Police Respond To Over 100 Calls During Storm

The following is a list of calls that were recorded to respond to incidents related to the Hurricane Irene storm between 7:25 p.m. on August 27th to 2 p.m. August 28th. A comprehensive article will follow:

AUGUST 27, 2011

TimeDescription
7:25 pmAs per Police Chief Paul Morrison, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was activated.
7:35 pmA caller reported hearing fireworks or gunshots in the area. Patrolmen Mitchell White, Gregory Polakoski, and Richard Gaylord responded and reported nothing showing at this time. Patrolman White was out at 700 block of Pine Street and spoke with the caller who stated that sounds may have come from the area of West Roselle. Patrolman Gaylord was out with an Elm Street resident who stated it sounded like fireworks in the same area. The area was checked and all appeared in order.
7:45 pmA caller reported a car alarm continuously blaring in front of his East Clay Avenue residence. Patrolman Gregory Polakoski responded and reported he was unable to make contact with owner. The vehicle was removed from the street and into the driveway. The alarm and battery were disconnected.
8:26 pmPatrol cars blocked Locust Street underpass due to flooding. Roselle Police Department was notified to do the same.
8:40 pmA caller reported a white van in the area was parked half into a driveway and half into the street. Patrolman Richard Gaylord responded and reported nothing showing at time of arrival.
9:04 pmA driver on East Westfield Avenue was advised of the travel ban due to the Union County State Of Emergency and was issued a warning (39:3-66).
10:01 pmThe bike path was checked. All in order reported.
10:09 pmA motor vehicle stop was conducted on Chestnut Street with warnings issued (39:4-98 and 39:4-81). The driver was advised of the travel ban due to the Union County State Of Emergency.
10:34 pmPatrolmen Gregory Polakoski and Mitchell White set up barricades and cones due to flooding on East Lincoln Avenue between Spruce and Walnut Streets and East Lincoln Avenue from Hemlock to Walnut Streets. The area at Spruce Street at Colfax Avenue was shut down.
11:05 pm911 caller reported a large branch fell on his residence on the 200 block of Pershing Avenue causing damage. Patrolmen Richard Gaylord, Edward Nortrup, and Mitchell White responded to scene. DPW was notified and barricades were set up from Magie Avenue to Pershing Avenue. Patrolmen Gaylord and White placed sandbags on the barricades. Patrolman Gaylord reported some damage to the ceiling and adjacent house on Pershing Avenue. Residents of the home stayed in cranford for the night.
11:59 pmAldene School was checked and all was reported in order.

AUGUST 28, 2011

TimeDescription
12:01 AMWoodside Gardens was checked and all was reported in order.
12:28 AMClay Avenue closed down between Birch and Cherry Streets due to flooding; barricades were placed.
12:48 AMChestnut Street between Westfield and Grant Avenues was shut down due to flooding. Dispatch contacted county DPW for barricades. Patrolmen Mitchell White Gregory Polakoski set up cones.
12:56 AMVehicle lock out reported. Call was not emergent in nature.
12:58 AMCaller reported that a power line was taken down by a tree and was in their backyard. Patrolmen Gaylord and Nortrup responded. Patrolman Nortrup reported live wire smoking and going across Hamilton and the caller’s backyard. Roselle Park Fire Department (RPFD) and PSE&G were notified.
1:05 AMRoselle Park First Aid Squad (RPFAS) reported the interior ceiling to the First Aid squad house collapsed. No injuries were reported.
1:17 AMA tree fell on a vehicle on East Westfield Avenue.
1:19 AMA caller reported his vehicle was stuck in the flood on Sherman Avenue between East Grant and Madison. RPFD was notified at 1:23 a.m.
1:29 AMElizabeth Fire Deputy Chief Workus reported a large tree down on Galloping Hill Road. Patrolmen Polakoksi and White reported that it was an Elizabeth tree in Roselle Park. Patrolman Polakoski reported a motor vehicle accident. The occupant, suspected of DUI, ran away on foot before officers’ arrival. The driver was later apprehended and an arrest was made.
1:30 AMA resident on Dalton Street reported a flooded basement. RPFD Engine 3 responded.
1:36 AMA resident on Charlotte Terrace reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
2:01 AMA resident on Sherman Avenue reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded.
2:06 AMA resident on East Grant Avenue reported a flooded basement. Ladder 2 responded.
2:11 AMA resident on East Clay Avenue reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.

