Borough gets an amored vehicle

Jamesburg shows off new Brinks car.

By: Al Wicklund
JAMESBURG — A former Brinks armored car, repainted and refurbished by inmates at the nearby New Jersey Training School, made its public debut last week as the newest addition to the Jamesburg Police Department tactical team.
   The truck, a typical-size armored bank vehicle now painted black, was at Borough Hall May 23 when Jamesburg Police Chief David Lester presented a plaque of appreciation to the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, which administers the Training School for boys.
   The correctional facility, located on North State Home Road in Monroe, houses about 300 inmates between the ages of 14 and 19.
   "We’re proud that our 12-man department has an armored truck in its fleet of vehicles. We thank Brinks, Inc., and the many individuals who donated time and money to make this acquisition possible," Chief Lester said.
   The armored police vehicle had been scheduled to be in the Jamesburg Memorial Day parade that was cancelled Monday due to rain.
   Jamesburg Police Chief David Lester said police Sgt. James Mennuti and Mildred Rivera, a borough resident and staff member at the Training School played major roles in getting the bullet-resistant truck for the Jamesburg Police Department.
   "The vehicle, which will enable police officers to get close to heavily armed persons involved in crimes such a kidnapping or bank robbery or in hostage situations, is a powerful new weapon for the department and other nearby departments," the chief said.
   He said the acquisition of the vehicle began a year ago, when Sgt. Mennuti was at the police firing range in East Brunswick and was informed by police in that township that the Brinks company had an armored vehicle available.
   "The sergeant went to Brinks and reached an agreement whereby the truck was sold to the borough department for $10," the chief said.
   Chief Lester said he and Ms. Rivera serve on the County Prosecutor’s Community Justice Forum’s Drug Task Force and, when she heard of the truck and its need for refurbishing, she suggested the possibility of the Training School’s Vocational Department students’ helping.
   The chief said Jamesburg provided the materials. The school’s residents did the work, painting the vehicle’s exterior, upholstering seats and adding a bench and other items for holding tactical squad equipment.
   Howard Beyer, executive director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, said the partnership between the school and the Police Department is another piece in the commission’s Good Neighbor Initiative
   "The New Jersey Training School has been a part of their community for a long time. Now, we want to be active members of that community," Mr. Beyer said.
   The Jamesburg Police Department was able to secure funds for the purchase of materials through fund-raising events and with money confiscated from criminal activities, such as drug sales, and revenue held in a county forfeiture fund, Chief Lester said.