for the League championship year after year. The team from South Plainfield won championships in 1953, 1958, 1961, 1981 and 1991, which is impressive when you consider that they competed with much larger agencies such as Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, Edison, New Brunswick, the FBI, etc. They also went undefeated twice (1981 & 1991), a feat no other team accomplished. Additionally, members of the Pistol Team competed in various combat and target shooting tournaments in the tri-state area, usually resulting in members of the SPPD winning trophies/medals as a result. However, over the years, it became increasingly more difficult for members to find the time and the facilities to compete. While the South Plainfield PistolTeam ceased operations sometime in the mid 1990's, it is important to give recognition to those officers who participated and brought acclaim to the SPPD through this activity.
Members of the SPPD who participated on the SPPD Pistol Team Are: George Albertocki, Robert Barone, Frederick Boosman, Wayne Bowden, Thomas Boyle, T.R. Bullock*, Robert Cobb, Richard Conklin, Michael Cumiskey, Gerald Cvetko, Edwin Daly, Richard Dashuta, Joseph DeCarlo, Raymond Deering, Albert Dellavalle, Anthony DiCanto, John Gear, Fred Heyeck, Kenneth LaVerne, Richard Martin, Roy Middleton, Kevin Murtagh, Michael Oschanski, Joseph Papa, James Praul, Leonard Riccardi, Angelo Sacco, Richard Schenck, Anthony Schlack, Eugene Sikanowicz, William Sloan, Walter Smialowicz, Robert Smith, Thomas Smith, Dominic Spinelli, Daniel Spisso, Joseph Spisso, John Torsky, Edward Tyler, Frank Wyckoff, Francis Yurick*, Ronald Yurinko* and George Zampella. (Names followed by an asterisk [*] denotes members who served as Pistol Team Captains.)
NOTE: Francis Yurick was the first SPPD member to shoot a perfect score of 300. He also averaged 298.8 out of a possible 300 for an entire year and competed in the "National's" for police combat shooting in Indiana. Other SPPD members with perfect scores of 300 were Gerald Cvetko and John Gear.
Additionally, there was another Police Pistol League that involved a combination "regulars" as well as "reserve" police personnel. This league was known as the Green Brook Valley Pistol League. As with the Central Jersey Police Pistol League, the team from South Plainfield was in regular contention for Green Brook Valley Pistol League Championships.
"Regular" and "Reserves" who participated in this league were: Roy Abramson, Frederick Boosman, Raymond Mount, Paul Piano, Emil Souninen, Dominic Spinelli, John Ridzik and Francis Yurick.
NOTE: Roy Abramson, Paul Piano and Francis Yurick were credited with shooting perfect scores of 300 in this league.
1953 Central Jersey Pistol League Champions: D.Spisso, Cobb, Spinelli, Ungaretta(Tyler)
1950's pistol team: bottom row (L-R)-Joe Spisso, Eugene Sikanowicz, John Torsky, William Sloan
standing(L-R): Ed Tyler, Fred Boosmann, Thomas Smith, Francis Yurick, Al Dellavalle, Dominic Spinelli
Pistol LEague Dinner November 6, 1952 Martinsville Inn- bottom row(L-R), Charles Russo sponsor of pistol team, Edward Tyler, Robert Cobb, Dominic Spinelli, Top row(L-R), Leonard Riccardi, Daniel Spisso, William Sloan
Section 15
K-9 UNIT
In the 1970’s, towns in the central New Jersey area experienced significant increases in burglaries, especially those involving large warehouses and factories, which were often packed with pallets of product. Searching these large facilities for suspects presented challenges to the police, both in terms of having enough time and manpower to thoroughly searching the buildings as well as in officer safety. As a result, many agencies nationwide turned to “man’s best friend” for assistance. They implemented police K-9 programs to combat and deter crime, increase the possibility of making apprehensions, reduce the time needed to thoroughly search these buildings and to increase officer safety.
In 1978, SPPD Chief Fred Boosman established a K-9 Unit within the SPPD. The officers and their K-9 partners all underwent 16 weeks of intense training at a certified police K-9 training school in Philadelphia. Upon completion of the training, the officers and their K-9 partners were assigned to routine patrol duties and would respond to any calls involving the searching of suspects. Being that the SPPD was one of the first agencies in the central New Jersey area to implement a K-9 program, there were also many requests for mutual aid assistance. The K-9 teams responded to calls throughout the central New Jersey area, were credited with numerous apprehensions and received many commendations because of their efforts. However, with the increasing costs associated with operating a K-9 program as well as the decrease in crime trends in the mid to late 1980’s, the units were eliminated via attrition in 1990. However, their service to our community was truly meritorious and an important part of the Department history. Their service to our community was truly meritorious and an important part of the Department history.
The SPPD members who served as handlers and their respective K-9 partners are as follows:
Wayne Diana-Maxx
Joe Franchak - Grizzly
Al Gajarsky – Fritz
John Gear – Baki
Ken LaVerne - Mick
George Zampella - King
In 2013, SPPD Chief James Parker resurrected a K-9 Unit in the SPPD. The K-9's are cross trained to track/locate suspects as well as locate drugs and evidence abandoned by suspects. The new K-9 Officers and their partners are:
Mark Bullock - Blitz
Michael Grasso-Kaiser
In 2019, the unit was expanded by adding another K-9 Officer and his partner which is:
Shane McCoid-Titan
SECTION 16
BICYCLE PATROLS
One of the philosophies behind the community-policing concept is to get the officers out from behind the wheel of patrol cars to interact with the people we serve. Some cities with large downtown districts have re-introduced foot patrols. Other agencies have purchased motorcycles. In examining these two concepts of community policing, it was recognized that due to the way the Borough is configured, neither of these methods of patrol were viable or cost efficient. However, with the patrolling of Spring Lake Park becoming a local responsibility in the late 1990's, and the construction of multi-family housing units in the Borough, additional shopping centers and expansions of some of our schools, there was a need to implement a form of community policing that would make our officers more visible to the large concentration of people in these particular areas, create a feeling of safety to visitors of these locations all the while giving us the ability to move patrols quickly should the need arise. In 2002, at the suggestion of Sergeant Charles Siedenburg, Chief Robert Merkler authorized the implementation of full-time bicycle patrols for the first time. Officer David Franchak was the first officer selected to serve in this capacity. He received 40 hours of training on the bicycle patrol techniques for law enforcement and we received a $1,300.00 bicycle through a grant from the Neumann Foundation.
The early success of this program and the positive citizen feedback from this program encouraged the SPPD to expand the unit to two officers, which were Officer Dan Noonan (later in 2002) and officer Matt Mahoney in 2005. They too received 40 hours of training on the bicycle patrol techniques for law enforcement and each received a $1,300.00 bicycle through a grant from the Neumann Foundation. However, once again, due to the reduction of the number of sworn officers because of the economic downturn in 2008, the luxury of deploying bicycle patrols was no longer an option and had to be abandoned.
SECTION 17
COMPUTERIZATION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Like all other professions, policing has seen dramatic changes in the use of available technology and has learned to embrace it. Perhaps no other invention has had a more significant impact upon law enforcement then that of the computer. Computers are now engrained in everyday life, whether it is at home or in the workplace. The question often asked is "How did we do the job before we had computers?"
