MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery Township Police responded to several incidents during the first half of August, including a residential fire, two motor vehicle crashes, a traffic stop that led to an arrest on an outstanding warrant and a joint commercial vehicle enforcement detail with the New Jersey State Police.
Police said emergency crews were called to a residence on Sleepy Hollow Lane at approximately 8 a.m. on Aug. 1 for a reported fire.
Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, Montgomery EMS and the Rocky Hill Fire Company responded. The home was unoccupied because it was undergoing renovations.
According to police, contractors arriving at the residence discovered smoke inside the home and discoloration on an entry wall. The fire was extinguished with minimal damage.
An initial investigation indicated the fire may have been caused by construction materials, including rags used during floor refinishing that had been left in a pile.
Juvenile Bicyclist Injured in Blue Spring Road Crash
On Aug. 4 at approximately 5:54 p.m., Montgomery Police and Montgomery EMS responded to Blue Spring Road for a motor vehicle crash involving a bicyclist.
Police said a 2014 Honda Accord driven by a 66-year-old Rocky Hill resident was traveling west on Blue Spring Road when a juvenile riding a bicycle entered the roadway from Salisbury Drive.
The bicyclist was struck by the vehicle and sustained a leg injury. The juvenile, who police said was wearing a helmet, was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
According to police, the investigation determined that the bicyclist failed to stop before entering the intersection, resulting in the collision.
Route 601 Crash Temporarily Closes Roadway
Two days later, Montgomery Police and Montgomery EMS responded to another crash, this time on County Route 601 near Grandview Road.
Police said a 2021 Lexus driven by a 20-year-old Parsippany resident was traveling north on Route 601 at approximately 3:25 p.m. on Aug. 6 and approaching the railroad crossing when the vehicle crossed the center line, struck a concrete median and then collided with a 2021 Isuzu truck traveling south.
The impact left both vehicles disabled on the railroad crossing.
The driver of the Lexus was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset with a complaint of head pain. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
Police said the driver of the Lexus was issued a summons for failing to maintain the lane of travel. The crash resulted in a temporary closure of the roadway.
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest on Outstanding Warrant
On Aug. 10 at approximately 8:25 a.m., a Montgomery officer conducting traffic enforcement on Route 206 near Route 518 observed a 2022 Chrysler traveling south on Route 206 pass stopped traffic by using a painted roadway island, according to police.
The officer also reported observing the driver using a cell phone while operating the vehicle.
The vehicle was stopped after turning onto Route 518. During the stop, police discovered that the 66-year-old Morrisville, Pennsylvania, driver had an active warrant for failing to appear in court.
The driver was arrested and transported to Montgomery Township Police headquarters for processing. Police said the individual was given a new court date related to the warrant and was issued motor vehicle summonses for improper passing and using a hand-held device while driving.
Commercial Vehicle Detail Results in 37 Violations
On Aug. 12, the Montgomery Township Police Department partnered with the New Jersey State Police for a targeted commercial motor vehicle enforcement detail along County Route 601.
The operation focused on commercial vehicle safety and compliance with state and federal regulations, including vehicle condition, driver violations and vehicle weight.
Police said 19 commercial motor vehicles were inspected, resulting in 37 violations.
Of those inspections, 13 resulted in out-of-service violations, while seven involved weight violations.
The detail was coordinated by Sgt. Timothy Giaccone and Officer Christopher Parlow of the Montgomery Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
Montgomery Police Chief Silvio Bet said commercial vehicles serve an important role in moving goods and services throughout the state, but their size and weight can make safety violations particularly concerning.
“Enforcement details such as this are intended not only to identify violations, but also to encourage voluntary compliance and prevent crashes before they occur,” Bet said.
Police said additional commercial vehicle enforcement details are expected to take place in Montgomery Township.
Editor’s Note: Charges and summonses are accusations only. Any person charged with an offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Medical Episode Leads to Single-Car Crash on Great Road
On Jan. 19 at 9:13 p.m., Montgomery Police and Montgomery EMS responded to Great Road near Inverness Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash.
Police determined that a 55-year-old Skillman resident was driving a 2025 Alfa Romeo south on Great Road when the driver suffered a medical emergency. The vehicle crossed into the northbound lane, left the roadway and struck a tree.
The driver and a passenger were evaluated and treated at the scene by Montgomery EMS. No further injuries were reported.