A resident on West Webster Avenue reported a flooded basement. Engine 3 responded.
2:15 AMA caller reported a domestic dispute on Charles Street. Patrolment Polakoski and White responded and reported dispute. One person was arrested for domestic offense.
2:17 AMA caller reported a vehicle stuck on her lawn on East Colfax Avenue. The responsible party was contacted a private tow company was called.
2:22 AMTriad operator reported a commercial fire alarm at the Roselle Park High School. RPFD responded to the scene and reported that a roof leak set off the alarm.
2:26 AMA caller reported wire down going across the street on West WEbster Avenue. Patrolmen Gaylord and Polakoski responded and reported the wire was moved to the side of the road. PSE&G was notified.
2:27 AMTwo (2) residences on the 100 block of Warren Avenue reported flooded basements. RPFD responded.
2:29 AMA caller reported an alarm going on and off for about an hour on East Westfield Avenue. Patrolmen Polakoski and Gaylord responded and reported it was the Romerovski property sprinkler alarms going off. Patrolman Gaylord reported all appeared secure. The owner was notified.
2:30 AMThe gas company responded on an odor of gas at Hemlock Street. Ladder 2 was on standby for the gas company.
2:36 AMA caller on East Westfield Avenue requested to be transported to a shelter. Party was transported to the Roselle Park Middle School (RPMS) along with four (4) other parties. RPFAS with three (3) EMTs were standing by at the RPMS.
2:42 AMA resident on Bridge Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded.
2:44 AMA resident on Dalton Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded. The utilities were shut off due to hazard and the residents were evacuated.
2:50 AMA fire alarm on Chestnut Street went off. RPFD responded and reported that the alarm was set off due to water flooding.
3:07 AMRPFD responded to a tree down and sparking wires on Walnut Street. PSE&G were notified at 3:09 am
3:16 AMTwo (2) power interruptions occurred at police headquarter. Computer systems went down and took awhile to come back up.
3:25 AMA resident on Dalton Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded.
3:30 AMA caller reported a large tree in the middle of the road and possible cable or phone wires down on Prospect Street. Patrolmen Polakoski and Gaylord responded and reported the wires down. PSE&G were notified.
3:42 AMA caller reported wires down at West Clay Avenue. Patrolmen Polakoski and Gaylord responded and report pole number 60099. PSE&G were notified. Wire was on the side of the road.
3:44 AMTwo (2) residences on the 100 block of Butler Avenue reported flooded basements. Engine 1 responded.
3:51 AMA resident on Charles Street reported a flooded basement. The RPFD Suburban responded.
3:56 AMTriad Alarm reported a commercial fire alarm on Chestnut Street. RPFD was notified and Ladder 2 responded. The alarm was set off again due to water flooding
3:58 AMA resident on Charles Street reported that her husband was being argumentative. Patrolmen White and Polakoksi responded and reported that the party took his belongings and would stay the night at a different location.
4:04 AMA resident on Dalton Street reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
4:05 AMA resident on West Webster Avenue requested that their gas and power be shut off. Engine 4 responded.
4:06 AMRoselle Park First Aid Squad (RPFAS) building lost power but could be contacted on the air.
4:08 AMA gas leak was reported on Butler Avenue by the RPFD. The gas company was notified and gave an ETA of one (1) hour.
4:10 AMA resident on Bridge Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 3 responded.
4:22 AMThe stoplight at Faitoute and Webster Avenues was out. DPW was notified for stop signs.
4:33 AMA resident on Chestnut Street reported a flooded basement. The RPFD Suburban responded.
4:35 AMPSE&G notified of power lines down on West Clay Avenue. An ETA of one (1) hour was given.
4:40 AMA resident on East Webster Avenue reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
4:42 AMA resident on West Webster Avenue reported a flooded basement. Engine 3 responded. Gas was secured.
4:43 AMPower line was reported down on Galloping Hill Road. PSE&G was notified. RPFD Engine 1 responded.
4:44 AMRPFAS reported that vehicle was stuck behind the RPMS. Patrolmen Polakoski and White reported no vehicle behind the middle school when they arrived.
4:46 AMA caller reported a tree down in the middle of the road on Spruce Street between Grant and Clay.
5:01 AMA resident on Filbert Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 3 responded.
5:28 AMTraffic lights at the intersections of Linden Road & Westfield Avenue and Galloping Hill Road & Westfield Avenue were reported out. NJDOT was notified. NJDOT operator 8 stated no one would respond due to power outage.
5:29 AMA resident on Elm Street reported a flooded basement. RPFD was notified.
5:30 AMA resident on Butler Avenue reported a flooded basement. RPFD was notified.
5:43 AMA resident on East Webster Avenue reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded.
