CNBNews

UPDATED/CORRECTED

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

**MORE OFFICERS FOR GLOUCESTER CITY PD. WHY SO MANY?**

Mayor Dayl Baile and the city council have welcomed four additional Class II officers into the Gloucester City Police Department, elevating the total number of personnel to 42. Collin Morrell, Brandon Keenan, Aydan Hagan, and Derron Cooney are the newest officers.The first three patrolmen were appointed during the December caucus meeting, earning $35 per hour, while Cooney was brought on board earlier in 2024 with an hourly wage of $30.

During the October 2024 council meeting, an ordinance was passed to establish the roles of Civilian Police Aides and Non-Sworn Agents. Resident Ann Lessig posed a critical question about the number of agents being hired and whether these positions were volunteer-based. However, the meeting minutes reflect a troubling silence, as no answers were provided to address her concerns.

Reflecting on the city’s history, seventy-five years ago, Gloucester City, with a vibrant population of 15,511, employed just 20 officers, including the Police Chief, to maintain order. Come the 2020 census, the current population stands at 11,438, prompting a perplexing question: Why has the police department expanded despite a dwindling populace? One might assume a smaller community would require fewer law enforcement officers. However, evidence suggests a disturbing escalation in local crime may be driving this increase. Alarmingly, our city leaders seem determined to leave the residents in the dark about the rationale behind such an expansion.

In a recent breakthrough, Chief Morrell and Mayor Baile have finally acquiesced to our persistent requests over the past eight years to revive distributing weekly crime reports to Gloucester City taxpayers, fostering transparency and trust in the community.

RELATED: After Eight Years the Gloucester City Police Department's Crime Report has Returned

 OFFICER DOWN: 66 Years Ago Gloucester City Police Officer Died in the Line of Duty

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**LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT**

Kyle Jeffries, a member of the Gloucester City Fire Department since 2014, has filed a lawsuit against the fire department and a series of unidentified defendants, listed as John Does 1-5 and 6-10. He is represented by the reputable law firm Costello, Mains, and Silverman, LLC.

The lawsuit unveils a troubling incident that occurred on June 8, 2023, when Jeffries sustained a debilitating back injury during a swift-water training exercise orchestrated by Battalion Chief Patrick Hagan. Since that fateful day, he has endured debilitating pain, tightness, and numbness, leaving him grappling with the inability to perform even the most basic tasks. Compounding his physical suffering, Jeffries alleges that he has faced harassment from his supervisor and fellow firefighters after being placed on light duty due to his injuries. A striking sentence from the 12-page lawsuit underscores his plight: "Due to defendants' unlawful conduct, Plaintiff has suffered both economic and emotional harm."

To gather more information, CNBNews reached out to the attorney representing Jeffries for a comment. However, citing ongoing litigation, the attorney stated, "We cannot speak to you at this time."

MEMORIES OF GLOUCESTER CITY--Reflecting on the city’s history, seventy-five years ago, Gloucester City, with a vibrant population of 15,511, employed just 20 officers, including the Police Chief, to maintain order. Come the 2020 census, the current population stands at 11,438, prompting a perplexing question: Why has the police department expanded despite a dwindling populace?

First row (left to right: Jackson, unknown; Berkman, unknown; Gallagher, Watson, Sherman. Second row-unknown, Farrell, unknown, Hutchison, Phillips, Keebler. Third row-Bastein, Moore, Verfaille, Mealey, unknown. Fourth row-Schilli, unknown. 

Gloucester City firefighters practice swift water training in North Jersey.

Kyle Jeffries, who has been a Gloucester City fireman since 2014 has filed a lawsuit against the department and a series of unidentified defendants, listed as John Does 1-5 and 6-10. He is represented by the law firm Costello, Mains, and Silverman, LLC. Jeffries alleges that he sustained a debilitating back injury on June 8, 2023, during a swift-water training exercise

(GCFD photo 2022) 

**FORMER CAMDEN CATHOLIC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHARGED**

The former athletic director at Camden Catholic High School has been charged with stealing from the high school. Samuel Hardy, 31, was served with summonses at a home in Lower Alloways Creek for three third-degree offenses. He is charged with theft, misapplication of entrusted property, and theft by failure to make a required deposit. The Prosecutor's Office said he defrauded Camden Catholic High School out of thousands of dollars. 

**THE THIRD TIME IS A CHARM**

The Gloucester City Republican Party is not letting two previous defeats for seats on the City Council discourage them. Today, we heard from a good source that Anthony Kates, Patti Kropp, and Sandy Reed are among those running for the three at-large seats in the November election. 

**GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT. NEWS**

The City of Gloucester City hired three part-time fire inspectors in December for 30 hours a week at the rate of $25 an hour. They include Ian Musenzenberger, Harley Marks, Eric Glassman. and Anthony Bramble, with the title Pre-Planned, will receive $20 an hour.

PROVISIONAL FIRE CHIEFS APPOINTED--Resolutions appointing Patrick Hagan and Mark Campanell as Provisional Deputy Fire Chiefs were approved by the City Council at their October meeting.

WELCOME BACK—Thomas Quinn was hired in 2024 as the Director of Fire Services of Gloucester City for a three-year agreement. As leader of the fire department, he will receive a salary of $140,000. No benefits. Quinn previously worked in Gloucester City and left the department for a job in Camden City. He will be in charge of the fire department  head the department

ENJOY RETIREMENT-City Fire Chief Michael Hagan retired in 2024.

 

**New Jersey Unveils Annual Tax on Electric Vehicle Owners**

In a surprising turn, New Jersey has found yet another avenue to tax its residents. Beginning July 1, 2024, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission introduced an annual fee of $250 for electric vehicle owners. Governor Phil Murphy signed this legislation into effect last March, marking a significant shift in state policy. Electric vehicle owners have skirted gasoline taxes, which funds the upkeep of New Jersey’s sprawling highways. This new fee, termed a user fee, is designed to ensure that all drivers contribute to the road maintenance that benefits them. In addition, owners of zero-emission vehicles will face an annual registration fee, underscoring the state’s push for equitable contributions to its transportation infrastructure.

 **Trump's Bold Move Against Electric Vehicle Regulations**

In a significant development for automobile enthusiasts and electric vehicle proponents alike, The Center Square reports that citizens across the nation no longer have to fret over the Biden administration's aggressive push for a transition to electric vehicles, enforced through stringent tailpipe regulations. In a decisive move during his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order that effectively dismantled this initiative, providing relief for those who prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles and those wary of mandate-driven changes in the automotive landscape. 

**ET CETERAE**

We were told that local Police Chief Brian Morrell was contemplating a shift in strategy regarding the beloved crossing guard positions in Gloucester City. Rather than relying solely on local residents, he was exploring the possibility of outsourcing these crucial roles, which serve as a vital link between schoolchildren and their safe passage across busy streets. The status of his research is not know. 

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