Ceiling Collapse at Evert Court Home Linked to Water Leak
On Jan. 21 at 12:43 p.m., Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Company No. 2 and Rocky Hill Fire Company responded to a residence on Evert Court for a reported ceiling collapse.
First responders determined that a water leak inside the residence caused a partial collapse of the ceiling. No injuries were reported, and the incident was contained to the interior of the home.
Disorderly Person Reported at Princeton Self Storage
On Jan. 21 at 4:19 p.m., Montgomery Police responded to Princeton Self Storage for a report of a disorderly person.
An employee told officers that a male customer cursed at her after she asked if he needed assistance. The individual left the location prior to police arrival. No criminal charges were reported at the time of the incident.
Driver Cited After Route 601 Crash Near Railroad Crossing
On Jan. 23 at 3:18 a.m., Montgomery Police and Montgomery EMS responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 601 near Grandview Road.
Police determined that a 35-year-old Hillsborough man was traveling south on Route 601 when his vehicle struck the concrete island near the railroad crossing, crossed the northbound lane and came to rest in a roadside ditch. The driver reported losing control after driving over ice.
Officers noted they did not observe any ice on the roadway and concluded the crash was caused by driver inattention and failure to maintain the travel lane. The driver was evaluated at the scene by Montgomery EMS.
He was issued motor vehicle summonses for Careless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane.
Public Works Snowplow Truck Catches Fire on Copper Vail Court
On Jan. 25 at 4:31 p.m., Montgomery Police, Montgomery EMS, Montgomery Fire Company No. 2 and Rocky Hill Fire Company responded to Copper Vail Court for a reported vehicle fire.
Responders found that a Montgomery Township Public Works truck had caught fire during snow plowing operations. The fire was extinguished on scene, and the driver reported no injuries.
The Montgomery Township Fire Marshal responded to investigate the incident.
DWI Arrest Following Traffic Stop on Meadow Run Drive
On Jan. 30 at 9:11 p.m., an officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Meadow Run Drive after observing a vehicle traveling without illuminated rear lights.
During the stop, police determined that the driver, a 39-year-old Skillman woman, had consumed alcoholic beverages prior to operating the vehicle. She was arrested at the scene and transported to Montgomery Township Police Headquarters for processing.
She was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Maintenance of Lamps and Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. She was later released pending a scheduled appearance in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police
Police Utilize ATV During Snowstorm Responses
Montgomery Police reported using the department’s utility all-terrain vehicle during the recent snowstorm to patrol and respond to emergency calls in areas difficult to access by standard patrol vehicles.
Officers responded to several reports of vehicles stuck in the snow throughout the township. Police also released a photo of the ATV in operation during the storm, which will accompany this report.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
The Montgomery Township Police Department is asking the public for information regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a bicyclist that occurred Tuesday evening.
Police said officers responded to the intersection of Blue Spring Road and Salisbury Road at approximately 5:54 p.m. on Aug. 4 following a report of a crash involving a bicyclist.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash or the condition of those involved were included in the advisory issued by the department Wednesday.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have information is asked to contact Officer Oksana Kopyto at 908-359-3222.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Authorities say the 18-year-old is charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
RARITAN BOROUGH — An 18-year-old Belle Mead man is facing two second-degree charges in connection with a fatal crash at the intersection of Route 202 and First Avenue in Raritan Borough.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office initially announced that the man had been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide following the Monday, July 27 crash. Prosecutors announced the following day that an additional charge of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death had been filed.
According to authorities, Raritan Borough police responded to the intersection at approximately 6:29 a.m. and found a crash involving a Genesis SUV and an Acura SUV.
Investigators allege that the driver of the Genesis entered the intersection against a red light and struck the driver’s side of the Acura. The Acura’s driver, a woman from Bridgewater, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities allege that the Genesis driver left the scene on foot following the collision. He was subsequently located and apprehended by Raritan Borough police officers and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office also reported that investigators received multiple accounts of the Genesis being driven erratically before the collision, including reports that the vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction on Route 202 at times.
Members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Raritan Borough Police Department responded to investigate. Investigators from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing pending the findings of the collision reconstruction team.
The defendant was served with the initial complaint while hospitalized. Authorities said he would be lodged in the Somerset County Jail following his release from the hospital, pending a court hearing.
Anyone with information concerning the crash is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Raritan Borough Police Department at 908-725-6700.