The computerization of the South Plainfield Police Department did not begin in earnest until 1987, when approximately $125,000.00 was allocated for the purchase of a Computer Aided Dispatch System, also commonly referred to as "CAD". This system moved the Department away from the cumbersome process of handwriting all reports, time/date punching cards every time a call for service was received and the countless hours of filing and researching the files by hand to gather statistics to identify crime trends. CAD enabled personnel to enter everything into the computer system at the time it is reported/submitted and ultimately to amass the large volume of data that cuold be easily accessed in a timely manner.
Also, in 1987, the SPPD's first desktop computer to be utilized for police administrative purposes was purchased.
Since the "dinosaur" age of 1987, dramatic changes have occurred in philosophies towards computers and how they impact the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement. Now, every workstation within the Police Department is equipped with a desktop computer that is networked with the agency's master computer system. This enables authorized law enforcement personnel the ability to access previous files in seconds rather than days, to identify crime trends quickly and deploy resources as required, resulting in better service to the residents and more efficient and effective use of available resources.
In 1994, the agency purchased its first computer to be placed in a patrol car in the field. In 2002, the installation of these Mobile Data Terminals, or "MDT's", became standard equipment in every patrol vehicle. The MDT's allowed the officers to access files, type reports, and communicate with other units in the field, all of which enhanced operational efficiency and officer safety.
Also in 2002, the SPPD purchased their first computer driven fingerprint system. This systme enabled agency personnel to scan electronically transmit fingerprints of persons arresed and send those fingerprints to the National Crime and Investigation Center in Washington D.C. where they are compared to existing prints on file in the various national fingerprint databases to determine the true identity of the person arrested and if they are wanted elsewhere in the country - all within fifteen minutes or so.
In 2003, a grant was received to upgrade the agency's Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System (CAD/RMS) with the latest technology. This new wireless system was faster, had greater data storage capabilities, was more user-friendly, and increased opeartional capabilities and efficiencies.
Section 18
PATROL VEHICLE MARKING DESIGN
For many years, police cars were commonly referred to as "black and whites," which was the color combination of the typical police car. These color combinations were utilized in most of the original popular police television shows from the 1960's ranging from "Car 54 Where Are You" to "Adam 12." Like so many agencies, the SPPD mimicked this original color combination. However, in the 1960's through the 1990's, styles changed, and many agencies attempted to create their own identities by creating unique vehicle markings to distinguish them from other law enforcement agencies. The base of the design usually involved a single colored vehicle, such as white, and accenting it with striping, lettering, and a decal of the police department emblem. The SPPD followed this same pattern, going from the traditional to the unique. We had vehicles that were all blue at one time, then all white, many with distinctive striping and a decal of the agency shoulder patch served as the door insignia. While some the marking designs were memorable, these same designs did not necessarily blend in with the style changes of the vehicle thmselves. In 1999, at the suggestion of Sergeant Bob Barone, a decision was made to "go back in time" - the distinctive "black and white" patrol car was reinstated. The result was a traditional, clean look that continues to be utilized and one of which the agency is proud. Now, if you look around at many other law enforcement agencies throughout the area, they too have followed the same path and adopted this "traditional" look of yesteryear.
Hamilton Blvd. overpass
SECTION 19
EVOLUTION OF THE POLICE SHOULDER PATCH
Police Departments have traditionally worn shoulder patches that clearly identify themselves as being members of a law enforcement agency. In the early years, most law enforcement agencies chose to emulate the triangle patch design worn by the N.J. State Police. The patch was simple: it was in the shape of a triangle and had the agencies name and the words “Police Department” on it.
As time evolved, many agencies wanted to establish their own identities by designing patches that were distinctive and unique to their town or agency. In 1954 or 1955, our patch was revised to reflect this change of philosophy. The new patch, designed by future Mayor Robert Baldwin, was oval in shaped, continued to read “South Plainfield Police Department”, but incorporated the words “Vision, Family, Industry”, which was the Boroughs logo. This patch was utilized until 1976.
In 1976, as part of our celebration of the Borough’s 50 th anniversary, the Police Department adopted a modified triangle shaped patch designed by an unknown South Plainfield High School student. On the patch, and American Bald Eagle was placed in the center with a shield of stars and stripes on its chest. The eagle clutches olive branches in one set of claws and arrows in its other set of claws. Symbolically, the eagles’ head is supposed to face the olive branches in times of peace and the arrows in time of war. The patch also included the words “Police”, “South Plainfield” and the year the Department was established.
There have been two changes to this patch since its adoption. In 2001, as part of our celebration of the Borough’s75th anniversary, we once again issued a limited number of anniversary patches that read “75 th Anniversary 1926-2001”. The second change was made in the background color of the patch. For a long period of time, our officers wore a light blue colored uniform shirt and the patch utilized that same shirt color in its background. In 1994, the Department returned to a traditional dark "LAPD" blue color for its uniform shirt. In 2000, it was decided to change the background color of the patch to match that of the uniform shirts
SECTION 20
COMMUNITY POLICING
In the 1990's, the concept of "community policing" was considered to be a new phenomenon in policing. However, it is actually a recycling of a concept that was prevalent in American cities in the early to middle stages of the 20th century. Part of the concept of "community policing" was that police officers should become involved with the young people of the community, keeping them active so they don't get into trouble, and to develop a relationship of trust and respect between the police and these young people. There was no better example of the commitment of the South Plainfield Police Department to this concept then the establishment of the Police Athletic League, or "P.A.L". The P.A.L. was founded in South Plainfield in 1959 by SPPD Chief Andrew Phillips and Sergeant Tulio "Chuck" Capparelli. Once founded, numerous officers from the SPPD became involved in the fund-raising efforts and, over the years participating as coaches in P.A.L. sponsored sporting activities and chaperones on trips to various athletic events. A crowning achievement of our forefathers that still has significant impact upon our community today was the construction of the Andrew A. Phillips P.A.L. Recreation Center on Maple Ave. The monies for the construction of the original building were generated through the fundraising efforts of both regular and reserve police officers as well as donations of construction materials and/or labor skills. The P .A.L. Recreation Center, as it was when it first opened, is the envy of many other communities who see this building and the programs it offers. Most people today don't realize that during its first few years of its existence, the P.A.L. Recreation Center was staffed and operated by police officers from the SPPD.
Since its original construction, it has undergoneseveral major renovations and expansion, making necessary upgrades to keep with an expanding demand for recreation programs and is considered once again to be a "state of the art" facility, one which we are proud to see have the "P.A.L." logo attached to.
The P.A.L. now serves as the home of the Borough's Recreation Department. While police officers no longer participate in the day-to-day operation of the P.A.L., many still volunteer their time to coach youth sports and serve in the Police Athletic League organization, which now functions in a support capacity for youth and recreation groups in town.
Charter membership to the South Plainfield Police Athletic League was awarded to those officers from the SPPD who were involved in the original effort to organize and build the P.A.L. building, To this day, a placque is affixed to the gymnasium wall recognizing these dedicated men for their efforts, The Charter Members of the P.A.L. are: Fred Boosman, Tulio Capparelli, Robert Cobb Jr., Edwin Daly, Raymond Deering, Joseph DeCarlo, Albert Dellavalle, Anthony DiCanto, Michael Oschanski, Charles Page, Andrew Phillips, Leonard Riccardi, Eugene Sikanowicz, William Sloan Jr., Thomas Smith, Dominic Spinelli, Joseph Spisso, Charles Strassle, John Torsky, Edward Tyler, Frank Wykoff and Francis Yurick.
