Residents,

I hope all is well with you and your families.  I wanted to wait as long as possible before issuing this post in hopes the Governor would provide some insight on how and when he plans to loosen restrictions and begin opening the State.  Unfortunately, our test positive numbers remain consistent, averaging 3,500 test positives daily, as today's number came in at 3,457 new test positives.  The number of daily deaths has been decreasing slightly which is great news, however, with today’s reported numbers our State is suffering a 5.5% death rate.  To put that into perspective, of the 3,457 people who tested positive today, 190 of them will die if the statistical data remains consistent.  Take a moment to absorb those numbers.  The Governor has stated he will not begin lifting restrictions until there’s a steady decline in these numbers.

The State has taken steps to clarify what is or is not an essential retail business and issued several guidance documents this week.  Pet groomers, pet stores, pet adoption centers and boat marinas, to name a few, have been deemed essential and are allowed to operate.  The interpretation of the Governor’s Executive Orders is very difficult and there are varying degrees of exemptions to each of them.  For specific information residents can utilize the link below for guidance and interpretation regarding how businesses can operate:

https://faq.business.nj.gov/en/articles/3820777-does-my-business-need-to-close

The NJ Department of Health dashboard contains a tremendous amount of information regarding test positive cases by County, Town and Long Term Care Facilities.  Residents can use the link below to research the same.  As I have stated in many posts prior to this one, the Department of Health’s reporting is several days behind and in some cases inaccurate, however it does give you an idea of how the virus is spreading within the County and each respective community.  The Morris County Department of Health site has Florham Park slipping once again to the 19^th highest infection rate within Morris County.  Your disciplined approach to social distancing is the driving force behind our continued descent on the infection test positive list.  Keep it up!!

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml

The Motor Vehicle Commission had been slated to reopen on April 27^th but has now decided to remain closed through May 10^th.  Any driver’s license, registration, temporary registration or inspection certificate that expires before May 31^st has been extended for two months.  Residents can view the link below for more specific information:

https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

The Police Department has been receiving a significant increase in the number of Fraud reports within the last week.  The frauds are being perpetrated via phone and internet as criminals are taking advantage of the population being relegated to their homes and easier to target.  Please remember to never provide financial information or personal identifying information over the phone or internet.  Several communities have been experiencing mail theft from curbside mailboxes as well.  Please remember to monitor your mail, refrain from leaving mail in the box for extended periods of time and report suspicious activity to the Police immediately.

The Police Department has received donations of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) from residents and charities in the last week.  We have been sharing donated items with the First Aid Squad, Fire Department and with the Long Term Care Facilities within the Borough that have been devastated with the virus and lacking sufficient PPE supplies.  Your donations and continued support within the community has been phenomenal.

We have also been receiving food donations from several residents and local businesses which are greatly appreciated.  There have been too many to thank individually but know that all are appreciated and shared within the Borough when possible.

We received information earlier in the week regarding the return home, from the hospital, of one our local frontline workers, an 18-year-old First Aid Squad member.  We recommended not conducting a parade of sorts, as it was contradictory to what we as a community have been preaching regarding parades.  After conferring with the leadership of the First Aid Squad it was decided we would have one patrol vehicle lead one ambulance, as these frontline workers are in each other’s presence on a daily basis already, past the residence to welcome the member home.  While some in the community will argue that the patrol vehicle and ambulance is no different than conducting a birthday parade my response to them is this;

This 18-year-old resident risked his life to serve this community and to compare honoring his safe return home, after fighting for his life, to a child’s birthday celebration dishonors his selfless service.  I understand the hardships the Governor’s Executive Orders have placed on families, however all should weigh the short term gratification and satisfaction received from participating in congregating events versus the long term consequences of such behavior.  Remember 190 of the 3,457 test positives today will statistically die as a result of contracting the virus.

Lastly, I want to ensure everyone that all members of the Borough workforce, including the Mayor and Council, have been working towards and preparing for a return to normalcy.  Once the Governor provides guidance on reopening the State we will be prepared to move forward together.

Wishing everyone safety and wellness for you and your loved ones!!

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
April 25, 2020

Residents,

Hope everyone is well.

The State has not been releasing much information, other than daily test positives and death totals.  It seems we have reached the surge they had been discussing for the last two weeks, as our daily test positives have been on average in the area of 3,500.  Yesterday’s death tally for the State was the highest number recorded to date at 376.

Some of you may be confused regarding the number of test positives for Florham Park.  The Morris County Department of Health website listed Florham Park at 82 test positive residents for April 20^th.  Yesterday’s article on NJ.Com regarding Long Term Care Facilities within the State listed the total number of test positive residents of Long Term Care Facilities within Florham Park at 100.  That number did not account for the number of test positive residents that do not reside in Long Term Care Facilities.  There is a delay in the reporting from the labs to the State, who in turn distribute numbers to the individual Counties.  I wish I could provide you more accurate information regarding the number of infections within the Borough but unfortunately, due to HIPAA rules, I am receiving very limited information as well.  If the numbers regarding the Long Term Care Facilities was accurate, it is safe to assume we are well above the 100 mark for test positives.

