Full Notification

Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management
 
Thursday, March 26^th, 2020
 
The Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management continues to work with the Ocean Township Police Department, Waretown First Aid Squad, Waretown Fire Company and the Township of Ocean Committee along with officials from the county, state, health department and school district to address this ever changing situation.
 
This afternoon, the Ocean County Health Department notified the Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management that two (2) township residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 Coronavirus. At this time, the Ocean County Health Department is leading the investigation in the case and is the agency responsible for additional notifications. As testing sites and the availability of tests within the southern part of the state increase we will inevitably see an increase of positive cases within our town, this has been expected and it has been planned for.
 
For a full review of all cases within Ocean County please visit the Ocean County Health Department Website: https://www.ochd.org/covid-19-case-totals/
 
As time progresses, the Office of Emergency Management will provide you with regular briefings on what is taking place in the community. We will keep you updated on information on closings and postponements and the latest information concerning the virus from county and state offices as it applies to the Township of Ocean.
 
 
Message from Chief Michal J. Rogalski, Ocean Township Police Department:

I just want to take a moment and to assure our residents that, together, we will get through this crisis. I’m proud of how our community has come together to face this unprecedented challenge. Families are practicing social distancing, tending to the needs of those who are unable to help themselves, keeping each other in good spirits, working, teaching and learning from afar, all of which we have come to expect of our amazing community. Thank you for doing what needs to be done to defeat this pandemic!


Ocean Township Police Department Advisory:
 
Firearms Identification Card and Pistol Permit Applications:
 
Recently, the Ocean Township Police Department has experienced a significant increase in the number of firearm identification card and pistol permit applications. We are working diligently to process these requests in a timely manner. We will continue to accept new applications and process them with the understanding that delays will be experienced due to the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
 
We have received guidance from the New Jersey State Police Firearms Unit and have been informed that due to the volume of applications and the response, there may be delays with the 212A and mental health checks. IdentoGo facilities have been temporarily closed at this time which will cause a major delay for first time applicants. This is a mandatory criminal history check which cannot be completed until these facilities reopen to the public. We anticipate other checks included in the process which are completed by our personnel to also be delayed due to the high volume of applications at this time.
 
Once all required application background checks are completed, applicants will be contacted by Det. Leanne Petracca who will advise applicants of the process to obtaining your firearms identification cards and pistol permits.  Pick up of ID cards and permits may be slightly different then previously experienced based upon guidance from the State Police Firearms Unit at this time. Once again, these changes are for public safety to limit possible exposure to Covid-19.  
 
Be further advised that at this time as per the Governor’s executive order, firearms stores have been closed, NICS is not operational, and the state currently has no plan to extend handgun purchase permits past 180 days. All applications will only be accepted through the online FARS system.
In an effort to limit interaction in the police lobby, please direct all firearms application related questions to:
 
Detective Leanne Petracca at (609) 693-4007 option #3 or at [email protected]
 
Detective Sergeant Andrew Risden at (609) 693-4007 option #3 or at [email protected]
 
Township of Ocean – Municipal Court
 
Please be advised that the April 7^th, 2020 Municipal Court session has been canceled. A future court date will be announced soon.
 
Community News:
 
On behalf of Det. Jeremy Samuel (President of Ocean Township PBA Local #371)
 
Residents and families of Ocean Township, we realize this is an extremely difficult time financially for some due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  
 
The members of Ocean Twp. PBA local #371 along with our dispatchers and administrative staff would like to continue to do our part by helping families in need.  
 
This Friday evening March 27th between the hours of 5pm and 7pm officers will be handing out 70 free pizzas and 70 free 2 liter bottles of soda to FAMILIES IN NEED.  
 
All you need to do is pull up in our back parking lot, take your free pizza and free bottle of soda and drive off no questions asked.  Keep in mind we are initially limiting it to one pizza and one bottle of soda per family.  
 
This event will take place again next Friday April 3rd as well between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.  
 
**THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO FAMILIES IN NEED WITHIN OCEAN TOWNSHIP AND WILL RUN UNTIL SUPPLIES RUN OUT**
 
Michal J. Rogalski
Chief of Police – Ocean Township Police Department
Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management