Police Officers who have served as either Director or President of the South Plainfield Police Athletic League are:
Deputy Chief Tulio Capparelli (1958-1996)
Lieutenant John Alles (1996-2001)
Lieutenant Chris Colucci (2001-Present)
Chief Phillips with Phil Rizzuto(The Scooter)
SECTION 21
OTTO THE AUTO
Many times, what we think is a new idea is really just an idea that is recycled and modernized using current technology. In the late 1980’s, the SPPD purchased a remote-controlled car and school bus to help educate young children in a variety of safety issues. Each vehicle had a speaker in it and an officer would remain hidden from sight of the children. When the children would talk to the vehicle, the officer could hear what was said and respond to the children via a microphone. It would appear to the children that the car or bus would actually "talk" directly to them. This is a great tool to reach the youngsters.
As stated earlier, some of these “new” ideas are merely re-cycled ideas. In 1975, Deputy Chief Tulio “Chuck” Capparelli came up with the idea of remodeling and outfitting an actual car for this very purpose. He, along with Officers Fred Heyeck, John Torsky and Philip Campagna obtained an old VW Beetle, painted it, developed some basic robotic features and named him “Otto the Auto”. Otto became a fixture in South Plainfield and surrounding communities for many years. The headlights were fashioned to look like eyes, whenever Otto “spoke”, his lips mounted on the front bumper would move, and his police hat on the roof of the car would lift up and down to show his joy of talking to the children.
After many years of dedicated service to the residents of the Borough, Otto decided it was time to retire and eventually made his home in the Police Hall of Fame and Musuem in Titusville, FL. However, Otto will always be a fixture in the hearts of the officers who served with him as well as the children he interacted with during his service with the SPPD.
SECTION 22
DRUG AWARENESS AND RESISTANCE EDUCATION (D.A.R.E.)
This nationwide program was first introduced to students within the South Plainfield District in 1990. Officer John Alles was the first D.A.R.E. Officer to teach this program to local fifth graders. Since the program originated, approximately 400-600 students annually get an opportunity to hear about the perils of drugs, how to resist becoming involved with them and hopefully, develop respect for and the trust of those involved in law enforcement that will last a lifetime. Since its inception, there have been a total of six officers from the South Plainfield Police Department who been certified to teach this program. In addition to Officer Alles, the following officers have served as D.A.R.E. Officers in this program:
Officer Allen LaMonda, Officer Joseph Papa, Officer David Franchak, Officer Sherlyn Courtney and Officer Lloyd McNelly.
Officers John Alles, George Green
SECTION 23
JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY PROGRAM
In response to a suggestion made by a resident in 2004, a decision was made to implement a junior police academy program, whereby students from the Borough could go through a week- long program to get a brief glimpse of what a police academy and police work is like. This program was also intended to promote the law enforcement profession and encourage these cadets to consider this type of career in the future. At the direction of Chief Robert Merkler, Sgt. Chuck Siedenberg and Officers Allan LaMonda and David Franchak developed a disciplined and structured program that stressed respect. They developed a disciplined and structured program that stressed respect. In late June and early July of 2004, two individual sessions were held at the P.A.L. building; one session for 5th and 6th grade students (cadets) and one session for 7th and 8th grade students (cadets). In all, we had approximately 50 cadets participate in the inaugural program. Each cadet received a uniform (shirt, gym shorts and hat) and an identification card. During the academy they received training in criminal and motor vehicle law, firearms safety, use of the baton, crime scene processing and traffic safety issues. They had to transverse an obstacle course on a golf cart while wearing the drunk driving goggles, undergo a firearms qualifications session (utilizing paint ball guns) and learned how to march and how to salute. On the final day of each session the NJ State Police and Northstar Medi-Vac Unit landed a helicopter in the field behind the P.A.L. Building and the cadets were able to see the helicopter up close. Graduation ceremonies were held in the afternoon of the final day, whereby family members and friends witnessed the cadets receiving their certificates of completion.
This program was offered from 2004 through 2007. However, once again, due to the reduction of the number of sworn officers because of the economic downturn in 2008, this program was suspended.
In 2018, after a 10-year hiiatus, Sgt. Christipher Colucci spearheaded the resurrection of this program. While the program content underwent some restructuring to encompass current trends, the intent of the program remains as it was when it was first initiated.
2022 Junior Police Academy
SECTION 24
PARTICIPATION IN CHARITABLE EVENTS
The members of the South Plainfield Police Department have often volunteered their time and participated in various benefit fund raising events, for either specific families in crisis or specific charitable organizations. Listed below is just a sampling of different events that members of the SPPD participated in over the years.
In 1980, a group of officers participated in a 110-mile marathon relay race that originated in South Plainfield and ended in Atlantic City. The monies generated from this run went to a fund for crippled children. The officers who participated as runners were: Thomas Boyle, Wayne Bowden, John Brembt, Tim Dziomba, Fred Heyeck, Dave MacDonald, Steve Merkler and Doug Pierson. Those members to serve on the support team were: Tom Bullock, Tulio Capparelli, Bill Cochrane, Joe Franchak, Al Gajarsky, John Gear, Ken Van Kleef and Mr. J. Young.
There have been a number of benefit basketball games “pitting” the police officers against either the teachers from our school district or the local firefighters. Officers who participated in these events over the years include: John Alles, Pete Arancio, Gene Bataille, Wayne Bowden, Gary Cassio, Bill Cochrane, Chris Colucci, James Darby, Wayne Diana, Tim Dziomba, David Franchak, Ray Jazikoff, Gary Kline, Kevin Krajniak, Mike Lane, Ken LaVerne, Ted Malecki, Bob Merkler, Kevin Murtagh, Jim Parker, John Petriello, Daryl Strother and Paul Wylam.
Officers participated for several years in the "MIA/POW" 5K races in Elizabeth. This race was designed to raise awareness of our military personnel who served during foreign conflicts and have yet to be accounted for. SPPD Officers who participated in these runs include: Wayne Bowden, Paul Brembt, Joe Franchak, John Ferraro, John Gear, Ken LaVerne, Bob Merkler and Kevin Murtagh.
There is the annual softball game which pits our police officers against our firefighters. This “grudge game”was originated in 1976 and organized by Officer Casmir Aniunas and "John the Barber", with the proceeds going to the Elks Crippled Children Fund. During the l980's the game was originally called the "Mayor's Trophy Game" that game is now known as the "Battle Of The Badges" and continues to generate money for the Elks Club with the proceeds going to the NY Children's Hospital.
Officers/staff who have participated in this game over the years include: John Alles, Casmir Aniunas, Bob Barone, Gene Bataille, Wendell Born, Wayne Bowden, Brad Bullard, Mark Bullock, Vincent Campagna, Gary Cassio, Michael Cleary, Bill Cochrane, Chris Cochrane, James Darby, Dave DeLair, Mark DeLair, Wayne Diana, Tim Dziomba, Frank Fusaro, David Franchak, Joe Glowacki, George Green, Mark Hollain, Mike Hoppe, Raymond Jazikoff, Tim Kelly, Gary Kline, Matt Koep, Kevin Krajniak, Ken LaVerne, Joe Lynch, Craig Magnani, Pete Magnani, Lloyd McNelly, Matt Mahoney, Ted Malecki, John McConville, Mike Molinaro, Kevin Murtagh, Anthony Pacillo, Kenneth Parada, Jim Parker, Stephen Perhach, John Petriello, Michael Piro, Roberto Ramos Chuck Siedenburg and Michael Sikanowitz.