Information may also be submitted anonymously through the STOPit app using the access code SOMERSETNJ, the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS or SCPO.TIPS.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Incidents include damage to an above-ground pool, a handbag taken from a fitness center and a bicycle reported stolen from Primrose Court
MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery Township Police are investigating three recently reported incidents involving property damage and theft, including intentional damage to a residential swimming pool, a handbag taken from a local fitness center and a bicycle stolen from a neighborhood bike rack.
A Burnt Hill Road resident contacted police on July 7 to report damage to the liner of an above-ground swimming pool.
The resident told police the damage occurred sometime between July 2 and July 3. After inspecting the pool, a pool company advised the resident that the damage appeared to have been caused intentionally, according to police.
On July 14 at approximately 10:42 a.m., a Princeton resident reported that a handbag had been stolen from Princeton Fitness and Wellness.
The victim told police the bag had been placed down while the individual was exercising. The handbag contained personal belongings and had an estimated value of $400.
Police also received a report of a bicycle theft from a Primrose Court resident on July 20.
The teal-colored Huffy bicycle had been left at a neighborhood bike rack at approximately 4 p.m. on July 19. The owner discovered it missing at approximately 5 p.m. the following day.
No arrests or additional information regarding the three investigations were announced in the July 27 police press release.
Police Remind Residents About E-Bike Requirements
Montgomery Township Police also reminded residents about new requirements affecting electric bicycles.
According to the department, electric bicycles are now subject to registration and insurance requirements, along with licensing requirements for operators.
Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to consult the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s electric bicycle resources at ebike.mvc.nj.gov.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Montgomery Township Police responded to several incidents in recent weeks, including a serious motor vehicle crash on Route 206, two driving while intoxicated arrests, a reported counterfeit bill, a parking lot crash and an apartment fire.
Police said the most serious incident occurred on Thursday, June 4, at approximately 5:14 a.m., when officers responded to Route 206 near the Hillsborough Township border for a reported motor vehicle crash involving injuries and entrapment.
Upon arrival, officers found a 2021 Peterbilt dump truck overturned onto its passenger side in the northbound lane of Route 206. The driver of the dump truck was able to exit the vehicle with help from a passing motorist and reported no injuries, according to police.
A 2014 Ford Explorer was found disabled on the southbound shoulder, with the driver trapped inside. First responders from Montgomery Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, Montgomery Township EMS and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Mobile Intensive Care Unit responded and successfully extricated the driver.
Police said the driver was transported by medevac helicopter to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with serious injuries.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on Route 206 when it crossed the double-yellow centerline into the northbound lane. Police said the Ford then collided head-on with the Peterbilt dump truck, which was traveling northbound.
Route 206 was closed in both directions for an extended period while emergency personnel conducted crash scene operations and cleanup. Police said the closure was necessary because of a significant fuel spill and the removal of a load of gravel released when the dump truck overturned.
Montgomery Township Police were assisted at the scene by the Hillsborough Township Police Department, Somerset County Hazardous Materials Response Team and the New Jersey Department of Transportation/New Jersey State Police Incident Management Response Team.
The crash remains under investigation by the Montgomery Township Police Department.
On June 12 at approximately 6 p.m., Montgomery Police responded to Jersey Mike’s Subs for a reported counterfeit $20 bill. Police said two individuals entered the store and purchased a bottle of water using the counterfeit currency. Employees determined the bill was counterfeit after the transaction was completed.
On June 13 at 1:11 a.m., Officer Dwyer stopped a vehicle on Route 206 for speeding. Police said the driver, a 62-year-old Hillsborough resident, was determined to have consumed alcoholic beverages before driving. The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Montgomery Township Police headquarters for processing.
Police said the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving and speeding. The driver was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Later that day, at 12:02 p.m., Montgomery Police responded to Wawa for a motor vehicle crash. Police said a 19-year-old Belle Mead driver was operating a 2021 Mazda and was pulling into a parking spot when the vehicle inadvertently accelerated, driving over a curb and through a fence and retaining wall.
The driver was not injured, and the vehicle was towed from the scene. Police said the driver was issued a summons for careless driving and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
On June 17 at 9:54 p.m., Officer Stratton stopped a vehicle on Belle Mead-Griggstown Road for failing to maintain its lane of travel. Police said the driver, a 29-year-old Flemington resident, was determined to have consumed alcoholic beverages before driving.
