By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that Berkeley Township Chief of Police Kevin Santucci, Seaside Park Chief of Police Bryan McKay, Seaside Heights Chief of Police Thomas Boyd, Toms River Township Chief of Police Peter Sundack, Lavallette Chief of Police Christian LaCicero, Brick Township Chief of Police David Forrester, Borough of Mantoloking Chief of Police Stacy Ferris, Borough of Bay Head Chief of Police John LaSpina, Point Pleasant Borough Chief of Police Christopher Leonhardt, Point Pleasant Beach Chief of Police Robert Kowalewski, Stafford Township Chief of Police James Haldenwang, Harvey Cedars Chief of Police Robert Burnaford, Long Beach Township Chief of Police Edward Bernhard, Borough of Beach Haven Chief of Police James Markoski, Borough of Surf City Chief of Police John Casella, Jr., Barnegat Township Chief of Police Jason Carroll, Manchester Township Chief of Police Antonio Ellis and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, along with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will be collaborating to participate in Goal: Zero, a high-visibility county-wide traffic enforcement detail to address the staggering rise in traffic deaths in New Jersey.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that as of June 19, 240 people have lost their lives on New Jersey roadways, 28 of those deaths have occurred in Ocean County.
“High-visibility enforcement is about saving lives, not writing tickets. Every patrol, every stop, and every light we activate is a step toward Goal Zero. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stands behind this mission because zero traffic deaths isn’t just a goal, it’s our shared responsibility,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“On Thursday, June 26, from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm, the above-mentioned police departments will focus their attention on Jersey Shore roadways. Goal: Zero traffic details will be held on the last Thursday of every month from March through September,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky was the catalyst behind the 2024 Goal: Zero campaign, which brought together 36 municipalities to target dangerous driving behaviors, OCPO officials say.
Ocean County officials said the bright green color of the Goal: Zero logo represents high visibility and is the color for pedestrian and school safety.
The black bar is a mourning band for all lives lost in traffic crashes, OCPO officials stated.