In 1999, a number of officers volunteered to provide security at the Special Olympics, which was hosted at the Frank Jost Field in South Plainfield. For the officers involved, one of the highlights was when we were given the honor of placing the medals around the necks of the winners of the track and field events. SPPD members who volunteered their time for this event were: Peter Arancio, John Ferraro, Robert K. Merkler and Steven A. Merkler.
From 2002 through 2008, members of the South Plainfield Police Department and the Police Athletic League had organized and run an annual benefit softball tournnament. The proceeds generated by this tournament were donated to families in town that have experienced substantial bills from life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer. The organizers of this tournament are South Plainfield Police Officers James Parker, Chris Colucci and Gary Cassio. Other members of the SPPD played on a softball team representing the department and they include: Gary Cassio, Chris Cochrane, James Parker and John Petriello. Also, retired SPPD police officer Timothy Dziomba vounteered his time as an umpire.
1980 Torch Run to Atlantic City: bottom row(L-R)-Boyle, Malecki, Gear, Merkler, Muller, Brembt, Dziomba back row: Cottoia, Gajorski, Franchak, Pierson, unknown, Bowden, Heyeck, VanKleef, Cochrane, McDonald, Caparelli, Boosmann.The mobile home was owned by Gerry Starr and was the home base for the runners during their 20 hour run.
Battle of The Badges Game: Kneeling-Dziomba, standing(L-R) Piro, DelNegro, Scalera, LaVerne, Malecki, Lynch, Boyle, Green
"POLAR BEAR PLUNGE"
For the past number of years, the State PBA has hosted a "Polar Bear Plunge" whereby volunteers would, during winter months, agree to jump into the ocean at the Jersey shore as a fund raiser, with the proceeds going to the NJ Special Olympics. Since 2003, members of the SPPD first started to participate in this chartible event. Listed below are the members of the SPPD who have participated in this charitable event. Some are veterans of multiple "plunges."
Wendell Born, Brad Bullard, David DeLair, Wayne Diana, Raymond Jazikoff, Matthew Koep, James McConville, Lloyd mcNelly, Michael Molinaro, Joseph Papa, and Peter Papa.
"TOUGH MUDDER EVENT"
In 2011, several members of the SPPD participated in this event for the first time.This event is a multi-mile course involving military style obstacles which challenge the strength, endurance and toughness of the competitors. Participation in this event by members of the SPPD has continued, with the following Officers having participated: Gary Cassio, Frank Fusaro, Michael Grasso, Matthew Kowp, James McConville, Lloyd McNelly, Zachary Melanson, Jason Ortiz, James Parker, Stephen Perhach and Christopher Reid.
2012 2013
2015
2016
" NO SHAVE NOVEMBER"
For the past several years the Police Department has participated in No Shave November where money and awareness are raised towards cancer prevention. The participants put the razor down for a month and donate their shaving expenses to this event. The money raised benefits a member of the community affected by cancer or other related illness.
SECTION 25
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
Periodically, members of the SPPD have been temporarily assigned to serve with task forces, or County/Federal agencies, which usually are for a period of six months. Some assignments have been extended due to the involvement of our personnel in on-going investigations. The purpose of these assignments includes combating crime on a regional basis, gaining invaluable experience, developing contacts for future interactions and possibly securing seized monies through forfeiture. Listed below are the officers who have represented the SPPD on these assignments:
Casmir Aniunas – Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Fatal Accident Unit
Gene Bataille – Middlesex County Prosecutors Office- Narcotics
John Brembt - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Hostage Team
Tom Bullock - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Tom Bullock - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Hostage Team
Gary Cassio-Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Jake Cataldo - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Organized Crime
Wayne Diana – Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
John Ferraro - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
George Green - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Michael Lane - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Joseph Lynch - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Steven A. Merkler - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Kevin Murtagh - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Anthony Pacillo - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
Peter Papa - Middlesex County Prosecutors Office - Narcotics
James Parker – Federal Task Force - Narcotics
SECTION 26
NOTEWORTHY INVESTIGATIONS
The SPPD conducts numerous criminal investigations as part of their daily duties. However, occasionally, there is an investigation/event that is of such magnitude that it brings heavy media attention or acclaim to the Borough. Listed below are examples of cases that originated in South Plainfield and/or cases that members of the SPPD were heavily involved.
THE CAPTURE OF A MEMBER OF THE "BUM ROGERS GANG" - 1926
In July 1926, a member of the "Bum Rogers Gang" was captured at a house on Park Ave. in South Plainfield. This gang was known nationwide for its' violent tendencies while committing armed robberies and terrorized this protion of the country. South Plainfield Police Chief Cornelius McCarthy and Officers Judson TenEyck and William Hogan participated in the raid of the home that resulted in the seizure of 11 guns, 20,000 rounds of ammunition, nitro-glycerin and nitric acid. This arrest was a key component in leading up to the round-up of four other members of the gang suspected of being involved in robberies that occurred at the Merck Chemical Plant in Linden and Castles Ice Cream Plant in Perth Amboy.
THE LINDBERGH KIDNAPPING AND MURDER- 1932
On March 1, 1932, the infant son of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped from his home in Hopewell, NJ while the family slept. The Lindbergh family received ransom notes and eventually paid $50,000.00 for the safe return of their child. Unfortunately, Charles Jr. was murdered, and his body found in May of 1932. Because of an intensive investigation by the NJ State Police, Bruno Richard Hauptmann was charged, convicted and sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder, for what was described as "the crime of the century". In 1936, the death sentence of Hauptmann was carried out via electrocution.
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THE DAILY HOME NEWS
November 22, 1948
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Perth Amboy evening News
NOVEMBER 22, 1948
Investigation of a Lindbergh kidnap "confession note" - described by State Police as probably a prank - was underway today.
The note, scribbled in German in indelible pencil, was found last night in the leg joint of an imitation Duncan Phyfe table in South Plainfield.
Bruno Richard Hauptmann, the note declared, was innocent. The ransom money had been buried in nearby Summit and the kidnap plot was originated in Hamburg, Germany, the note added.
Unsigned, the note supposedly written by a member of a kidnap gang, was turned over to the South Plainfield Police by the owner of the table, Elmer Bollard of 112 Shereman Avenue.
Bollard told police he bought the table in Plainfield 10 years ago. He said he took it apart to strengthen a wobbly leg and found the note under a block of wood used to reinforce the joint.
He said he took the note to a friend who could read german and then brought it to the police.
State Police said no official report ws received yet on the note, but many hoaxes had turned up since the kidnapping 16 years ago.
Hauptmann was convicted of the kidnapping of the Charles A. Lindbergh baby and was put to death in the electric chair in Trenton April 3, 1936.
Albert Weismann, furniture dealer in Watchung, told police today he sold the table new, back in 1940 - eight years after the Lindbergh crime.
There was no explanation of the disparity in dates. |
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November 22, 1948 (Newspaper Source Unknown)
Lindy Kidnap Note Writer Hunted Here
South Plainfield - Borough and State Police today are searching for the writer of a purported Lindbergh kidnapping "confession note" found on the bottom of a table bought in Plainfield.
