SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Two township police officers averted potentially life-altering situations during Winter Storm Quinn.
One officer narrowly escaped serious injury when a tree crashed through his windshield on March 7, and another officer became trapped when electrical wires fell on both sides of her patrol car.
“We were very lucky today,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in a statement released by the South Brunswick Police Department.
In addition, Public Works crews braved falling trees around them to get stuck motorists free, Hayducka said.
“This is an unprecedented snowstorm. It has crippled our roadways. Fallen trees and heavy snow have blocked most roads and caused widespread power outages. There are more than 100 trees that have fallen. Our command center [was] working on generator power,” he said.
As of March 8, a State of Emergency was still in effect in the township. PSE&G reported 5,000 residents without power. Dozens of roadways remained impassable, as trees and wires were down and traffic signals were inactive, according to the police department. Schools and township officers were closed. The South Brunswick Senior Center was designated as a warming location.
South Brunswick will continue to work with the county and state offices of Emergency Management to address all needs of the community, Hayducka said. The chief expects cleanup to last several days.
Hayducka credited members of the police, fire, EMS and Public Works crews for their assistance during the storm.
Anyone with a non-emergency should call 732-329-4646.