The Governor has indicated he will announce his plan for reopening the State by week’s end.  I’m hopeful, as I am sure all of you are, that he provides us with something meaningful to focus on.  Until that time comes we will continue to work together to overcome whatever obstacles come our way.

Be safe and well.

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
April 21, 2020

Residents,

Patrols located a stolen vehicle with two masked suspects last night.  The suspects were entering unlocked vehicles in the residential neighborhood off Park Avenue.  A high speed pursuit ensued and had to be terminated due to high speeds and hazardous road conditions last night.

All residents are reminded to always lock their vehicles and homes at all times.  If you see any suspicious vehicles, people or activity notify the police immediately.

Stay safe!!

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
April 18, 2020

Residents,

I wanted to write to all of you before the weekend to bring everyone up to speed with all that is happening locally and within the State.

The increase in numbers we saw early in the week appears not have been the result of the Easter holiday weekend but rather a surge in our region.  The State has experienced an average of 3,470 daily test positives, with an average of 349 daily deaths this week.  Luckily, the numbers for Florham Park, according to the Morris County Department of Health website, have remained consistent, as we maintain our ranking of 18^th highest in Morris County.

I’m sure everyone is aware the Governor ordered all schools closed until May 15^th, at which time he will reassess the State’s condition.  I have received questions regarding the Declared Public Health Emergency and Declared State of Emergency and how it relates to the May 15^th date.  The Public Health Emergency is renewed every thirty days and the Declared State of Emergency is indefinite until the Governor rescinds his Executive Orders, therefore the Stay-At-Home Order is also indefinite until such Orders are rescinded.  The May 15^th date is simply a time frame for review and not a date which should be looked upon as a finish line.

The President of the United States issued the “Opening Up America Again” guidelines last night.  There is a phased in approach for States or regions that meet certain criteria.  The New Jersey/New York region is deemed to be the epicenter of the virus infection and transmission, therefore any phased in re-opening approach for our region will be significantly delayed compared to other parts of the Country.  I again want to prepare all of you, as I have stated in past writings, that we all need to be prepared, with the proper mindset, for a marathon not a sprint.  Recovery for our area will be a prolonged process that we all must work towards together.

The United States Postal Service has advised Stimulus Checks will be going out soon.  This of course will lead to attempted criminal behavior such as mail thefts, or fraudulent activity via text and email.  All residents are reminded to never provide personal information over the phone or through email.  The Federal Government will not be contacting you via phone, text or email regarding stimulus funds.  Residents should also check their mailboxes regularly and not allow their mail to linger for extended periods of time.

There has been an increase in speeding, traffic accidents and traffic fatalities throughout the Country and the State.  The theory behind these increases is motorist’s reckless driving behaviors due to a reduced number of vehicles on the highways.  If you have to leave your house for essential travel remember there are significantly larger numbers of pedestrians, bikers, runners, children and pets on our streets as a result of the Stay-At-Home orders.  Please drive safely!!

Lastly, I want to report many of our State’s law enforcement officers have contracted the virus and several have perished as a result.  While a law enforcement officer’s life is no more important than any of yours or your loved ones, our officers do not have the ability to isolate and Stay-At-Home, which puts them at a significantly greater risk of contracting the virus.  Please keep that in mind when making decisions about non-essential travel and congregation.

Please continue to check on your elderly neighbors and family members and report any issues at all to OEM@fppd.net.  Have the best weekend possible and continue to be safe and well.

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
April 17, 2020

Residents,

I write to you tonight with some good and bad news.  The bad news is the holiday weekend produced underreported statistics, as today’s numbers reflect significant increases in the State’s total test positives (4,240) and deaths (362) related to COVID-19.  These numbers are undoubtedly a cumulative effect of the holiday weekend.  Some good news for residents of Florham Park, if you follow the daily test positive results on the Morris County Health Department website, you will see that although our numbers increase slightly each reporting day, they are increasing at a slower rate than other communities within the County.  While we ranked as the 13^th highest test positives in Morris County last week, today we are 18^th highest based upon the latest numbers available.  I would like to think we are dropping on that list due in large part to the efforts we have undertaken as a community.  Through the combined efforts of the Police/OEM, Fire/FAS Departments, Municipal Department Heads and Mayor/Council, along with our consistent messaging, and the residents’ willingness to abide by Executive Orders and Social Distancing standards we have slowed the spread in Florham Park.  We are playing our part!!

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office provided some clarification on the required utilization of masks when entering essential retail businesses.  No one, including children under the age of two or people with health conditions preventing the use of a mask, will be allowed to enter an essential retail business.  The business must be able to accommodate curbside delivery to those individuals or they should not be able to operate as an essential business.

The Governor issued Executive Order 126 yesterday, suspending shut offs of internet or phone service due to non-payment, for the duration of the public health emergency.

