Middletown Minutes

Township Committee Recognizes EMS Volunteer 

Mike Riordan for 50 Years of Service

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EMS volunteers show their support for Mike by attending the meeting.

At the Township Committee Meeting on Monday, December 16th, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteer Mike Riordan received a Key to the Township for his dedicated service to Fairview First Aid Squad.

 Early in his membership, Mike was recognized for answering over 500 calls in one year. Over the last five decades, Mike has held various positions such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Trustee, Assistant Treasurer, Chief Engineer, and Assistant Engineer. Mike has served, and continues to serve, on many squad and EMS Department committees including delegate for Fairview to the EMS Department and its Steering Committee. Mike is also a volunteer of the Middletown Township Fire Department's Station #8 and the Field Communications Unit.

Mike's commitment to helping keep our community safe is truly commendable and we thank him for his decades of volunteerism.

Monmouth County Donates Emergency Radios to MTFD 

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Mayor Tony Perry and the MTFD Chiefs thank Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Monmouth County Commissioner Nick DiRocco for donating trunk radios that can be used on the countywide radio system to enable better communication and interoperability with neighboring towns. 

At the meeting, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Monmouth County Commissioner and fire liaison Nick DiRocco presented Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) chiefs with a donation of 115 radios. Their generosity helps support the Township’s continued investment in radios for our first responders and our goal to improve emergency communications. 

According to our fire chiefs, these radios are already making a difference! For example, there was recently a fire in Leonardo where the Atlantic Highlands Fire Chief was first to arrive on the scene. Thanks to the new radios and system, MTFD was able to hear his assessment of the situation which included vital information to help our volunteer firefighters make decisions en route to the fire. We thank the County for its efforts and for partnering with Middletown to promote public safety.

Click HERE to watch the meeting on the Township's YouTube channel or catch it on our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) every day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:30 PM through Saturday, January 4th.

Former Fire Chief George Richdale Honored for 70 Years of Service to Lincroft Community

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Pictured from left: Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, Senator Declan O’Scanlon, honoree George Richdale, Deputy Mayor (and Ex-Fire Chief) Rick Hibell, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Committeeman (and Ex-Fire Chief) Ryan Clarke

On Saturday, December 14th, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz attended a celebration commemorating 70 years of service for Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) Ex-Chief George Richdale. The event was held at Lincroft Fire Company where he was surrounded by fellow chiefs, firefighters, family, friends, and local and state elected officials. 

As the MTFD’s first distinguished 70-year member, and one of the founders of the highly regarded Middletown Township Fire Academy, the Township Committee presented him with a certificate commending him for his decades of respected leadership and tireless service to our community. To honor his commitment to Lincroft Fire Company and his role as Fire Chief in 1974, Rose Street at the corner of CR 520 in Lincroft will be ceremonially named George Richdale Way. 

George was also one of the founding members of Lincroft First Aid and Rescue Squad and has dedicated his life to protecting our residents. Please join us in thanking George for his extraordinary volunteerism and for being a role model for our younger generations. 

Catch Latest Episode of Minute with the Mayor

Minute with the Mayor: Episode 15

Join Mayor Tony Perry as he provides a recap of presentations that took place at the Monday, December 16th Township Committee Meeting, discusses the recent drone activity, and highlights the Middletown Township Fire Department's live Christmas tree safety tips and its Santa Tour through neighborhoods across town.

Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube.

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Photo courtesy of Middletown EMS


Congratulations to the Incoming 2025 EMS & MTFD Chiefs

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Photo courtesy of MTFD Public Information Officer Laurie Kegley

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 2025 chiefs pictured from left: Assistant Chief Craig James, Chief Marco Fernandes, and Deputy Chief Floyd Goldstein 

Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) 2025 chiefs pictured from left: Third Assistant Chief James Abbes, Second Assistant Chief Jacob Lawrence III, First Assistant Chief Kevin Morrissey, Deputy Chief Daniel P. Kelly, and Chief Anthony Fulciniti

Thank you to 2024 MTFD Chief William Kane Jr. and 2024 EMS Chief Brian McKittrick for their dedicated service to our community!

