JAMESBURG Jamesburg’s chief of police said this week the response of the members of his department to the call for help in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack was a source of great pride.
By:Al Wicklund
JAMESBURG Jamesburg’s chief of police said this week the response of the members of his department to the call for help in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack was a source of great pride.
"In the briefing by the county prosecutor’s officers we were made aware of the dangers in that part of New York City.
"We were told there was asbestos in the air from fallen buildings as well as the threat of the existence, and possible use of biological weapons, and buildings ready to collapse," Chief David Lester said Thursday
He said, despite warnings about the dangers, every member of his force volunteered to go to New York.
"To see the courage and patriotism of these officers was one of the proudest moments in my career," the chief said.
He released nine officers, 75 percent of the police force, to serve in New York. He said everyone wanted to go, but the size of the Police Department limited the number that could be available.
The chief said there are 482 municipal police departments in New Jersey and he doubts that any other department sent such a high percentage of its officers.
"Our officers were instructed not to discuss their work on the site, but, in general terms, they were at ground zero working on the search and rescue operation," Chief Lester said.
Members of the department working in New York were Lt. Kevin McCarthy, Sgt. Paul Karkoska, Sgt. James Craparotta, Sgt. James Mennuti, Detective Robert Tonkery, Patrolmen Louis Czeras, Louis Hornberger, Vincent Amabile and Jason Muller.
While the bulk of the force was out of the borough, Jamesburg was covered by the remaining regular police personnel and special officers working 12-hour shifts.
Working the shifts were the chief, Sgt. Martin Horvath and Patrolman Kevin Wilson along with Special Officers Lynn Jankowski, Robert Caltabellatta and Robert Genthe.
"In addition, we had two SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) officers, who are authorized to carry weapons and have police academy training. County sheriff’s officers were available if we needed them.
"We had enough coverage, but we had additional backup from Jamesburg firemen for traffic control or any of other area where we might have had need of their help. Fortunately, the need never arose," Chief Lester said.
He said the cooperation within the borough and among other agencies within the county enabled the department to do its job in New York City and at home.
The chief said Special Officer Jankowski was an example of the loyalty and extra effort exhibited at that time.
"She worked two 12-hour shifts with us and still found the time and energy to work her regular job in the Hudson County Probation Office.
Capt. Stephen Kaminski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said the Jamesburg police officers "did a great job under trying circumstances."
He said unless a person has been in a combat situation it is impossible to imagine the work conditions for the officers at ground zero.
Capt. Kaminski said 185 officers from Middlesex County police units took part in New York City, 22 at ground zero and the others in escorting supplies past checkpoints and into the area.
"We could have had another 100 to 120 volunteers, but we were so overwhelmed we had to curtail the operation," he said.
He said the county was committed to sending two shifts of officers, one at 6 p.m. Tuesday (the day of the attack) and another at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Police officers from the county’s municipalities working during the crisis period came close to 250 when the Perth Amboy department’s work is included, he said.
"Sixty Perth Amboy officers were involved in closing the Outerbridge Crossing (the bridge to Staten Island) and patrolling under the bridge," Capt. Kaminski said.