Residents need reminding that while the majority of us are adhering to the Governor’s Executive Orders and Staying-At-Home, there is a criminal element seeking to seize upon the current environment.  Last night an unknown subject approached a vehicle in a driveway on Lakeview Avenue.  Luckily, the residence was equipped with a sensor light, which scared the subject off before any entry in the vehicle could be attempted.  Please remember to keep your vehicles and house locked at all times and never leave valuables inside your vehicles.

Criminal elements have been utilizing fraud tactics in attempts to take advantage of the COVID-19 health crisis.  Residents are reminded to never provide personal identifying information over the internet or through email.  The Federal Government and/or the IRS will never contact you via email or phone and ask you to provide them personal identifying information.
I ask all residents; please continue to work with your local officials, follow the Governor’s Executive Orders, maintain your Social Distancing discipline and together we will reduce the exposures in Florham Park and play our part, as a community, in flattening the curve in defeating this adversary.

Stay safe and well!!

Residents,

First let me take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Easter, Happy Passover as well as any other celebration for your respective religious beliefs.  I hope everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable day with your family.

I have to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of you who donated supplies to an in need resident, as well as the tremendous outpouring of support for the Police Department.  We are all truly blessed to live and work within a community so willing to help each other, especially those willing to help the agency whose sole purpose is to help all of you.  Words can’t express the feelings of thanks shared by me and the personnel I represent.

On this day I prefer not to harp on the negative, as all of the numbers we’ve been tracking continue to increase in the cumulative sense.  There is some belief that New Jersey is trending statistically the same way Italy has through this pandemic, that is to say Italy hit its peak at day 36 of the crisis and began a steady decline in the daily number of deaths related to Covid-19 thereafter.  Today marks day 40 for the State of New Jersey, we hit our peak at day 36 as well and have seen a decline in the number of deaths each day since.  Let’s hope today continues that trend and we work together, as a community and a State to overcome this devastation.

The Governor has signed three Executive Orders since I last wrote to all of you and I felt it was necessary, even today, to bring everyone up to speed on the State’s evolution.

Executive Order 123- Extending the grace periods for some insurance premium payments.

Executive Order 124- Furloughing the sentences of some Covid-19 high risk inmates.

Executive Order 125- This Order increases social distancing requirements on public transportation and in essential retail businesses.  This Order goes into effect tomorrow night, April 13, 2020, at 8:00pm.  Please see the below bullet points for an abbreviated explanation of the order:

·       Public Transportation may limit to 50% of its maximum occupancy

·       Passengers and workers must wear cloth masks unless you are below the age of 2 or have a medical condition which prevents you from being able to wear a mask. 

·       Must maintain 6 feet of distance within the transportation vessel

·       Must establish contactless payment options

·       All essential retail food and liquor store/bar establishments allowed to continue operations established in Executive Order 107 must now adhere to the following restrictions:

o   Must limit access to 10% of their establishments maximum occupancy and ensure 6 feet social distancing requirements

o   All workers must wear cloth masks and gloves

o   Establish infection control procedures for employee handwashing and sanitization of contact services

o   All customers must wear cloth masks in order to gain entry to the establishment, the only exception are those below the age of 2 and those with medical conditions which prevent the wearing of a mask.

o   Establishments must provide for curbside pick-up if possible for those customers not wearing or unwilling to wear a mask, unless they meet one of the two exceptions detailed above.

Tomorrow’s weather is supposed to bring 1.5 to 2 inches of rain as well as winds potentially reaching 50-65 mph.  Please be careful and make every effort to limit travel.

Wishing everyone a peaceful day, be safe and well!!

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
April 12, 2020

ANNABELLE LANE, LOVEY DRIVE, INSLEY ROAD, RIVERSIDE DRIVE (BRAIDBURN TO ROCKWOOD), LINCOLN AVENUE, CRESCENT ROAD (HANOVER RD. TO GREGORY DR.), CORY ROAD, DECKER LANE, AND THE EMMETT FIELD PARKING LOT AND ELM ST. ACCESS ROAD.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT STARTING ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020, WEATHER PERMITTING, A ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WILL START ON THE STREETS NOTED ABOVE. THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF MILLING AND PAVING OF THE ENTIRE STREETS NOTED ABOVE. DURATION OF THE TOTAL PROJECT IS APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS.

THE MILLING AND PAVING OPERATION WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON YOUR ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WORKING DAYS. IN SOME CASES, A DETOUR WILL BE CREATED WITH THE POLICE TRAFFIC DIRECTORS AT EACH END. THEY WILL ASSIST IN GUIDING NON-LOCAL THROUGH TRAFFIC TO USE A DETOUR. THEY WILL ALSO ASSIST LOCAL RESIDENTS. IN OTHER CASES, ROAD CLOSED SIGNS WITH CONES WILL BE PRESENT. ALL LOCAL TRAFFIC WILL STILL BE PERMITTED TO PROCEED ON THE STREET DURING THE MILLING PROCESS, BUT MAY BE LIMITED AT SOME POINTS DURING THE PAVING PROCESS ONLY. ALL ROADS WILL BE COMPLETELY OPEN TO EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES, AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 6PM TO 7AM EACH EVENING.