The table was purchased in 1940 in the Watchung Furniture House, Plainfield, but Albert Weisman, president of the furniture store, could throw no light on the case.
Elmer Bollard, 1112 Sherman Ave. was repairing a table - an imitation Duncan Phyfe - yesterday when he found a note, written in German and in indelible pencil, on a foot-square block of wood reinforcing the joint of the pedestal and the top of the table.
Gist of Note
The gist of the unsigned note was this: The writer was one of a gang of kidnappers who hatched the kidnap plot in Hamburg, Germany. Bruno Hauptmann was inocent of the crime. The ransom was buried in Summit.
Bollard took the block of wood to a friend who translated it. Then Bollard went to the South Plainfield Police. They, in turn, called in the State Police. Captain Arthur Keaton, chief inspector of the State Police and a veteran of the Hauptmann case, was assigned to the problem.
Both Borough and State Police declined to report details of the case this morning. Working on the investigation are South Plainfield Chief Andrew Phillips. Captain Keating, State Police Captain Walter Conlon and New Brunswick Barracks State Police.
Mr. Weisman said neither Borough nor State Police had questioned him so far. |
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BERGEN EVENING RECORD
22 November 1948
Lindbergh Kidnap Note Called Hoax
Paper found in Leg of Table Purchased 10 Years Ago
South Plainfield, Nov 22 (AP) - Investigators of a Lindbergh kidnap confession note described by State Police as probably a prank - was underway today.
The note, scribbled in German in indelible pencil, was found last night in the leg joint of an imitation Duncan Phyfe table.
Bruno Richard Hauptmann, the note declared, was innocent. the ransom money had been buried in nearby Summit and the kidnap plot originated in Hamburg, Germany, the note added.
Unsigned, the note supposedly written by a member of a kidnap gang was turned over to the South Plainfield Police by the owner of the table, Elmer Bollard of 112 Sherman Ave.
Bollard told police he bought the table in Plainfield 10 years ago. He said he took it apart of strenghten a wobbly leg and found the note under a block of wood used to reinforce the joint. |
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November 1948 (Newspaper source unknown)
Police Continue Hunt for Kidnap Note Author [ sic ]
South Plainfield - State police said today they have not yet found the person who wrote a Lindbergh kidnapping hoax note found scribbled on a part of a table here Sunday. Trenton headquarters, in charge of the investigation, said an announcement would be made if and when the writer was apprehended. There is some question, however, of what charge he or she could be held on. Arthur Schoeffel, the superintendent of the State Police, admitted "All we can do is tell him what we think of him". |
The NJ State Police Museum in West Trenton, NJ has a public display of some of the evidence from this heinous crime. The State Police archivist of the Lindbergh evidence, Mr. Mark Falzini, indicated that the block of wood referred to in these articles is in fact among the evidence still retained by the State Police and that the holes in the ransom note matches the holes in this particular block of wood. The message that was written on the block of wood, translated from German, read, “I was one of the kidnappers of the Lindbergh baby and not Bruno Richard Hauptmann.” It also said some of the ransom money had been buried in Summit.
While this connection may not have any impact upon the actual results of the original investigation, it would appear to legitimize credibility to the block of wood as a legitimate piece of evidence. It also adds to the controversy and differences of opinion that continues to surround this investigation.
The connection of a piece of evidence to South Plainfield came to light in 2003, when an investigative television reporter from Miami, Fl., who was researching this case, visited the South Plainfield Police Department to locate any official records related to the discovery of this evidence. Because of the reporter's iquiry, department archives were reviewed but to no avail. Unfortunately, many of the old records had been destroyed in accordance with State law. To further assist this reporter, retired members of the SPPD who were police officers during the period when this block of wood was discivered, were also contacted. While some of them vaguely recalled the incident, they were unable to offer any specific information. Finally, an effort was made to track down surviving members of the Bollard family, but to no avail. The surviving spouse of the former next-door neighbor was located but she could not provide any additional information regarding this piece of evidence, nor did she know of the whereabouts, of any members of the Bollard family.
The 1948 incident was not the only connection between South Plainfield and the Lindbergh kidnapping case. In late March of 1932. Chief Cornelius McCarthy and Officer Andrew Phillips arrested a suspect involved in an attempterd kidnapping of the infant daughter of a Highland Park resident J. Seward Johnson (Johnson & Johnson). Due to the similarities to the Lindbergh case (either involving kidnappings or attempted kidnappings of infant children of famous and wealthy families and both occurring in March 1932), an investigation was initiated to determine if there were any connections between the two crimes. The suspects' fingerprints in the Johnson case were immediately sent to the NJ State Police in Hopewell for comparison to those found at the Lindbergh crime scene. However, no connection could ever be established.
THE CIVIL UNREST/RIOTS OF 1967
The 1960’s were a tumultuous time in our nations’ history. Several events were taking place that seemed to be tearing the nation apart (i.e., the Vietnam War, the emergence of the drug culture, assassinations of political figures, etc.). However, the civil unrest created by racial tensions was perhaps the single most prominent event of this era. Rioting broke out during the summer of 1967 in many of our nation’s cities and the clashes between police and rioters as well as the destruction of property caused by the rioters could be seen on television on an almost daily basis.
When the rioting broke out in the neighobring City of Plainfield, members of the South Plainfield Police Department (“regular” and “special” police officers) were called upon and mobilized to assist in suppressing and containing the rioting. All SPPD members were put on 12 hour shifts and many were detailed to fixed posts in close proximity to the riots in Plainfield as well at major arteries connecting South Plainfield and Plainfield to assist in controlling ingress/egress. They were assigned to work as snipers on building rooftops and to assist in enforcement of mandatory curfews. Many of these locations were near the actual rioting in which shots were being fired on a regular basis by the rioters and looters. Officers from the SPPD were directly involved in the arrests of rioters, some of whom were armed. The members of the SPPD performed their jobs in a professional manner despite the high level of risk to their own safety.
FORMATION OF THE FIRST SPPD NARCOTICS UNIT - 1971
In the turbulent 1960's into the 1970's, a variety of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, heroin, LSD and hashish, became popular amongst the youth in America. Although some of these drugs had been around for many years, their popularity grew during this time, partly because of the cultural revolution that was taking place as well as the mistaken belief that many of these drugs were not addictive and safe to utilize. The Borough of South Plainfield felt the impact of this increased use of illegal narcotics - in 1971, approximately six young people died of heroin overdoses within the Borough.
These deaths, as well as the increase in crime attributed to the use of illegal drug use, created a lot of concern amongst the Borough officials. In August of 1971, Deputy Police Chief Michael asked Sergeant Thomas Boyle to accompany him in a meeting with the Mayor and Borough Prosecutor to discuss an action plan to quell the increase in drug activities. They asked Sgt. Boyle to form a narcotics unit and gave him the latitude to select two officers to work with him in this unit. Selected were Detective Thomas Smith and Police Officer Thomas Bullock.
Sgt. Boyle pursued state grant funds to help purchase equipment for this unit. Detective Robert Smith assisted with the pursuit of these grants which resulted in the purchase of two cars, a 1971 Dodge Dart and a 1971 Plymouth Duster, plus a salary for a secretary, all of which was dedicated to the SPPD Narcotics Unit.
