Posted by Governor's Office on 09:26:30 12/20/04
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
125 WEST STATE STREET
PO Box 001
TRENT0N NJ 08625-0001
RICHARD J. CODEY
Acting Governor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 19, 2004
CONTACT: Kelley Heck
PHONE: 609-777-2600
CODEY, CORZINE ADD NEW POLICE BOATS TO ENHANCE HOMELAND SECURITY
Federally Funded Boats Are Dedicated to Fallen State Troopers
(JERSEY CITY) Acting Governor Richard J. Codey along with U.S. Sen. Jon S. Corzine today announced the addition of three new patrol boats to the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, enhancing New Jersey's homeland security and honoring the memory of three fallen state troopers.
"We are able to live our lives in safety and security thanks to those who put their lives on the line every day," said Codey. "We are honoring the memory of these fallen state troopers in a way that would make them proud - by improving safety and security.
"These boats are another line of defense against a potential attack, and ultimately, they will keep our citizens safer," Codey continued. "New Jersey is a leader when it comes to homeland security, but after recent funding cuts this help announced today is even more important."
Corzine secured $2.25 million in funding for the boats through the omnibus appropriations bill that Congress approved in fiscal year 2003 and through federal grants. The boats cost $750,000 apiece.
"New Jersey's first responders, including our State Police, face emergencies and danger without hesitation," Corzine said. "It is our duty, as elected officials, to support their work by making sure they have the best available equipment to do their jobs. We can't simply talk about homeland security. We have to back up our words with federal dollars."
Codey and Corzine made the announcement at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Liberty State Park. Joining them for the announcement were Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, State Police Superintendent Col. Joseph "Rick" Fuentes and families of the deceased troopers.
The boats were named in honor of Troopers Scott M. Gonzalez, Christopher S. Scales, and Bertram T. Zimmerman. All three died in the line of duty.
"These boats are a fitting tribute to troopers Gonzalez, Scales and Zimmerman, who gave their lives serving others," said Harvey. "These patrol boats will be used by the State Police Marine Unit to protect our waterways from potential terrorist threats and rescue those in danger. Like the courageous men for whom they are named, these boats will be dedicated to the mission of saving lives."
The 44-foot, aluminum-hulled patrol boats travel at speeds up to 35 knots and are equipped with the latest underwater and above water surveillance technology, including radar, sonar, thermal imaging cameras, underwater.. cameras and night vision goggles. The equipment will enable troopers to better detect potential terrorist actvity.
Two of the boats will be assigned to the Newark Bay station to patrol the ports and facilities in and around New York City and New York. The third will be assigned to the Bivalve station in Cumberland County, where it will guard the Salem nuclear plant. They will begin patrols immediately.
"I cannot think of a greater way to honor our heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty than to dedicate these boats to them that will be used to help protect New Jersey's citizens," said Fuentes. "These vessels will serve as a constant reminder of our beloved troopers and strengthen our resolve to protect this great state. We are all grateful for the efforts of those who helped secure the funding for these boats and for the tireless work of the highly trained troopers who protect our ports and waterways."
Since the September 11th attacks, the duties of the marine police have expanded to include the monitoring of nuclear power plants, bridges, sensitive military facilities, and commercial vessels carrying and transferring hazardous materials. The marine police are regularly called upon to escort cargo ships, inspect facilities and perform surveillance.
The marine police not only protect New Jersey citizens and facilities, but they protect the vital commerce of the region and the nation. The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest on the east coast and the third largest in the nation.
Today's homeland security announcement comes just three days after Codey signed agreements with the United States Coast Guard, giving enforcement power in Coast Guard homeland security zones to the New Jersey State Police.
Biographies of the fallen state troopers after whom the boats are named are attached.
Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez was born in Passaic and lived in Hampton, Hunterdon County. Prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police he was a police officer with the Plainfield Police Department.
Gonzalez enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on Jan. 15, 1993, as a member of the 113th Class and was stationed at Troop "B" Hope at the time of his death. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the high principles of the New Jersey State Police.
Gonzalez died as a result of gunshot wounds suffered while in the performance of duty.
At approximately 4:28 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 1997, Gonzalez was in pursuit of a burglary suspect and cornered him at a dead-end road. As the suspect reached the dead end, he turned his vehicle around and headed toward the patrol car, ramming it head-on. The suspect then hopped out of his pick-up truck and fired at Gonzalez with a shotgun, inflicting several wounds. Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gonzalez served four years and nine months with the New Jersey State Police.
He is survived by his wife, his mother, a sister and two brothers. Gonzalez was 35 years old.
Trooper I Christopher S. Scales was born in Hamilton Township, where he lived all his life. He was a graduate of Hamilton High School West, Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Scales enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on May 7, 1987, as a member of the 107th Class and was stationed in Troop "C." He was stationed at Troop "D" Cranbury at the time of his death. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the high principles of the New Jersey State Police.
Scales died as a result of injuries received while in the performance of duty.
At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, Scales was standing on the toll island at the Carteret Toll Plaza, exit 12, of the New Jersey Turnpike. He was working on a four-person detail aimed at increasing seat-belt compliance by motorists. He was hit by the rear wheels of a tanker truck as it pulled away from the tollbooth and was dragged 40 feet between the rear wheels of the vehicle. Scales was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scales served 15 years and seven months with the New Jersey State Police. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons. Scales was 40 years old.
Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III was born in Camden. He was a graduate of Highland High School, Gloucester County College and Rutgers University. He played baseball for his high school and colleges and with the Tri-County Hardenberg/Petes.
Prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police, Zimmerman was also a Special Police Officer for Gloucester Township and then an officer for the Evesham Township Police Department.
Zimmerman enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on March 14, 2001 as a member of the 119th Class and was stationed at the Woodbine Station in Troop "A" serving on the Tactical Patrol Unit at the time of his death. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of his duty and faithful and honorable devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.
Zimmerman died as a result of injuries received while in the performance of duty.
Zimmerman was working as part of a team of State Police troopers and detectives investigating recent armed robberies at area convenience stores. At approximately 2:59 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, Zimmerman was responding to assist in a robbery call from the Dennisville area when his patrol car went out of control and struck a utility pole on state highway 83 near U.S. 9 in Dennis Township, Cape May County. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zimmerman served two years and seven months with the New Jersey State Police.
He is survived by his wife, his mother and two sisters. Zimmerman was 32 years old.
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