ROADS MAY BE IN A MILLED CONDITION FOR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO PAVING. PLEASE DRIVE WITH EXTREME CAUTION AS DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES, PAVEMENT JOINTS, MANHOLES, UTILITY VALVES, AND CATCH BASINS WILL BE ELEVATED UP TO 2” ABOVE THE MILLED ROAD. TRAFFIC CONES AND TEMPORARY REFLECTIVE PAINT WILL BE PLACED TO INDICATE POTENTIAL HAZARDS.

DURING THE PAVING OPERATION, ACCESS TO YOUR ROAD AND DRIVEWAY MAY NOT BE PERMITTED FOR 3 TO 4 HOURS DURING THE DAY OF PAVING TO ALLOW FOR THE PAVEMENT TO PROPERLY CURE AND OBTAIN A DESIRED FINISH BEFORE ACCEPTING VEHICLE TRAFFIC. IT IS ALSO DESIRABLE NOT TO DRIVE ON A ROADWAY THAT IS TACK COATED JUST PRIOR TO PAVING, AS THIS MATERIAL CAN STICK TO A VEHICLE. TACK COAT CAN BE REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE'S BODY BY USING A MILD DEGREASING AGENT. IT IS BEST TO AVOID DRIVING ON YOUR ROAD DURING THE DAY(S) THAT IT WILL BE PAVED.

IF YOU NEED TO USE YOUR VEHICLE DURING A DAY YOUR ROAD IS TO BE PAVED, THEN PLEASE LEAVE BY 7AM OR PARK ON AN ADJACENT STREET BY 7AM. THE POLICE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED NOT TO ISSUE OVERNIGHT PARKING TICKETS IN THE AREAS OF WORK.

YOUR COOPERATION IN THESE MATTERS IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY PHASE OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND HOW IT WILL IMPACT YOUR DRIVEWAY ACCESS, THEN PLEASE FEEL FREE TO APPROACH ME OR MY ASSISTANT, KAYLA KAPLAN ON THE JOB SITE OR CONTACT ME VIA PHONE OR EMAIL BELOW.

THANK YOU

MICHAEL SGARAMELLA, PE, CME
BOROUGH ENGINEER
PH: 973-410-5473
msgaramella@fpboro.net

Residents,

A brief update to inform all of the new Executive Orders being issued by the Governor:

Executive Order 120 – Postponing Primary Elections until July 7, 2020.

Executive Order 121 – Raising the weight restriction limits on trucks transporting COVID-19 related supplies, PPE or Food deliveries on certain highways within the State.

Executive Order 122 – Prohibiting Non-Essential Construction and Enacting procedures for preventing the spread of the virus in Essential Retail businesses.  This Order goes into effect Friday, April 10^th at 8:00 P.M.

The information surrounding Executive Order 122 is extensive.  There are several exemptions to the Non-Essential Construction Order and the procedures to be followed in Essential Retail stores will be difficult to explain in this post.  Please go to the following link to read an explanation of this particular Order:

https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/announcements/all-announcements/governor-murphy-signs-executive-order-to-cease-all-non-essential-construction-projects-and-imposes-additional-mitigation-requirements-on-essential-retail-businesses-and-industries-to-limit-the-spread-of-covid-19

I have been receiving requests regarding updates to the number of infected persons within Florham Park.  I am legally forbidden from releasing numbers, specific to Florham Park, of infected persons due to HIPAA laws, however the County Health Department can release numbers which can be found at the link below:

https://health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus/

Be safe and well!!

Joseph Orlando

Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator

April 9, 2020

Residents,

Much has happened since I last wrote to all of you.  Please read this post carefully as there is important information contained within.  I must preface by stating there is information contained within this post that will be upsetting to and anger some residents; I ask that you read the post in its entirety.

On March 9, 2020, when Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 103 declaring a Public Health Emergency and a State of Emergency, there were 11 presumptive test positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.  Today, as I type this post there are 47,437 positive cases and 1,504 reported deaths in the State of New Jersey.  Morris County has the 9^th most positive cases, of the 21 Counties in the State and Florham Park has the 13^th most positive cases of the 39 municipalities within the County. I provide these numbers to express to you this is a serious public health crisis that is affecting Florham Park residents, to a larger degree than some in the community believe and certainly to a greater extent than some are taking seriously.   The County is reporting that Community Spread is High.  As of this date, the projected number of hospital beds needed in the State of New Jersey is 12,554 with only 7,815 available.  The number of projected ICU beds needed in New Jersey is 2,274 with only 465 available. Please take a moment to absorb those numbers before continuing to read and keep in mind our laboratory reporting is two weeks behind and the projected peak in New Jersey is anywhere from two to four weeks away.

Yesterday Governor Murphy issued four (4) new Executive Orders detailed briefly below;

Executive Order 116 – Extends the deadlines for school board budget adoption and approval, as well as elections for school boards whose elections were scheduled for April of 2020.

Executive Order 117 – Waived all statutorily required student assessment testing for the 2019/2020 school year for all 8^th grade students and the statutorily mandated graduation assessment for high school seniors.