Congratulations to Newest Monmouth County Police Academy Graduates

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Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Police Academy

On Wednesday, December 11th, four of Middletown Township’s newest police officers graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy at a ceremony that took place at Brookdale Community College. We congratulate the following officers for successfully completing the intense training, which consisted of 22 weeks with more than 800 hours of training that has prepared them to serve and protect our community:

  • Patrick Smit
  • Wilson Cartagena, Jr. 
  • Michelle Quinonez-Sanchez
  • Shaun Sullivan

Please join us in commending these officers for choosing a career in law enforcement and for dedicating themselves to public service and safety.  

MTFD Santa Tour Schedule
Merry Christmas from Middletown Township! Municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday, 12/25 in observance of Christmas. Municipal offices will also be closed on Wednesday, 1/1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Holiday Library Closures

Attend Our Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the MAC on Thursday, 12/26 at 6 PM

Chanukah Menorah Lighting

Please join us at our annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting with the Chabad Jewish Center at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street)! There will be crafts, goodies, and more at this free event.

Please place your garbage outside on the evenings of Monday, 12/23 and Monday, 12/30 to ensure that you don’t miss pickup. Due to the early holiday closures of the Monmouth County landfill, our garbage contractor will begin collecting earlier than usual. Thank you and happy holidays!
Middletown Holiday Collection Schedule Changes
Thank you for your generous contributions to Holiday Helpers!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, Middletown Township’s Holiday Helpers Gift Drive successfully brought holiday cheer to nearly 100 children! With the help of residents and local businesses, thousands of toys and clothes were donated to children at 180 Turning Lives Around who are facing challenging circumstances.

The outpouring of support ensured that these children will receive much-needed joy and comfort this holiday season. The Township extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to spreading cheer to local families in need!

Sergeant Thomas O’Friel of the New Jersey Army National Guard

Photo courtesy of the O'Friel family

Middletown Welcomes Home Two Soldiers for the Holidays!


Middletown Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) proudly participated in two homecoming events this week to honor two of our local heroes who have selflessly served our country.

On Tuesday, December 17th, both MTFD and EMS served as welcome home escorts for resident Sergeant Thomas O’Friel of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard. Sgt. O’Friel was deployed to Syria for the entirety of 2024 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He was transported to Lawrenceville, NJ where he was met by his family and longtime girlfriend. Once in Middletown, he was greeted by family, friends, and neighbors at his New Monmouth home. 

U.S. Army Sergeant Gia Mazza

Permission to use this photo given by the Mazza family

On Thursday, December 19th, Middletown welcomed home U.S. Army Sergeant Gia Mazza, wife of Middletown Township Police Sergeant Frank Mazza, who has been deployed overseas for the past year. Members of the MTFD and EMS met at Leonardo Marina and organized a parade of vehicles to pass her home. The parade was coordinated by the Captain of Brevent Park Fire Company in Leonardo where Gia is also a member.

When Sgt. Mazza first arrived in Middletown she surprised her two boys at their respective schools, Leonardo Grade School and Bayshore Middle School, which was likely their best holiday present! Parents and students from the schools also joined the parade by walking behind the emergency vehicles to help make it a very heartwarming homecoming!

Please join us in welcoming these two soldiers and outstanding residents home! We sincerely thank them both for their service.

Reorganization Meeting Set for Sunday, 1/5 at 10 AM

Middletown Reorganization Meeting

MTFD Shares Safety Tips for Residents with Real Christmas Trees

MTFD PSA

This holiday season, the Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Middletown Fire Prevention would like to provide residents with tips on how to take care of real Christmas trees.

Click HERE to watch their Public Service Announcement on YouTube.

Want to Give Back? Register Now for Middletown Township Health Department and NJ Blood Services' Blood Drive on Thursday, 1/9

Blood Drive
Upcoming Events

Register Now for MAC's Winter 2025 Classes

MAC 2025 Winter Classes

Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) winter 2025 classes has officially opened! Pick up a hobby and sign up for a class in theater, dance, art, or music. Classes begin Thursday, January 2nd.

Click HERE to view the youth classes and click HERE to view the adult classes.

