The BRICK Times Vol. 24 - No. 38
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Community Policing Grows Connections With Residents
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 5-6
Community News Page 8-10
Photos courtesy Brick Police At a recent Coffee With A Cop event are (from left) Officer Terrence Berkeley, Officer Dan Kenny, Mayor Lisa Crate, and Officer Victoria Finelli. These officers run the Neighborhood Watch program.
By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The township Police Department Inside promoted Detective Ryan Talty to the rank The Law of sergeant while highlighting community Page 11 policing during the annual Reorganization meeting. Mayor Lisa Crate performed the swearing Dr. Izzy’s in, accompanied by Police Chief David Sound News Forrester. Sgt. Talty is a lifelong resident of Page 12 the township and has served on the Brick Police Department since 2011. The new sergeant has served in the Patrol Division, as a field training officer, Police Explorer and a member of t he Honor G u a rd , C h ief Forrester said. In 2016, Sgt. Talt y was assigned to the Selective EnforceChief David Forrester, left, joined recently promoted ment Team, and two years later Sgt. Ryan Talty.
joined the Street Crimes Unit. In 2020, he transitioned to the Detective Bureau where he focused on investigating computer and financial crimes. He has been a member of the Special Emergency Response Team since 2014. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a patrol supervisor. According to the township, his awards include the 2013 Officer Kris Demarco Police Officer of the Year and the 2022 Lt. Thomas McNelis Leadership and Achievement Award. He also achieved awards for Meritorious Service, Exceptional Duty, Honorable Service, Grand Cordon, Life Saving, and multiple Chief’s Certificates. Business Administrator Joanne Bergin said when there’s a promotion in the Police Department, it means someone else has retired. “I feel compelled to acknowledge that we have the retirement of another sergeant, Sgt. Ryan Valeri,” she said. “Sgt. Valeri served this township exceptionally well in so many ways, and has received accolades as well. “Sgt. Valeri leaves his mark on this department and on the leadership that he showed to a lot of the younger officers, and acknowledging Sgt. Talty’s promotion – also, to me - is (Community - See Page 4)
January 25, 2025
New Members Join School Board By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – After a busy election season with close results, one incumbent and two new members were appointed to the Brick Township Board of Education. The Board started off the new year with their reorganization meeting which had a portion of the meeting dedicated to the oncoming members. In November, six candidates were competing for three seats on the board: Victoria Pakala (incumbent), John Henry, Nancy Ellson, Greg J. Cohen, George Malgeri, and Georgia Lane-Hansen. A few weeks after the election, the county certifies the votes, making it official. During the reorganization meeting in the beginning of the year, when new members are sworn in, the district Business Administrator James Edwards announced the official 2024 election tallies: George Malgeri – 12,324 votes, 17.16% Greg Cohen – 11,192 votes, 15.58% Georgia Lane-Hansen – 11,191 votes, 15.58% Victoria Pakala – 13,053 votes, 18.18% John Henry – 11,978 votes, 16.68% Nancy Ellson – 11,763 votes, 16.38% Write Ins – 313, 0.44% Newcomers Henry and Malgeri were sworn in on January 2 surrounded by their loved ones, colleagues, and (School Board - See Page 4)
Input Wanted On Transportation Issues By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – Everyone knows that traffic is getting worse, but what is the solution? The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority is crafting a 25-year strategy on improving various forms of transportation. It might be hard to imagine what 2050 will look like, but assuming we don’t have flying cars yet, they want to know how to improve roads, bus service, and more. The long-range plan is called Connecting Communities. The survey can be found at njtpa.org/connecting. It only takes a few minutes and you can enter into a raffle for a $25 gift card at the end. The questions ask what town you live and work in, but don’t ask your name or address. They want to know how often you use public transportation, and what it would take for you to use it more. They address people who need wheelchairs or other personal mobility devices. (Transportation - See Page 7)
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