Executive Order 118 – Closing of all State and County Parks.

Executive Order 119 – Extends the Public Health Crisis, which was set to expire tomorrow, an additional 30 days.  The Stay-At-Home order is indefinite at this time.

When the Governor issued Executive Order 108 there was an exception included in the same that allowed municipalities to further restrict access to municipal parks.  The Governor issued Executive Order 118 yesterday due in large part to the lack of adherence to social distancing within those areas.  We have been witnessing much of the same here in Florham Park. Despite our previous attempts at restricting activity in these areas congregation continues, as a result I have discussed with the Mayor and Council closing all municipal parks and facilities within Florham Park and to enforce violations of the same under the authority granted to me in Borough Ordinance 171-35 which reads as follows;

“No person shall enter a Borough park facility, lands or portions thereof that have been designated or posted as "Closed," "Park Closed," "No Trespassing," "Restricted Area," "Keep Out" or any other verbal or posted warning or physical barrier.”

Therefore, as of today, April 8, 2020 at 7:00 PM, all Municipal Parks, Playgrounds, Parking Lots and Municipally owned Open Public Space, Schoolyards, Walking Trails and Bike Paths are closed to the public until further notice.

I, along with several other Chiefs of Police within the State, have been advising against birthday parades within the community as they lead to social gatherings at the beginning and end of the same.  The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, has stated portions of the parades violate the Governor’s Executive Orders and those violations can be enforced believing that deterrence is clearly outweighing education at this point.

I have instructed my officers to begin enforcing the portions of parades that violate the Governor’s Orders in an effort to stop the community spread of this virus and I again implore all residents to refrain from coordinating/participating in these events.

Lastly, the State has determined religious congregation, regardless of denomination, is a violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders.  This includes parking lot masses, drive by communion, even communion by appointment.  Several Holy days are approaching among several religious denominations.  Please keep in mind the Governor’s Executive Orders when deciding upon how to celebrate your respective faiths.

I understand some of what I have stated in this post will not sit well with some in the community.  My responsibility is not to endear myself to all members, as I have made significant efforts to do since being sworn in as Chief of Police, rather my oath, which I swore to uphold, requires that I do everything in my power to protect every member of this community.  My actions since this Public Health Emergency was declared have been to minimize the impact of the same upon all of you while maintaining the safest environment possible for the community.  The evolution of this crisis and the drastic increase in test positive cases/deaths, which has impacted Florham Park, due to community spread has dictated I take these actions for the benefit of all members within the community.

Wishing safety and wellness to you and your loved ones!!

Residents,

Once again I write to you with evolving information in this ever changing situation.

The number of test positives and deaths in New Jersey continue to rise.  I'm sure you've already seen the numbers today have reached 37,505 test positives with 917 deaths in the State.  Reports indicate the laboratories are two weeks behind in processing test results which means we all need to prepare for a lot of bad news in the next couple of weeks.  New York has yet to reach their plateau and we're reported to be approximately one (1) to one and a half (1.5) weeks behind them.

This week is what would have been Spring Break for most schools in Morris County.  The weather tomorrow and Tuesday is predicted to be sunny and warm.  I know it will be extremely difficult to remain at home and disciplined with your social distancing efforts but it's a critical component of this battle we find ourselves in.  I could continue to post links for articles and CDC websites but everyone is well aware of the recommendations by now.  It's incumbent upon all of us to be diligent as the life you save may not just be your own but the lives of your neighbors, friends and their families.  The most dangerous part of this virus is that infected people, who show no signs or symptoms, can pass the virus along to others.  This is why social distancing and Stay-At-Home mandates have been stressed at all levels.  The Governor's Executive Order tells us that we can visit family members and those with whom we have a close personal relationship.  The Order then defines close personal relationship as a Caregiver or dating partner.  Please keep this in mind when making decisions about travel or congregating.

There has been a big push in several communities to conduct teacher parades and or birthday parades for students and children respectively.  There has been a lot of discussion about these events throughout the State amongst Police Chiefs, Prosecutor's and the Attorney General's Office.  The directive we've been given is that the parades themselves are not a violation of any particular order, however they are strongly discouraged as they may lead to other behaviors that are prohibited.  I am requesting all resident refrain from such parades as this virus is an airborne disease, it's just not worth the chance of infecting someone.