The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to police headquarters for processing. Police said the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, driving without a license, failure to provide vehicle registration and failure to provide proof of insurance. The driver was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
On June 20 at 12:21 p.m., Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, and Montgomery EMS responded with Rocky Hill Fire Company and Princeton Fire Department to Building 4 at Princeton Garden Apartments for a kitchen fire caused by cooking.
Fire personnel extinguished the fire, which left the apartment uninhabitable. Police said the residents were not injured.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Enforcement efforts focused on distracted driving, seat belt use, impaired driving and other hazardous behaviors
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Township police conducted more than 260 motor vehicle stops during several traffic safety initiatives held throughout April and May, according to information released by the department Friday.
The enforcement campaigns focused on distracted driving, seat belt compliance, impaired driving and other behaviors associated with serious crashes. Several of the initiatives were supported by grant funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
During New Jersey’s statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Awareness Campaign in April, Montgomery police received funding for 50 additional enforcement hours. Officers conducted 112 motor vehicle stops and issued 75 summonses, including 56 for cell phone-related violations. Two arrests were also reported.
From May 18 through May 31, the department participated in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign, using 40 grant-funded enforcement hours to focus on seat belt use and occupant safety.
According to preliminary enforcement figures, officers stopped 99 vehicles and issued 68 summonses during the campaign. Those included approximately 40 seat belt violations and 12 hazardous moving violations. Police also arrested two drivers on outstanding traffic warrants.
Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday travel period, Montgomery police participated in Operation Safe Passage, an initiative targeting impaired driving. The department received 16 grant-funded enforcement hours, supplemented by money from the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund.
Officers conducted 35 motor vehicle stops and issued 14 summonses during that initiative, according to the department.
Montgomery police also continue to participate in Goal: Zero, a statewide enforcement and education campaign associated with New Jersey’s Target Zero Safety Action Plan. The initiative is intended to reduce roadway deaths, serious injuries and crashes through enforcement based on traffic and crash data.
Goal: Zero details focus on violations associated with serious and fatal crashes, including speeding, distracted and impaired driving, improper passing and intersection-related offenses. Officers are assigned to locations and times identified as presenting a higher risk based on available crash information.
The department’s most recent Goal: Zero detail was conducted May 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. Two officers assigned to the operation conducted 15 motor vehicle stops, issued 17 summonses and arrested one driver on outstanding warrants.
“We want every driver and passenger to arrive at their destination safely,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said. “These enforcement initiatives are about preventing tragedies before they happen by encouraging responsible driving habits, whether that means buckling up, driving sober, slowing down, or staying focused behind the wheel.”
Bet said the combination of targeted enforcement and public education is intended to improve roadway safety during the Memorial Day and summer travel periods.
The police department said it will continue its traffic enforcement and driver education efforts as part of its goal of reducing crashes, roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department
Montgomery Township Police reported several recent incidents, including multiple warrant arrests, a driving while intoxicated charge, a package theft investigation and a reminder about the dangers and legal consequences of trespassing on abandoned or uninhabited properties.
The department issued the update in a May 28 press release.
Police said the first incident occurred May 17 at 2:13 p.m., when Officer Garrett Stratton observed a vehicle turn from Bridgepoint Road onto Route 206 without yielding to traffic. Stratton conducted a motor vehicle stop and, during the course of the stop, determined that a passenger had an active arrest warrant from Trenton City Court.
The passenger, a 39-year-old Skillman resident, was unable to post $750 bail and was arrested and transported to Montgomery Township Police Department headquarters for processing. Police said the individual was later released after Trenton City Court issued a new court date.
Later that day, at 6:20 p.m., Officer Chris Parlow stopped a vehicle for not displaying a valid inspection decal. During the stop, police determined that the driver, a 36-year-old South Amboy resident, had active arrest warrants totaling $8,500 from several jurisdictions in New Jersey.
Police said the driver was turned over to the Hazlet Township Police Department and was issued motor vehicle summonses for observed violations. The driver is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
At 10:45 p.m. on May 17, Officer Oksana Kopyto stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 206. During the stop, police determined that the driver, a 32-year-old Morristown resident, had an active warrant from Toms River Municipal Court. Police said the driver was able to post bail.
