By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Police in Tinton Falls were assured at this week’s borough council meeting that the Mayor and Council are behind them and support their efforts at keeping the borough and its residents safe from harm.
Council President Gary Baldwin read part of the resolution passed by council as he congratulated six officers who were at the meeting to represent the police department in accepting the sentiments.
The resolution specifically declares the council’s “support and solidarity with the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers for their distinctive service and dedicated efforts, earning our highest respect and deepest gratitude.”
Council passed the resolution after Councilwoman Nancyanne Fama proposed it at the last council meeting specifically in response to recent national events, which the proclamation states demonstrates a disregard for the safety of police officers.
The strongly worded resolution also said that some public officials have actually “aligned themselves with career criminals and agitators.”
The second paragraph said some certain public officials have perpetuated “false narratives” making police officers “direct targets for reprisals and made a reference to the two New York City officers killed on duty last month.
After the presentation cheerleaders attending the meeting, where they were also honored, broke out cheering “We are proud of you, say we are proud of you!” to the delight of the mayor and council.
Also at the meeting there was cause for celebration as council honored the three Monmouth Falcon Pop Warner Cheer/Dance Squads which won National Championships in the fall at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Center in Disney World.
For the Junior Midget Squad it was their sixth year in a row winning the top spot.
The Junior Pee Wee and Pee Wee squads were feted for their fourth year winning the National Championship.
Gina Gundel, President of Pop Warner Cheer said all three squads first won the New Jersey Shore Championship before going on to win the Eastern Regional championship sending them to the national contest.
Coach Karen Farrah played ESPN film clips of the winning dance routines.
Baldwin reported that an application by Jersey Shore Motocross to build a track off Shafto Road was carried until the Board of Adjustment’s Feb. 16 meeting which will be held at Seabrook.
President Baldwin also reminded council that Monmouth County Engineer Joe Ettore will be presenting results of a new study about whether or not a traffic light should be installed at the intersection of Hance and Sycamore avenues. at the February 3 meeting.
The council president encouraged those affected by the issue and all residents to attend the meeting.
“I want to hear everything that anybody has to say about this,” he said.