The Governor and NJOEM Director issued two Orders that I want residents to be aware of.  First, the Governor issued Executive Order 113 which states in part the Government can commandeer property, supplies and private property in order to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.  I bring this up because I want to alleviate any fear and prevent the spread of rumors when it comes to the State Government commandeering private property of the citizens.  This Order was drafted explicitly for the purpose of commandeering critically needed medical supplies and large facilities for use as medical facilities in the event our hospitals become overwhelmed.  Second, the NJOEM Director issued Administrative Order 2020-08 which states in part individual municipalities have been given the authority to restrict hotels/motels/rentals from accepting new transients into their jurisdictions to help prevent the spread of the virus.  More specifically it focuses on the shore communities and gives those municipalities the right to deny residents with secondary homes from moving into those homes and potentially overwhelming the community's emergency services.  Something to think about for those residents with secondary homes in the shore communities.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) anticipates opening on April 12, 2020, however it has issued orders that extend Driver License, Registration (including Temp Tags), and Inspection expirations for two months from the date of expiration.  See the  link below for details:

https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

If any resident is considered essential personnel or works in a business that is considered essential and is having trouble finding Daycare with their kids being out of school, you can use the link below to find childcare facilities authorized to operate within the State.  The list is categorized by County.  There are two facilities within Florham Park authorized to operate under the current Executive Orders:

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001beOZjZMgA5a7yDfgx1LTVJfj0SKKGhQBO4xg-Q87G7N1vdtYNahJJ74v5Nl7-vaDr0_8DKLhFi2GJuZnU9QU029ydcT4dC2_DPcpotZtYcCSCYCqmB8xLQtv_65mi74qD98gq7OvVgP5NlksDp5EZsrXQku50ot88xmZ4rfYBl6JQpxzM8HElmuf-oUdsadybudNg2dMkGq5zs6IcEAWkRDshfsxwKv7897TxFQiZ2A=&c=fCoro7MS-inxo96zYluAvt_uaFe5HCDkpi89iUJlI6myEGtR3mtn-Q==&ch=v1Itqb9HYnHnmKfTf7QLp-uClh0gYzFK8dn7oyvSW7oIb38SiDa4_A==

Residents,

A lot has been happening the past couple of days and I ask that you bear with me as I bring you up to speed on our current situation which is evolving daily.

On March 21, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107, in which he stated as of March 20, 2020 there were approximately 890 confirmed positive cases in the State of New Jersey.  As I type this post, just 12 days later, there are 22,255 test positives being reported in the State.  The President and the Governor are both reporting the worst is still in front of us with the surge of positive cases expected two weeks from now.  I’m sure all of you are aware the Stay-At-Home order has been pushed out to April 30th and there are no guarantees things will return to normal abruptly at that time.  We all need to be preparing ourselves mentally for the tough road ahead.  Florham Park's daily test positives can be found at the link below:

https://health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus/

We have received calls/emails from seniors in need of food shopping.  A list of volunteer residents was established early on in this situation and is being coordinated through the efforts of the Borough Council to get those seniors their needed supplies.  Please continue to check on your elderly neighbors and/or family members and forward any requests through the following email address; OEM@fppd.net.

Several local grocery stores have adjusted their hours and created senior only hours to accommodate as many people as possible.  Those seniors who like to do their own shopping can find hours to accommodate you at the following locations:

1. ACME – Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00am to 9:00am
2. Costco – Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 9:00am
3. Stop & Shop – Daily from 6:00am to 7:30am
4. Target – Wednesday from 8:00am to 9:00am
5. Trader Joe’s – Dedicated line for Seniors daily from 9:00am to 10:00am
6. Walmart – Tuesday from 6:00am to 7:00am

The link below will bring you a listing of all grocery stores with senior dedicated hours;

https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/04/supermarkets-grocery-stores-are-shifting-hours-adding-hours-for-seniors-and-have-purchase-limits-what-you-need-to-know-040120.html

The FBI and Homeland Security are advising there are high incidents of fraud surrounding the Stimulus Package passed by Congress last week.  People are targeting individuals via phone/email attempting to obtain personal identifying information and telling them it’s necessary in order to receive their stimulus money.  All residents should be aware that the Federal Government will not be contacting anyone via phone/internet/email to obtain information from you in order to receive your entitled stimulus funds.  Do not give anyone your personal identifying information.  Furthermore, door to door solicitation is a violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders and anyone who observes any type of solicitation should not answer their door and contact the Police Department immediately.

I spoke today with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Caponegro, who advised me he observed several groups of students congregating together while he was leaving Ridgedale Middle School.  We respectfully ask that all parents refrain from allowing your children to congregate with non-family members.  I also spoke with Father Thomas, of Holy Family Church, who advised me that he will be closing the church to all parishioners due to social distancing violations occurring within the parish.  He asked me to notify all Holy Family parishioners of the same and that he as well will be emailing you.  Father Thomas also expressed concern of several children playing in the Holy Family parking lots. 

Front line first responders, especially hospital staff, nurses, doctors, first aid squad members and paramedics are battling this virus at extreme risk to their personal safety, for excessively long shifts and are in need of our support and respect.  Meet Me in FP has joined forces with FLAG-CM to support local food establishments and feed those first responders at a time when they need us the most.  See the Florham Park Community Forum on Facebook for information on how to help if you’re interested; https://www.facebook.com/groups/302281926624325/

I ask all residents to take this virus and the current situation we find ourselves in very seriously.  This is a highly contagious disease and failure to adhere to proper social distancing standards, proper handwashing and personal hygiene can be catastrophic.   The disease is believed to be spread through airborne droplets expelled from humans which is why social distancing is crucial in stopping the spread.

