As we come to the end of 2023 and look forward to the new year, the Bordentown Register looks back at the top three stories that stood out this year in the township and city.
Bordentown native dies while providing aid in Ukraine; remembered as ‘selfless’
By all accounts, Pete Reed wore many selfless hats as a humanitarian worker and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
His latest selfless deed in Bakhmut, Ukraine led to his untimely death at the age of 33, however, he “died doing what he was great at, what gave him life, and what he loved, and apparently by saving a team member with his own body,” according to his wife Alex Potter.
The man she fell in love with – on similar front lines during the Battle of Mosul in Iraq seven years ago – was “evacuating civilians and responding to those wounded when his ambulance was shelled.”
“As you can imagine we are all in shock and have much to do to get him home, so we ask for privacy presently. As more details become clear, we will pass them along.”
Potter shared her thoughts through a social media post confirming her husband’s death on Feb. 2.
Reed was working with Global Outreach Doctors (GoDocs) on their Ukraine mission “to provide emergent medical transport with 11 ambulances from the UK and Khaled El Mayet,” according to the GoDocs website.
GoDocs has been on the ground since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
Reed joined GoDocs as its Ukraine Country Director in January.
“Pete was a beacon of humanitarian work – an incredible visionary, leader, compassionate care provider, and an inspiration to us all,” the organization said in a statement on its website. “He selflessly dedicated his life in service to others, especially those affected by disaster and war. Pete accomplished more in his 33 years than most of us in our entire lives. He leaves behind an incredible legacy.”
Gov. Phil Murphy and wife Tammy offered condolences to the Reed family and friends, fellow medical aid workers and veterans and community.
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of Pete Reed, a humanitarian worker and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who was killed while aiding the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians,” Murphy said in a statement on Feb. 4.
“A Bordentown native, Pete dedicated his life to service, both founding and working for organizations that help people in need throughout the world.
“Pete will be remembered for the depth of his courage and his compassion, his selflessness, and his sacrifice. His death serves as a devastating reminder of the catastrophic suffering that this unjustified war has caused.”
Bordentown City, Bordentown Township’s Committee and the township also offered their thoughts and prayers to the Reed family.
The City and Township flew flags half-mast in honor of Reed, a Bordentown Regional High School graduate.
Reed founded Global Response Medicine (GRM) in 2017 in response to the Battle for Mosul. He served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps in Third Battalion, Eighth Marines from 2007-2011.
Meet ‘Bordy’ at annual National Night Out
The results are in. Bordentown Township Police Department’s new eagle mascot has a name.
In a reel posted on the department’s Facebook page, Police Officer Adam Edwards announced the name to a drumroll.
“Introducing our new mascot,” Edwards stated.
The eagle mascot popped up in the video holding a sign with the name “Bordy.”
“Coming to a community event near you.”
Bordentown police first introduced its mascot in April soliciting the community for names. The mascot is a first for any police department in New Jersey. The mascot is modeled after the eagle displayed in the department’s patch and will build upon the community policing efforts the Bordentown Township Police Department has prided itself on for the past few years, according to the department.
The department had posted a fun introductory video of its mascot, which was a collaboration between Trenton Thunder Baseball and Riverview Studios. In the video, the department’s eagle got a few tips from Thunder’s mascot, Boomer, a blue Thunderbird.
Bordentown Township police chief retires
Bordentown Township has a new acting police chief.
Police Captain Nathan Roohr was appointed to acting police chief following the retirement of Police Chief Brian Pesce that was effective on Oct. 1. Pesce had served as chief since 2018 following the termination of former Chief Frank Nucera.
Roohr was promoted to captain in 2022. He will receive a stipend of $1,000 per month until a permanent appointment is made for the chief of police position, according to a resolution that the Bordentown Township Committee approved at a meeting on Sept. 25.
The Committee wished Pesce a “happy and healthy retirement” with the approval of a final compensation resolution for Pesce.
“… Chief Pesce’s service to the township, its residents, and the community at large is noteworthy and … he ends his service in good standing,” the resolution stated.
Pesce was born and raised in Bordentown Township, attended Notre Dame High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from the College of New Jersey in May 1998. Pesce then began his career as a patrolman with the Bordentown Township Police Department in August 1998 and has spent the last 25 years in different capacities within the department until being promoted to chief in January 2018, according to the township website.
Pesce had adopted a 21st century policing philosophy which works to build relationships and calls on his officers to shift from a warrior mentality to that of a guardian and community builder. Under his leadership the Bordentown Township Police Department had instituted a culture of community policing, improved transparency, incorporated de-escalation training, prioritized officer wellness and safety, embraced technology and increased diversity, according to the website.