Register for Middletown Recreation's Maple Tree Tapping Event Happening Wednesday, 1/29 from 4-5 PM

Middletown Recreation Maple Tree Tapping

Join Middletown Recreation at Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) to drill holes, hammer in tappers, and hang buckets - the first steps of making maple syrup!

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Sign Up for Middletown Recreation's Daddy-Daughter Winter Ball Happening Friday, 1/31 & Saturday, 2/1

Middletown Recreation Daddy-Daughter Winter Ball

Middletown Recreation's Daddy-Daughter Dance returns to Jacques Banquet Hall (500 Palmer Avenue) on Friday, January 31st and Saturday, February 1st! Join us for a winter ball with a DJ, buffet, photo booth, surprises, and more! Registration is now open on RecDesk.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Attend the Middletown Preschool Fair on Wednesday, 1/8 from 5-7 PM

Middletown Preschool Fair

Finding the perfect preschool for your child can be tough, so we're here to save the day! Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience. Representatives from various schools will be at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) to speak about class options, program structure, and answer any questions you may have.

Click HERE to view a list of featured schools.

Traffic Safety & Detours
  • As part of the replacement of a bridge structure, Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to traffic for a period of 90 consecutive calendar days. The project began on Monday, December 2nd and a detour will be in place during the closing period. The bridge area at Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the allowed closing period. Vehicular and pedestrian access to all residences and businesses within the project limits will be maintained during construction.
  • Beginning January 6, 2025, Broadway will be closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Port Monmouth Flood Control Project. Broadway will be closed for approximately 2 years. Detours will be posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) will be re-opened in late January (weather permitting), providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.  
NJDOT News Logo

Upper Navesink River Channel Dredging Project Begins


On November 21st, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced the upcoming Upper Navesink River Channel dredging project is scheduled to begin in early December in Middletown.

Dredging operations are expected to be completed in January 2025. Work will be conducted during daylight hours on a 7-days-a-week schedule. The area roads are expected to remain open through the duration of the project.

Click HERE to read NJDOT's press release for more information.

Resources
Fall 2024 Leaf Collection Schedule

Middletown Township Health Department Encourages Holiday Toy Safety

Toy Safety Tips

Photo courtesy of United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

Three ways to get emergency notifications, such as severe weather updates, from Middletown Township: Text your zip code to 888-777; Visit www.middletownnj.org/nixle to register for/customize notifications; Download the Everbridge Nixle mobile app on Apple Store or Google Play to receive/manage notifications and limit text messages. Less urgent messages will be delivered to your email address on file. If it isn’t on file, text your email address to 888-777 or download the mobile app.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Tips on How to Winterize Your Home

The Middletown Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages residents to winterize their home ahead of the winter season. Follow the tips above and visit weather.gov for additional information. Stay safe and warm!

Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms with Flood Insurance and Precautionary Steps

Snowmelt can lead to floods. Don't flake on insurance. Get flood insurance.

The snow will be here before you know it, so be prepared! Middletown Floodplain Management encourages residents to purchase flood insurance and winterize their homes by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. 

Remember to clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure during or following a storm. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Apply Now for Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Households

Middletown Township is offering free tutoring services to 3rd through 8th grade students from income-eligible households who have fallen behind academically due to the pandemic. Tutoring takes place on Saturdays from October 12th through April 5th in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The program runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Visit middletownnj.org/ngsp to see if your household qualifies and middletownnj.org/apply to complete the application.

Middletown Township is offering free tutoring services through the Next Generation Support Program to students from income-eligible households who have fallen behind academically due to the pandemic. The program has begun, but the Township is still accepting applications.

Visit middletownnj.org/ngsp for more information and to apply.

MCSO Register Ready Logo

Know Someone with a Disability? Make Sure They Register with NJ Register Ready!


Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents with disabilities to register with NJ Register Ready. This free program is designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying community members who may need assistance evacuating in advance of an emergency. 

For more information about the program and the three ways you can register, visit middletownnj.org/oem. 

How to Report a Concern to Township Departments

You will need an account to log in. If you don't have an account, it only takes a few minutes to create one. 

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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1 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

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