Lastly I want to ensure all residents that the Florham Park Police Department Office of Emergency Management is working diligently with all Borough partners to include the Mayor and Council, Florham Park Fire Department and First Aid Squad, the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, the State Office of Emergency Management, East Hanover and Madison Emergency Services and Atlantic Health, as well as all Florham Park Department Heads to provide all of you with the highest level of service while providing everyone with safest possible environment during this time.

Please email any questions or concerns to OEM@fppd.net and someone will respond to you in a timely fashion.

Wishing everyone safety and wellness.

Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police / Deputy OEM Coordinator
4/1/2020

Residents,

I’m sure many of you, like me, have been tuned into the events surrounding the Coronavirus on television and through other media sources.  The President of the United States has encouraged a Stay-At-Home order until April 30th believing a return to normalcy prior to that could reignite a secondary outbreak of this virus.  I would again like to echo my sentiments from Friday night’s post, this is not going to come to end quickly.  We as a community must be prepared to endure the length of this virus as we will inevitably return to normalcy, hopefully with the least amount of negative impact on our population possible.

I have received reports that some, whether residents of our community or visitors coming to shop in our center district, have irresponsibly been discarding gloves and face masks in the parking lots of those establishments.  Know that discarding potentially infected personal protective equipment (PPE) haphazardly can release the virus in the air and infect other persons.  I will be instructing members of the Police Department to aggressively enforce the littering ordinances against any individual discarding PPE in this fashion.  It is grossly irresponsible and negligent behavior.

Our officers and volunteer First Aid Squad members have been responding to increased numbers of service calls for medical related issues.  Several of these calls are non-emergent and centered around peoples fear and anxiety of the virus.  Please visit the CDC website or Covid.nj.gov for details on what is considered coronavirus symptomatic. 

Lastly, in the days ahead you may observe members of the DPW in our parks and recreation facilities working to prepare them for future use.  This does not mean the parks or recreation facilities are open.  Parks and recreation facilities are mandated to be closed by the Governor’s Executive Orders as well the Morris County Office of Emergency Management Emergency Declaration.  The work is being done to simply prepare those areas for the public's use when we recover from this current situation.

Wishing everyone and their families to be safe and well.

Regards,

 Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
3/29/2020

Residents,

The State is reporting the laboratories are behind in the analysis which means they anticipate significant increases in the days and weeks ahead.

I say this not to create panic or hysteria but to implore all residents to understand this situation we find ourselves in is serious and is not going to come to an end quickly.  We will be involved in this crisis for several weeks and the Stay at Home Order issued by the Governor will more than likely remain in effect for the entirety of that time. 

A conference call was conducted this morning involving the Attorney General and the State OEM Director, who is the Colonel of the State Police.  Both have indicated on numerous occasions that local law enforcement should warn residents who are not adhering to the mandates in the Governor's Executive Order.  However, their tone and direction is beginning to shift towards one of enforcement.  I write this to all of you in an effort to prevent our officers from having to take action against our residents.  I drive the neighborhoods and observe kids outside together, adults walking together and hear from other residents of people having parties within their homes or out of State guests.  These are all violations of the Governor's Executive Order.  While being outside and obtaining beneficial exercise is not prohibited, in fact it's encouraged, the Executive Order specifically states that non-family members should not be congregating outside or exercising together, nor should they be visiting each other's homes, unless it's a dating partner, and parties consisting of non-family members in excess of 10 people are prohibited.

The weeks ahead are going to be difficult, I would be lying to you if I told you it was going to be easy or that it would all be coming to end shortly.  If we work together we can limit the exposures, flatten the infection rate curve and protect our citizens and first responders in the process. 

The members of the Police Department are patrolling the Borough 24 hours a day and we'll always be available to help any of our resident or guests with any issue that may arise.  We're now asking you to help us, work with us to help prevent the spread of this virus, be force multipliers for us in the community and report violations of the Executive Order and most importantly be responsible for your own actions.

We thank you all for your continued support and hope all are safe and well!!

Residents,

The Governor issued Executive Order 110 today authorizing Daycare Centers to remain open after April 1, 2020 if they provide childcare services to essential employees only.  All other Daycare Centers will not be allowed to operate after April 1st.  Please go to covid.nj.gov for details and explanations of the order, as well as explanations of who essential personnel are.

The virus is spreading very slowly in Florham Park with very few exposures.  Please continue to maintain discipline with your social distancing efforts as it is inevitably having a positive impact in Florham Park. 

There will be further updates tomorrow.  Please continue to follow this page, the Florham Park Police Department website www.fppd.net, the Florham Park Borough website www.fpboro.net, and FPTV on Optimum Channel 21 as well as Fios channel 35.

We are aware of some technical difficulties with Optimum Channel 21 which we hope to have rectified tomorrow.

Please check on your elderly neighbors and family members.

Be safe!!

Residents,

Please see / click on the attached link to visit the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness' message regarding false information being distributed via phone calls and text messages.

http://ow.ly/MOpj50yQya0

Residents,

In an effort to keep all informed of the evolving Coronavrius situation the Florham Park Police Department Office of Emergency Management is providing this update.  Attached to this posting is a snapshot of the Governor's Executive Order regarding the mandatory initiatives he has authorized.  Please read them carefully and abide by the same in the interest of public safety and to reduce the risk of virus transmission. 