On May 18, a Skillman resident reported a theft from a package before delivery. According to police, the resident ordered a camera and, after receiving the package, noticed that the packing tape had been cut and the package had been resealed. When the package was opened, the resident discovered that the camera, valued at $1,819, had been removed.
Police also reported a warrant arrest on May 25 at 9:50 p.m., when Officers Hugo Calderon and Connor Chapkowski observed a 60-year-old Skillman resident on Hartwick Drive. Police said officers were aware of an active arrest warrant from Montgomery Municipal Court. After determining the individual was unable to post $1,000 bail, police placed the person under arrest and transported the individual to the Somerset County Jail.
May 25 at 9:57 p.m., Officer Garrett Stratton stopped a vehicle for failing to maintain its lane and for maintenance of lamps. During the stop, police said Stratton determined that the driver, a 36-year-old Lawrence resident, had consumed alcoholic beverages before operating the vehicle.
The driver was arrested and transported to Montgomery Township Police Department headquarters for processing. Police said the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane and maintenance of lamps. The driver was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Police also used the press release to remind residents that trespassing on abandoned or uninhabited properties is both illegal and dangerous.
According to the department, police have responded to properties where individuals entered without permission. Police said properties that appear empty may still be privately owned, under active management, or undergoing inspection, maintenance or redevelopment.
Unauthorized entry can expose individuals to unstable structures, environmental hazards, wildlife and other dangers, police said. Trespassing can also interfere with property investigations, insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Anyone entering such properties without permission may be subject to criminal charges, according to police.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
The Montgomery Township Police Department is highlighting several community safety and wellness initiatives, including a recent school safety presentation for middle school students, continued participation in the ARRIVE Together mental health response program, and a state grant to support officer wellness and resiliency.
The efforts reflect a broader focus on prevention, outreach and support services, both for residents and for members of the police department.
Detectives Speak With Students About Bullying, Internet Safety and Reporting Concerns
Detectives from the Montgomery Township Police Department recently conducted a school safety presentation for middle school students at Princeton Montessori School, covering topics such as bullying, internet safety, responsible phone use, digital media and reporting concerns through the “See Something, Say Something” approach.
According to the department, the interactive presentation encouraged students to make safe choices online and in their daily interactions, and to report concerning behavior to trusted adults or school staff.
“Our goal is to give students the tools to make safe, responsible decisions—whether they’re interacting with others at school or navigating the digital world,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said in the department’s release. “Bullying, online behavior, and the use of phones all have real impacts. We want students to understand that if they see something concerning, they should say something and trust that adults are here to help keep them safe.”
The department said it remains committed to proactive community outreach and student safety through education and engagement.
ARRIVE Together Program Emphasizes Mental Health Response
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the department and Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services are also highlighting Montgomery’s participation in the ARRIVE Together Program, a collaborative response model that pairs law enforcement officers with mental health professionals.
ARRIVE, which stands for Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation, pairs a Crisis Intervention Training-certified police officer with a licensed mental health clinician. The team responds to mental health emergencies, provides de-escalation support and helps connect individuals to appropriate care and follow-up services.
The program is built around the recognition that not all emergency calls are criminal in nature. Some involve individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma or other mental health challenges. The co-responder model is intended to bring both clinical expertise and public safety support to those situations.
“Programs like ARRIVE Together represent the future of policing—one that prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and the well-being of every resident,” Bet said. “By partnering with mental health professionals, our officers are better equipped to respond to individuals in crisis with the care and understanding they deserve. This program not only improves outcomes, but also strengthens the trust we are committed to building within our community.”
Nicole Crowley, ARRIVE Director for Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, said Bridgeway is grateful for its partnership with the Montgomery Police Department and credited the department with fully embracing the program. She said the integration of a mental health clinician within the department has helped address gaps in community support.
“Over time we have seen what once functioned as two separate entities, come together as one unified team for the betterment of the community,” Crowley said, adding that Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder to highlight the work of ARRIVE officers and clinicians.
Department Receives State Wellness and Resiliency Grant
The Montgomery Township Police Department has also been awarded a $39,294.10 Law Enforcement Wellness and Resiliency Grant through the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The funding was formally presented during the state’s Excellence in Policing Awards Ceremony at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, which was attended by Bet.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announced the 2026 Excellence in Policing Award recipients and Law Enforcement Wellness and Resiliency Grant awards in May. The state grant program received 155 applications, and 15 agencies were selected to receive a combined $500,000 for officer wellness, mental health services and resiliency initiatives.
