Seasick?
More than 300 passengers and crew aboard the Celebrity Summit sailing out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port last September came down with a virus that required treatment, according to The Centers for Disease Control last week. None were hospitalized. Norovirus spreads from person to person or from contaminated water or food, officials said.
Port Authority reorganizes its police
The Port Authority reorganized its police force last week which included promotions and appointments of new leadership and elevation of two female officers to the highest rank attained by a female officer.
Under the leadership of the Port Authority’s first ever Chief Security Officer, the agency today announced a new command structure to lead the nearly 1,600-member police force.
During a ceremony in Jersey City, Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne announced the internal promotions of existing PAPD personnel and the hiring of highly qualified police personnel from outside departments. The new PAPD command structure includes the promotion of two female officers to assistant chief.
The addition of high-ranking staff will result in cost savings and efficiencies through better supervision of police personnel and overtime at the agency’s facilities. The increase in supervisory personnel also will enable the PAPD to be more proactive and enhance coordination with directors at the various facilities.
The new command structure will help the agency meet the objectives set out by the Board and its leadership team, including enhancing safety and security at its facilities and better management of police overtime. In addition, the new commanders will help oversee the influx of new Port Authority Police Officers who are now in the agency’s Police Academy.
“The Port Authority Police Department is among the most elite law enforcement agencies in the world, and today’s restructuring further illustrates this agency’s commitment to ensuring the highest levels of security and public safety at its transportation facilities,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson.
“This new command structure will give us a more nimble department, allowing us to better respond to the changing needs across the agency,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “These changes will further enhance the great proactive police work of the men and women of the Port Authority Police Department and bolster the safety and security of Port Authority assets.”
“These law enforcement commanders from both the PAPD and these other highly respected departments are the best of the best, and we’re pleased they have taken on the enormous responsibility to help lead one of the nation’s finest police departments,” said Port Authority Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne.
A total of 64 promotions and appointments included four to assistant chief, two to deputy chief, five to inspector, two to deputy inspector, and eight to captain. Additionally, three members were promoted to lieutenant, 29 members were appointed to the rank of sergeant, and 11 police officers were promoted to the rank of detective.
Sires statement on solution to re-open the government and avoid default
Rep. Albio Sires responded to legislation to re-open the government and raise the debt ceiling.
“I am relieved that Congress has finally broken through the gridlock that initiated the government shutdown,” Sires said. “Although 16 days is far too long for this stalemate to have occurred, thousands of American families were able to wake up this morning knowing that not only can they pay their bills, but the United States of America can continue paying its bills.”
While this shutdown and last-minute decision to raise the debt ceiling has been destructive, Sires said he is hopeful that this debate will serve as a valuable lesson to his colleagues in Congress: shutting down the government is not only reckless for the economy, but it has real consequences for real people.
“I look forward to the bipartisan budget conference, established under this legislation, to draft a responsible approach to rein in wasteful government spending while continuing to grow our economy rather than continuing to govern from crisis to crisis,” Sires said.
The bill passed the House 285-144 and President Obama signed the bill shortly after midnight on Oct. 27.
Freeholders commend High Tech High for Blue Ribbon status
The Hudson County Board of Freeholders commends High Tech High School for receiving the National Blue Ribbon School Award for Academic Excellence for 2013.
High Tech High School was one of nine high schools in New Jersey that won the National Blue Ribbon award for academic excellence.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.
United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 286 schools as the 2013 cohort of the National Blue Ribbon Schools, based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in improving student academic achievement. Secretary Duncan made this year’s announcement live via the Department’s USTREAM channel. It was viewed by recognized principals, teachers, and students assembled across the country.
The Department will honor 236 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on November 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C.
“Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers,” said Secretary Duncan. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education.”
“The Hudson County Board of Freeholders want to thank Superintendent Frank Gargiulo, Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal, Ms. Allyson Krone, Assistant Principal, the students and staff for their hard work and academic achievement which culminated with this prestigious award,” said Freeholder Chairman Anthony Romano.