The curfew from 8:00pm until 5:00am is RECOMMENDED, it has not been made mandatory.

The Police Department Office of Emergency Management has been working daily with the Mayor and Council, Health Department, County OEM, School Superintendent, Borough Department Heads as well as various surrounding jurisdictions to ensure the safety and well being of all Borough residents. 

Please refrain from listening to rumors regarding the virus or the Borough's response to the same.   We have made a conscientious effort to provide all residents with single source information through the Florham Park Police Department Office of Emergency Management.  Official information concerning the Coronavirus can be found at the CDC website or the NJDOH website.

Please make an effort to telephone elderly neighbors/family members and check on their well being.  A list of volunteers is being established to help shop and deliver groceries to those in need.  Please email OEM@fppd.net if you know of someone in need of the service or would like to volunteer to help.  Please do not deliver groceries or supplies directly with those in need, proper personal protection measures need to be followed in order to protect the most vulnerable of our residents. 

Please check back regularly for updates.  You can also find information at the Borough website www.fpboro.net, the Police Department website at www.fppd.net, as well as the Borough of Florham Park Facebook Page. 

Be safe everyone!!

Florham Park Residents,

The Borough of Florham Park has closed all facilities due to a member of the Borough workforce testing positive for the Coronavirus.  The closings are out of an abundance of caution to sanitize all Borough facilities and to protect essential personnel from contracting the virus, while allowing the incubation period of the virus to pass.

Currently there are no officers within the Police Department exhibiting symptoms of the virus. The Police Department will continue to serve the residents of the Borough, while maintaining precautions to prevent its officers from any potential exposure.

Residents are urged and encouraged to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of this virus.  School closings were a proactive measure to prevent exposure and potential transmission of the virus, continuing to have students congregate outside of the schools is counterproductive to the proactive measures taken by the school district.

Finally we ask that residents follow our Facebook page and sign up for Alert Florham Park. We will update residents as the situation evolves.  We are in constant communication with the local Heath Department and the County Office of Emergency Management. Please don’t allow rumors to create widespread panic or hysteria.

The Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, in conjunction with the Morris County Sheriff and the Morris County Prosecutor, have initiated an Auto Theft Task Force to combat the scourge of Auto Thefts and Vehicle Burglaries that have plagued Morris County in recent years.  Residents are encouraged to assist in this initiative by doing the following;

• Lock your vehicles at all times when not in use.

• Never leave key fobs inside your vehicle.

• Never leave valuables in plain sight within your vehicle.

• Report suspicious people in your neighborhood to the Police immediately.

• Neighbors should watch out for neighbors and advise them if you see their vehicles unlocked or with valuables within the same.

• Call 911 to report crimes in progress – DON'T DELAY.

For over 20 years, the Florham Park Police Department - in cooperation with the Florham Park Fire Prevention Bureau - has been educating and assisting the community on child safety seat installations at no cost to the individual.  Due to limited resources, there no longer will be the monthly Child Safety Seat Checkpoints held at the Brooklake Road Firehouse or walk-in requests for help.

Beginning February 1st, the Florham Park Police Department will assist Florham Park residents only looking for guidance on child safety seat installations by appointment only.  Those requesting assistance are asked to contact Sergeant Bundschuh at 973-410-5375 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and preferred availability.

For other local alternatives and monthly checkpoints where no appointment is necessary, please visit the following link:

https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/childseats/childseatchecks.html

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and understanding.

Click here to sign up for the new community alert notification system

AlertFlorhamPark will allow you to get emergency notifications in any manner you choose, including phone, email, text, or social media, so you can stay informed during major storms or other emergencies taking place in Florham Park or throughout Morris County. Users have the ability to enter multiple addresses located in multiple jurisdictions within a single profile. If you care for a loved one who lives in another Morris County town and want to be notified of issues affecting that person’s municipality, your one registration process will satisfy that need.

AlertFlorhamPark also offers a free Smart911 signup option for county residents, providing a greatly enhanced and potentially lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency call service for anyone who registers for it.

Smart911 is FREE, and your information is secure, accessible only to a 9-1-1 call taker. This service can provide key information to responders that can make your family safer. For example:

• Address Details: How to access your home, number of bedrooms, location of utility shut-offs, and if you live in a multi-family building;
• Family Details: Number of residents, ages, photos of children, and your landline and mobile phone numbers;
• Medical Information: Medical conditions of certain residents, medications taken/required, allergies, mobility of residents, and if special equipment is needed in an emergency;
• Animals: A list of your pets, service animals and livestock, and their names so responders are aware of them as they enter your home. Also, include the name of your veterinarian;
• Emergency Contacts: Family members, friends or neighbors to be contacted in case of an emergency;
• Vehicles: Make, model and license plate number in case of a motor vehicle accident.

Residents can offer as much or as little information to first responders through Smart911 as they wish.