According to the department, Montgomery’s grant will support the implementation of the Montgomery Township Police Department Wellness Initiative, a program focused on strengthening wellness, resiliency and recovery resources for sworn officers and civilian staff.
The funding will help provide onsite physical wellness and recovery resources, including fitness equipment intended to support stress reduction, physical conditioning, injury prevention and recovery from the physical and mental demands associated with police work. The department said the funding is significant because it currently lacks a dedicated wellness facility.
The grant will also support contracted professional mental health and resiliency services, including access to licensed mental health counseling for department personnel during the grant period.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the state’s award recipients reflect professionalism, service and integrity in law enforcement, while also emphasizing the importance of officer wellness.
“These award recipients represent the highest standards of professionalism, service, and integrity in law enforcement,” Davenport said in the release. “Their work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the public while strengthening trust within the communities they serve. At the same time, our continued investment in officer wellness ensures that those who serve are supported with the resources they need to remain healthy, resilient, and effective.”
Together, the three initiatives point to a broader emphasis by the Montgomery Township Police Department on education, early intervention, mental health support and wellness resources aimed at strengthening both community safety and department readiness.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department
Photo caption: Left to Right – Officer Sean Devlin, Sergeant Adam Verducci (Montgomery OEM Coordinator), Detective Tom Connell, Detective Jesse Peterson, Officer Delio Coutinho, Officer Chris Parlow.
The Montgomery Township Police Department, in partnership with the Montgomery Office of Emergency Management, has launched a new Swift Water Rescue Program designed to improve the township’s ability to respond to flooding and water-related emergencies.
The program provides specialized training and equipment to Montgomery police officers who may be called upon to operate in hazardous flood or swift-water conditions. According to the department, multiple officers have completed technical- and operations-level swift water rescue training.
Officers assigned to the program have also been outfitted with industry-standard swift water rescue gear to improve safety and effectiveness during emergency responses.
A central part of the program is Montgomery’s rescue vehicle, a specialized unit capable of operating in up to three feet of moving water. Police officials said the vehicle will allow first responders to reach areas that may otherwise be inaccessible during flooding, helping reduce response times when residents or visitors need assistance.
“This program marks a major step forward in our ability to protect and serve the Montgomery community and its visitors,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said. “With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and flooding risks, having trained swift water rescue officers is not just beneficial — it’s essential.”
Bet said the program reflects the department’s responsibility to ensure officers are properly trained and equipped for emergency conditions.
“The launch of our Swift Water Rescue Program represents a critical advancement in how we prepare for and respond to emergencies in Montgomery,” Bet said. “It is our responsibility to ensure our officers are equipped, trained, and ready to act. This program not only enhances our operational capabilities, but it reinforces our commitment to protecting every member of our community — no matter the conditions.”
The department said the program highlights the township’s focus on proactive emergency management and interagency collaboration. By combining training, equipment and specialized response capabilities, the Police Department and OEM said they are better positioned to safeguard the community during critical incidents involving flooding or moving water.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department
Montgomery, January 2025 Crime Statistics
| Police Reports | 341 |
| Motor Vehicle Summons | 80 |
| Burgleries | 2 ($500.00) |
| Larceny/Thefts | 4 ($7,696.00) |
| Fraud/Forgery | 5 ($109,727.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Thefts | 1 ($80,000.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Crash | 50 |
| Motor Vehicle Stops | 222 |
| Alarms | 77 |
| All Adult Arrests | 7 |
| DWI Arrests Adults | 3 |
| Domestic | 4 |
| Animal Calls. | 34 |
| Calls for Service | 2148 |
| Property Check | 596 |
| Park Check | 52 |
Montgomery December Crime Statistics
| Police Reports | 319 |
| Motor Vehicle Summons | 95 |
| Burgleries | 4 ($413.00) |
| Larceny/Thefts | 9 ($11,971.00) |
| Fraud/Forgery | 2 ($1,467.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Thefts | 1 ($10,000.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Crash | 44 |
| Motor Vehicle Stops | 212 |
| Alarms | 101 |
| All Adult Arrests | 4 |
| DWI Arrests Adults | 1 |
| Domestic | 6 |
| Animal Calls. | 30 |
| Calls for Service | 2186 |
| Property Check | 555 |
| Park Check | 57 |