In September 1971, the SPPD Narcotics Unit became operational. Over the next 2 1/2 year period, this small but focused unit was credited with over two hundred arrests. They pursued and, with the assistance of members of the patrol division, executed numerous search warrants, many of which resulted in the seizure of cash and guns as well as the recovery of stolen property. Also, during the execution of a search warrant on a home on New Market Avenue, they made the first seizure of "angel dust" (phensyclidine) in the state of NJ.
Their work schedule fluctuated frequently in response to the ongoing investigations and they attended many civic meetings (i.e., PTA) to make presenttions regarding illegal drugs.
The SPPD Narcotics Unit took a team approach to their job. Sgt. Boyle developed the intelligence (from both informants as well as sharing of information with area police departments), while Det. T. Smith and Officer Bullock were primarily responsible for execution of the search warrants. In the 2 1/2 years of operation, they never had a search warrant overturned and never had a not-guilty finding for a case that went to trial. This is directly attributable to the thoroughness and professionalism of their investigations. Their hard and aggressive work also rubbed off on the members of the patrol division, as they became much more aware of the presence of narcotics in the Borough and became much more active in narcotics enforcement. After 2 1/2 years, the unit was disbanded, primarily because their own success had such a significant impact upon the prevalence of illegal drugs in the Borough.
COMPUTER FRAUD - 1986
In 1986, when computers were just becoming prominent, the SPPD became involved in an investigation whereby local juveniles were involved in a scheme to utilize computers in order to fraudently obtain merchandise. While the use of computers in order to commit crimes is certainly more common today, during this time period such use of what new technology as an instrumentality to perpetuate a widespread fraud had never been encountered before. There were very few individuals capable of determining how the crime was conducted. Officer Michael Grennier, the “computer guru” of the SPPD, was able to utilize his knowledge and expertise to determine how the crimes were committed. Because of his knowledge and expertise, the case was solved. Because it was one of the earliest investigations involving computers as a tool to commit a crime, we received international attention. Media outlets from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe sent representatives to the press conference held to discuss this case.
NATIONAL LAW ENFORECMENT ACCREDITATION - 1987 TO 1999
Many professions have a process available to them known as “Accreditation”. Accreditation involves elevating the operation and procedures to meet certain professionally developed standards for that industry and voluntarily exposing these operations and procedures for inspection by trained experts. The standards are developed over a period of years of research by groups of professionals, including individuals within the industry as well as academia. Professions that have most often sought accredited status are hospitals and colleges/universities. However, in the early 1980’s, accreditation became available to law enforcement through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) located in Virginia. Agencies who wish to apply for and seek accredited status must meet and maintain over 500 standards addressing all aspects of a law enforcement agency (budgeting, patrol, investigations, administration, Internal Affairs, evidence collection & handling, etc.). Compliance with the standards is determined by a team of “assessors” who visit the agency over a five- day period (“on-site assessment) to determine if the agency is in fact compliant with the standards. The assessors are specially trained high- ranking law enforcement officials from agencies located in states other than that of the agency seeking accreditation. The assessment team then submits a report detailing their findings and recommendations to the Commission. The Commission, comprised of representatives from the law enforcement community, academia and the business sector, reviews the report, has an opportunity to question representatives from the applicant agency, and makes the final determination as to whether the agency is going to receive accredited status.
In 1987, under the direction Chief Thomas Boyle, the SPPD began this arduous quest to become nationally accredited through CALEA. Although this effort requires a department wide effort, it is important to designate specific personnel to manage the process. Chief Boyle appointed Lt. Wayne Bowden as the Accreditation Manager and Officer Robert Merkler as the Assistant Accreditation Manager as coordinators of the project. Over the next 18 months, the members of the SPPD worked diligently to improve/revise procedures and policies to meet compliance with the standards. In September of 1989, the SPPD underwent an “on-site” assessment of the agency. In November of 1989, the Commission granted “accredited” status to the SPPD, making it just the third agency in the history of the State of New Jersey to receive this status and recognition.
The SPPD became re-accredited through CALEA on two subsequent occasions - in 1994, under the command of Chief John Muller (Lt. Robert Merkler as the Accreditation Manager and Lt. Wayne Bowden as the Assistant Accreditation Manager), and again in 1999 under the command of Chief Steven A. Merkler, (Lt. Robert Merkler as the Accreditation Manager).
Unfortunately, rising costs and the additional workload to operate the PD and the additional workload placed on law enforcement separate and apart from the accreditation process required the SPPD to forgo the accreditation process.
COLOMBIAN MONEY LAUNDERING SCHEME - 1989
In 1989, members of the SPPD became directly involved in a nine-month investigation involving money laundering scheme tied to Panamanian and Colombian drug cartels. The investigation originally focused on a home in South Plainfield where the money was allegedly being delivered, sorted and packaged for shipment. However, after the early stages of the investigation, it quickly became obvious to local investigators that this case had the potential of becoming a large-scale investigation of International proportions. Federal agencies were consulted and became involved in the investigation. The investigation headed by SPPD Detective George Green and FBI Agent Billy Wilkes, involved members of the SPPD, Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, U.S. Customs, FBI, DEA and the IRS. The investigation was culminated on 10 February 1990 with the coordinated and simultaneous execution of search and arrest warrants at homes and business in NJ, NY, Delaware and Florida. The raids in NJ occurred in the counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Passaic and Union. At 4:00 AM on that date, approximately 150 law enforcement officers from various agencies (30 from SPPD) gathered at the P.A.L. for a pre-raid briefing. The officers then responded to their designated locations to execute the warrants. The timing of each raid was coordinated with all agencies involved, including those occurring in other states.
Because of this investigation/operation, 25 people were arrested, and seized was $10,000,00.00 in cash, 8 cars and 55 pounds of cocaine. The P.A.L. building served as a clearinghouse for all of the suspects arrested in NJ. Because of our involvement in this investigation, the SPPD received $566,000.00 via the Federal Forfeiture program. This investigation had significant impact upon the operation of laundering drug proceeds through legitimate institutions in the United States.
ATTACKS ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER - 9/11/2001
The dramatic and historical events that occurred on 11 September 2001 will always be etched in our minds. Like other tragic events that occurred, people will remember where they were or what they were doing when those events took place. Although the attacks on the WTC occurred in the City of New York, these events impacted the SPPD.
Shortly after the towers collapsed, Sergeant Kevin Murtagh, Sergeant Charles Siedenburg and Officer Vincent Campagna assisted in escorting emergency lighting equipment needed to illuminate the scene that was being sent from companies in South Plainfield into New York City.
As these events were unfolding, many off-duty officers from the SPPD were phoning our Emergency Operation Center and offering to assist in any manner possible. On the evening of 9/11, South Plainfield Officers Wayne Diana, Brian Iarrapino and Daniel Noonan were detailed with other police officers from Middlesex County to Ground Zero to assist in the search for survivors.
