Berkeley Township Emergency Notification System Up And Running

Signing up for service is optional

  Berkeley residents who want to stay on top of future emergencies can sign up for the township's new Emergency Notification System, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said. "An Emergency Notification System, or Reverse 911 as they are sometimes known, gives those in charge of public safety a chance to reach out to the public in case of an emergency event," the mayor said. Residents can still call 911 if they need emergency information. But the phone and e-mail system will automatically send out alerts to residents if they sign up for it, Amato said. Both home and cell phone numbers can be added to the call system. The township maintains a "constantly updating" database of all landline phone numbers, according to the website. "We are most …

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Berkeley Mourns The Loss Of A Dedicated Volunteer, Haz-Mat And Fire Company Founder

Gregory DePaul dies of pneumonia, a 'huge loss,' police chief said

To call him a volunteer would be an understatement. Gregory DePaul helped found the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company and the Berkeley Township Emergency Response Team. He was also a township Deputy Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. DePaul died this morning of double pneumonia, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said. "So sad," Amato said today. "Greg was a great man. His dedicated service to our community will be sorely missed. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the DePaul family. Greg was involved and provided valuable insight during the pre-meetings for Hurricane Sandy." DePaul was diagnosed with lung cancer several years ago. He went through an arsenal of treatments and was in remission when he was hospitalized recently with …

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Hurricane Irene

UPDATE:Berkeley Officials to Open Up Local Shelter

Preparations underway to open up St. Maximilian Kolbe Church off Mule Road in western section of the township

The Berkeley Township Office of Emergency Management is preparing to open up St. Maximilian Kolbe R.C. Church off Mule Road as a shelter from Hurricane Irene, Mayor Jason J. Varano and Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said. Toms River North is nearing capacity as a shelter and there is a need to open more shelters for Berkeley residents, Varano and DiMichele said. The shelter at the church will open at 3 p.m., Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said. "While there is ample parking available at the shelter, all residents are urged to bring their own non-perishable food items," he said. Residents who go to the church should bring blankets and any other items they may need, Smith said. "We are requesting residents not to bring their pets to this …

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