Contact: Lieutenant Eric C. LaRiviere, Acting District "A" Commander, Telephone: (401) 444-1009
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell announce the deployment of Rhode Island State Troopers to New Jersey to assist the New Jersey State Police, local police, and the local community affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The Governor and Colonel are coordinating efforts with the New Jersey State Police, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and the New Jersey Emergency Management Agency to assist the local communities in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and the Barrier Islands. The Rhode Island State Police will work with other state and local police agencies to control traffic, respond to calls for service, and assist as needed.
Troopers are scheduled to arrive on Saturday, November 10, 2012, and be sworn in with arrest powers by the New Jersey Attorney General for the length of their deployment. Troopers will be deployed for approximately one week at a time.
Governor Chafee stated, "As portions of coastal New Jersey continue to struggle with recovery efforts from the tremendous damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy, I am pleased that our outstanding Rhode Island State Police will be lending valuable support to the people of New Jersey and local law enforcement officials. I hope that this assistance speeds the recovery underway and helps expedite the return to normalcy for residents of these affected areas."
Colonel O'Donnell stated, "Police organizations across the country recognize our role in assisting those in need when a disaster occurs. I am proud to partner with Governor Chafee and Colonel Fuentes, of the New Jersey State Police, in assisting the citizens of their state during this most difficult time."