Once the removal of the debris from Ground Zero was initiated, the grim task of searching the tons of debris for evidence and personal affects of victims fell upon officers from the NYPD and other officers from around the country who volunteered to assist. In all, a total of 22 present/retired officers from the South Plainfield Police Department volunteered to go to the Fresh Kill Landfill in Staten Island on their own time to assist in the search of the debris field. They were: Peter Arancio, Gene Bataille, Robert Barone, Wendell Born, Garrett Cassio, Chris Colluci, Sherlyn Courtney, Wayne Diana, John Ferraro, Michael Hoppe, Brian Iarrapino, Raymond Jazikoff, Matthew Koep, Kevin LoMonte, Matthew Mahoney, Robert Merkler, Steve Merkler, Daniel Noonan, Joseph Papa, Robert Rogers, Charles Siedenburg, and Daryl Strother.
A VISIT BY THE OFFICER WHO CAPTURED LEE HARVEY OSWALD - 2004
During a law enforcement career, officers will make numerous arrests - most of which are routine in nature. However, most officers can often recall the specifics about the arrest of a violent offender or one that involved a high profile or particularly heinous crime. They dream of making that one arrest that will have a significant impact on the safety of society or will draw public acclaim to the police department. On 22 November 1963, such an occurence happened to Nick MacDonald, a young police officer with the Dallas (Texas) Police Department. Officer MacDonald was on-duty the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and became involved in the manhunt for the President's killer. The search became more personal for Officer MacDonald, as his locker mate and best friend, Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippet. was also murdered shortly after President Kennedy had been shot. During the investigation, Officer MacDonald responded to a report of a suspicious man entering a local movie theater. Officer MacDonald entered the theater and confronted the suspect, who was seated in the audience. As the suspect stood up, he pulled a loaded pistol from his waistband, pointed it at Officer MacConald and attempted to fire it. Officer MacDonald reached for and grabbed the gun just as the hammer was falling. The webbing between the thumb and forefinger of Officer MacDonald's hand went between the firing pin and the receiver of the gun, preventing it from discharging. Officer MacDonald, assisted by other Dallas Police Officers, then wrestled the gun away from the suspect and arrested him. The suspect turned out to be the killer of both President Kennedy and Officer Tippet. His name will live in infamy - Lee Harvey Oswald.
In 2004, through the efforts of Retired Police Chief Steven Merkler, Retired Deputy Chief Tulio "Chuck" Capparelli and South Plainfield High School Principal Dr. Ken May, arrangements were made to have Retired Dallas Police Sgt. Nick MacDonald and his wife, Daisy, visit the Borough to share his experiences of the infamous crime and subsequent capture with history students from the South Plainfield High School as well as the police officers and residents of the Borough. Sgt. MacDonald told the story in such detail that made it feel as though you were reliving the moment with him.
As hosts of the MacDonalds, members of the SPPD planned for them to visit the NJ State Police Museum in West Trenton, where they met with State Police command staff, State Police archivist, Mark Falzini, and had a private audience the State Police Colonel Rick Fuentes. Sgt. MacDonald and Daisy were taken to New York City, where they visited "Ground Zero". They also attended history classes at the high school, Nick threw out the first pitch at the high school baseball game and they attended an evening assembly that was held at the high school auditorium and open to the public. At the assembly, Sgt. MacDonald told his story and answered questions from the audience. In four short days, it felt as though Sgt. MacDonald and Daisy had become members of the SPPD family and the community.
Unfortunately, in 2005, Sgt. Nick MacDonald passed away. Daisy said that Nick had commented on several occasions about the hospitality and warmth shown to them by the officers and residents of South Plainfield. He had said that of all his visits, throughout the United States, his visit to South Plainfield was one of his most memorable ones.
In the fall of 2005, a plaque commemorating Sgt. Nick MacDonald's visit to South Plainfield was placed in the history wing of the South Plainfield High School.
SPPD GRADUATES FROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION'S NATIONAL ACADEMY - QUANTICO, VA.
As with any profession, continuous training and education is essential for police officers. Advanced education in the latest technologies, techniques and methodologies enhances their abilities to perform their jobs more professionally and efficiently and helps provide for increased officer safety. The most recognized and comprehensive advanced police training school throughout the world is offered in the United States - the FBI's National Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia. Over a period of nearly three months, attendees take courses in law, behavioral and forensic science, leadership development, communication, budgeting, photography, ethics, health and fitness training, psychology, etc. Students include law enforcement personnel from local, county, state, federal and military agencies from the United States as well as foreign countries. It is considered to be the most prestigious law enforcement training school available and is by invitation only.
In the history of the SPPD, four members have atttended the National Academy. They are:
Leonard Riccardi - 1954
Michael Oschanski - 1972
Thomas Boyle - 1985
Steven A. Merkler - 1998
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SECTION 27
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH PLAINFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECEIVING AWARDS FROM THE 200 CLUB OF MIDDLESEX COUNTYMembers of the South Plainfield Police Department perform various duties that go often go unrecognized – it is often said that we are “just doing our jobs”. However, these same individuals often perform work that is outstanding and deserving of special recognition. On an annual basis, the South Plainfield Police Department recognizes its’ members for these outstanding efforts by issuing departmental awards.
In addition to the departmental recognition, there are occasions where these same actions go beyond “outstanding”. The actions may be “above and beyond the call of duty” or may be deserving of special recognition. On occasion, these actions receive recognition from organizations outside of the department. This is the case with the 200 Club of Middlesex County.
Listed below is a description of this organization, as authored by the 200 Club of Middlesex County.
The 200 Club of Middlesex County describes itself as follows: "Each day throughout the United States and in our own communities, men and women are called upon to risk their lives in the cause of public safety. Members of our local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, our fire departments, and our first aid and rescue squads represent the first line of defense against rising crime rates and other threats to public safety."
The 200 Club of Middlesex County is an organization dedicated to proving to these important public servants that they do not stand-alone.
The 200 Club is made up of leaders of business, industry, labor, public service and other professions whose goal is to provide financial assistance and comfort to families of law enforcement and public safety officials who are killed or disabled in the line of duty. In additional, 200 Club awards thousands of dollars each year in scholarships to the children of these families.
The 200 Club’s motto – “We Remember” – is a pledge to support the men and women who put their lives on the line.
The following members have been formally recognized by this prestigious organization:
OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Tulio "Chuck" Capparelli - 1976VALOR AWARDS
Tulio “Chuck” Capparelli – 1976
Timothy Dziomba – 1997
Paul Wylam – 2003
Wayne Diana - 2005
Mark Bullock & John Petriello - 2005
Frank Fusaro, Gary Kline, Anthony Pacillo, Michael Redden - 2009MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
2003Wendell Born, Sherlyn Courtney, Daniel Noonan
2005
Peter Arancio, Mark Bullock, Shaun Clifford, Wayne Diana,
Matthew Mahoney, James Parker, John Petriello,
Chuck SiedenburgCERTIFICATE OF MERIT AWARD
2006
John Ferraro & Kevin Murtagh
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
John Alles – 1997
SECTION 28
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH PLAINFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Members of the SPPD have received awards for outstanding work from
other organizations as well.
| OFFICERS NAME | YEAR | AWARD | AWARD ORGANIZATION |
| Officer Charles Page | 1965 | Heroism | Boro of South Plainfield |
| OfficerCharles Page | 1965 | Valor | State PBA |
| Sgt. Peter Arancio | 2004 | Life Saving | ASIS |
| Officer Wayne Diana | 2004 | Life Saving | ASIS |
| Officer John Petriello | 2004 | Life Saving | ASIS |
| Officer Mark Bullock | 2004 | Life Saving | ASIS |
SECTION 29
VFW 'OFFICER OF THE YEAR' RECOGNITION
For many years, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6763 (VFW), requested that the SPPD nominate an officer for consideration for recognition as “VFW Officer of the Year”. The criteria utilized to identify the officer to be nominated includes outstanding work occurring within the given year and/or cumulative efforts covering the officers entire law enforcement career. The process includes the creation and submission of a biography that serves as summary of the officers’ career and/or accomplishments. This biography is reviewed by the local VFW and then submitted for consideration by the State of NJ VFW. Should the officer win the State award, his/her biography is then be submitted for national consideration. The SPPD has been very fortunate in that five officers weventually qualified to have their biographies submitted for consideration for National recognition. Listed below are the officers who have been nominated for this prestigious award – the asterisk (*) denotes the officers who won the State award.