5:47 AMA disabled vehicle was reported in water. RPFD was dispatched. Patrolmen Polakoski and White reported that the party was at East Lincoln Avenue and Spruce Street. A summons was to be mailed.
5:53 AMA resident on West Lincoln Avenue reported a flooded basement. The RPFD Suburban responded.
6:03 AMA resident on Berwyn Street reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
6:03 AMA resident on Jerome Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 4 responded.
6:05 AMWires were reported down on Walnut Street. RPFD responded.
6:18 AMUnion County DPW notified of a large tree down on Locust Street.
6:23 AMA resident on Hawthorne Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 2 responded.
6:25 AMA resident on Chester Avenue reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
6:27 AMTwo (2) homes on the 500 block of Locust Street reported flooded basements. Engine 1 responded.
6:41 AMA residence by the Roselle Park train station reported their basement flooded. Engine 1 responded.
6:45 AMA resident on Bender Avenue reported a flooded basement. Rescue 1 responded.
6:47 AMA resident on Locust Street reported a flooded basement. Engine 3 responded.
6:47 AMA resident on Sheridan Avenue reported a flooded basement. The RPFD Suburban responded.
6:51 AMA resident on West Grant Avenue reported a flooded basement. Ladder 2 responded.
7:02 AMA tree down was reported on Donald Place. DPW was notified and responded.
7:03 AMA tree down was reported on Filbert Street. DPW was notified and responded.
7:06 AMA resident on Myrtle Avenue reported a flooded basement. Engine 1 responded.
7:09 AMA resident on West Webster Avenue needed help changing out her oxygen tank. RPFAS responded and advised the resident accordingly.
7:45 AMA child on West Clay Avenue was reported having seizure. Patrolman Kompany responded along with RPFAS. A second ambulance was paged then canceled. Parents were transporting their child to the hospital.
7:46 AMA caller at Colfax Manor reported chest pain. Patrolman Joshua Medrano responded.
8:21 AMA caller could not get in touch with his cousin on Roosevelt Street. Patrolman Medrano responded and reported all fine.
8:22 AMA check on an elderly couple on West Lincoln Avenue was conducted. Patrolman Kompany responded and reported all fine.
8:40 AMA oil tank flipped over on Warren Avenue. RPFD responded.
8:48 AMA portable stop sign was placed on Faitoute Avenue.
8:49 AMA portable stop sign was placed on Gordon Street.
8:51 AMA caller reported a tree on a house on Maple Street. Patrolman Medrano responded and reported the tree was leaning on the house but that there was no structural damage.
9:35 AMA caller reported a vehicle stuck in the water on East Grant Avenue. Patrolman Kompany responded. Occupant was out of the vehicle.
10:03 AMPSE&G was notified to disconnect power to a flooded basement on Union Road. PSE&G advised that would not shut of power due to manpower.
10:18 AMPSE&G was notified to shut off power in a residence at East Clay Avenue. PSE&G advised that would not shut of power due to manpower.
10:24 AMA caller reported a tree down on wires on Woodland Avenue. Patrolman Medrano responded. DPW was on the scene at 10:45 am
10:30 AMPSE&G was notified of a tree down on a power line on Prospect Street.
10:32 AMRPFD responded on a strong odor of gas on Filbert Street.
11:02 AMOil leak was reported
11:07 AMA pole down was reported on Galloping Hill Road. RPFD responded along with Patrolman Smith. PSE&G was notified.
11:10 AMA Check On Welfare call was placed for a resident on East Roselle Avenue. Patrolman Vaughan responded. The occupant was fine.
11:26 AMPSE&G was notified of power lines down on West Clay Avenue.
11:32 AMA soft spot was reported on the road on Locust Street. Patrolman Kompany responded and RPFD was notified.
11:52 AMA tree limb was reported on electrical wires on Sherudan Avenue. Patrolman Vaughan and RPFD responded.
11:54 AMA resident on Roosevelt Street reported a flooded basement. RPFD responded.
12:01 PMA caller reported that a tree appeared as if it was about to fall on Woodside Avenue. RPFD was notified.
12:10 PMA tree down onto a house was reported on WIllis Place. Patrolman Medrano responded.
12:15 PMA caller reported that motorcycle rider fell off their bike on Seaton Avenue. Patrolman Kompany responded and reported no injuries
12:20 PMOfficer Peter Picarelli responded to a call to cordon off an area on East Grant Avenue and Pershing Avenue to block a tree down incident.
12:59 PMA caller reported a tree sitting on wires on West Lincoln Avenue. Patrolman Vaughan and RPFD responded.
1:20 PMA caller reported a fire alarm on East Westfield Avenue. Patrolman Smith and RPFD responded.
1:33 PMA caller reported a tree split in half and was laying on wires by the train station. Patrolman Sobocinski responded.
1:43 PMA caller reported a loud hissing sound - possibly a gas leak - on Butler Avenue. RPFD was dispatched and the gas company was notified.
2:00 PMA caller reported a strong odor of gas within a home by the train station. RPFD responded.

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