Lieutenant Albert Dellavalle 1975
*Detective George Green 1986
Officer Casmir Aniunas 1988
Lieutenant Thomas Bullock 1990 -1991
Officer John Alles 1992
Detective George Green 1993
Officer William Newman 1999
Lieutenant Robert Bender 2000
Lieutenant Robert Bender 2001
Officer Allen LaMonda 2002
Officer Wayne Diana 2003
- Officer David Franchak 2004
Officer David Franchak 2005
The South Plainfield Police Department commends the officers for their efforts and thanks the South Plainfield VFW Post 6763 for taking the time to recognize these officers.
SECTION 30
DEPARTMENTAL "OFFICER OF THE YEAR" RECOGNITION
In the mid 1980's, Chief Thomas Boyle initiated a Department generated "Officer of the Year" award. Anyone on the department could nominate an officer for this award and the criteria to determine the winner mirrored that of the VFW Award. Due to the redundancy with the VFW program, this program was discontinued after 1991. Those officers who received the Department award are as follows:
Detective George Green 1985
Officer Robert K. Merkler 1986
Officer Michael Grennier 1987
Officer Casmir Aniunas 1988
Detective George Green 1989
Officer John Alles 1991
SECTION 31
POLICE COMMISSIONERS
Every year, the governing body of the Borough of South Plainfield designates a member of the Borough Council to serve as “Police Commissioner”. The primary responsibility of the Commissioner is to serve as liaison between the Chief of Police and the Council. This liaison helps ensure communications between the police department and the elected officials.
Listed below are those council members who have served in this vital position since 1950:
Joseph Wolak: 2017-Present
Robert Bengivenga: 2011-2016
MatthewAnesh 2010
Joseph Scrudato: 2009
Matthew Anesh: 2008
Dennis Cerami: 1997 - 2007
Mary Ann Kochut: 1995 - 1996
Daniel Gallagher: 1994
Linda Dashuta: 1991 -1993
Paul Rasmussen: 1990
Linda Dashuta: 1988 -1989
Richard Levine: 1987
Bernard Conlon: 1985 -1986
Daniel Gallagher: 1983 -1984
Bernard Conlon: 1982
Anthony Cotoia: 1979 - 1981
Richard Kennedy: 1977-1978
Anthony Cotoia: 1976
Dale Flakne: 1975
Stephen Szymanski: 1974
Charles Haus: 1973
Donald Daoust: 1972
Dale Flakne: 1968 -1971
William Prendergast: 1965 -1967
Richard Kennedy: 1961 -1964
Charlie Lammers: 1958 - 1960
Donald Musson: 1957
Henry Decker: 1954 - 1956
William DeSabato: 1953
Attillio Celentano: 1951-1952
John Kane: 1950
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SECTION 32
POLICE CHAPLAINSTraditionally, law enforcement agencies have designated members of the cloth to serve as their official police chaplains. These chaplains offer counseling and support to both members of the department as well as citizens of the community during stressful situations and times of need. Through their dedication, loyalty, commitment and sensitivity, they have become “members” of our law enforcement family.
Listed below are those dedicated individuals who have served proudly as the official “South Plainfield Police Department Chaplain”
Reverend Charles Mingle – St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Ret.)
1975 – 2012Reverend Father Jerome Nolan – Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
1975-1977Reverend Father Patrick Castles – Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
1970-1975Reverend Albert R. Sweet – WesleyMethodistChurch
1965-1967Father Alfred Sico
Years Unknown
Father Procicini
Years Unknown
An Important Note: In 2004, in recognition of his long years of dedicated service to the SPPD, various current and former Borough officials nominated Reverend Charles Mingle for a National award issued by the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), of which he was a long-time member. The ICPC has over 2800 members. Reverend Mingle was not aware of this nomination at the time it was made.
In July of 2005, while attending the annual convention in San Antonio TX., ICPC President Walter Schott presented to Reverend Mingle the “ John A. Price Award for Excellence in Chaplaincy ” as a volunteer in a small agency. Only one such annual award is issued nationally, and he was the first, and to date, the only Police Chaplain from South Plainfield to receive this prestigious award. In attendance at this conference was his wife as well as members representing nine different countries.
SECTION 33
“ABOVE & BEYOND” THE JOBOver the years, members of the South Plainfield Police Department have taken it upon themselves to volunteer their time to pursue an idea or become involved in community activities/events. The list of officers who have served as volunteer coaches in various recreation-sponsored sport teams or serve as chaperones for school sponsored trips is endless. These officers, while too many to list, should be recognized and thanked for their efforts.
Other officers have gone “above and beyond” their basic job duties by creating and implementing a program that benefits both the community and the police department. A few examples of such programs are listed below.
POLICE TRADING CARDS
In 1996, Lieutenant John Ferraro approached Chief John Muller with a request to create South Plainfield Police Department Trading Cards, as other agencies were doing. The idea behind the police trading cards was a way of getting the youngsters of our communities to recognize police officers in the hopes that they will be less intimidated about approaching them. If a child wanted the card, he/she would need to approach the officer and ask for the card. This would give the officer an opportunity to strike up a conversation with the child and visa-versa.
Once given the authorization, Lt. Ferraro made the necessary arrangements. Officers interested in participating were asked to locate a sponsor to fund their card, photographs were taken, and the cards were created and distributed. “Card shows” were scheduled, in which officers were present to not only distribute the cards but also to autograph them. Lt. Ferraro also arranged for prizes to be awarded to the first group of youngsters who were able to collect a full set of cards. This program, while time intensive, was well received by the community and it was repeated in 2000.
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BARON VON PEDDLE OFF
Since 1997, our Traffic Safety Section has sponsored a bicycle rodeo. At this annual rodeo, bicycle safety is the primary theme and free services are offered to attendees. Bicycles are inspected, safety courses are created and free hotdogs, ice cream and soda is available. A certain number of bicycle helmets are made available free of charge to participants who do not own one. Raffles are also held for prizes, such as a new bicycle, wagons, etc. This Rodeo has become very popular and is always well attended. It is usually held in May.
Another theme of this Rodeo is to create an awareness of theft-prevention. We offer to register bicycles and bicycle locks are often available as possible prizes. However, one of the biggest attractions is that of “Baron Von Peddle Off”. He was the brainchild of Officer William Frink and is a favorite of the younger participants. “Baron Von Peddle Off” is a cartoon character that is utilized as a vehicle to reach children to promote anti-theft awareness.
Despite the fact that Officer Frink retired from the South Plainfield Police Department in 2000, he still comes back as a volunteer to assist us in the Bike Rodeo.
Click link to see video
