Category: GLOUCESTER CITY

Gloucester City Fire Department Evaluation; Discipline is Missing; Nine Men Resigned

Note: The article was first published in 2024

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (2024(Cleary’s Notebook News)–The Gloucester City Mayor Dayl Baile and Council hired the Smith Consulting Group of Ocean City, NJ, in 2024 to assess the members Gloucester City paid fire department. The owner, James P. Smith Jr., has 30 years of experience in firefighting and is the Ocean City Fire Chief overseeing 67 department members.  

According to the report, the 14-page evaluation was conducted by interviewing all 22 department members to understand their issues, views, perspectives, and ideas for future growth.

After interviewing the members, the evaluator observed that discipline needs to be consistently administered and that officers should be trained to handle infractions. The report mentioned that nine people, or 40 percent, have left the department over the past 11 years.

Smith released 20 recommendations, each placed under a subtitle. For example, under the title DISCIPLINE Smith wrote in part;

 1: The department should receive training from a legal expert in managing disciplinary issues in the fire service. All members must understand what is deemed harassment, unacceptable acts, and the value of respect towards peers. The current culture in the department is disappointing, and for many members, it is seemingly void of respect towards their peers.

2:The department must create a set of rules and regulations that is a guide for the department rules and acceptable actions and behaviors. 

3: Return to basics for training. If a member needs more time to become proficiendt in a certain skill, they should recieved the proper time and instruction.

4: Organize training with Camden City for hazardous materials and special operations is important. A better understanding of who is responding for the GCFD crew when in Camden is necessary. Once threw with training in Camdem the crew should return to the city immediately.

5: Provide prior knowledege to the shift that training will be upcoming.

6: The department should invest in a records management program to log and record all training.

7: Consider a schedule change from a four platoon system to a three platoon system. This will require a negotiation with the unions. It is more efficient and will provide extra staffing that the members requested. 

8. Carrying vacation time from year to year should stop. This would eliminate the unknown of how many shifts the chief need to cover for any given year.

9. If a three-platoon system is enacted, vacation slots should be limited to just one member daily. 

10. Sick time usage in 12 hour-blocks should stop. Members may be capable of returning to work in less time, but are forced to stay out for a full 12. 

11. Consider merging the two labor unions for the betterment of the department and the community. 

12. Consider starting a Community Risk Reduction program to assist the citizens of Gloucester City before emergencies happen. 

13. Establish the civil service rank of deputy chief and promote an officer who shows strong qualities of a future department chief. The newly created deputy chief rank salary should minimally be the current fire chief salary. 

14. The GCFD must reestablish relationships with all of their mutual aid partners. Training needs to occur with more than just Camden City.

15. The entire department should receive leadership training. 

16. The department should rebrand itself. Have a fresh new start and place the hostile acts and behaviors in the past. 

17.  Some type of sensitivity training needs to occur. The stories from the interviews are disappointing. The members need to be informed of what is unacceptable behavior.

18. Once the local civil service entrance list is exhausted, consider hiring firefighters from the county list. 

19. The fire chief salary needs to be raised to attract the best and the brightest to the position. 

20. Consideration should be made around Chief Hagan’s retirement that an outside individual hired as a department head may be better than just promoting someone internally to the fire position. Some patience is vital to finding the right person. Internal or external pressure to fill the position should not be entertained. 

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Five Things To Know For Monday

 

Maxim Dewolf/U.S. Air Force)

U.S. planning major military base upgrade in Greenland amid diplomatic crisis, officials say U.S. troops on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, and military strike takes out another ISIS leader.

1.      Major airfield upgrades are in the works for the U.S. military’s base in Greenland even as a diplomatic crisis between the United States and NATO allies in Europe ratchets up over President Donald Trump’s push to take control of the territory. The plan calls for spending up to $25 million for a new runway lighting system, river crossing bridge and related projects to improve flight operations at Pituffik Space Base, the military’s Arctic hub, according to a new government solicitation for bids. The territory has emerged as a geopolitical flashpoint. On Saturday, Trump upped the ante in his push to acquire Greenland, saying he will impose new tariffs on several European countries in lieu of a deal for the United States to take possession of the semi-autonomous Danish territory. 

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Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast

Sponsored by the Gloucester City Ministerium and GC Celebrations Committee

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Shea Andrew O’Donnell, 37, of Gloucester City

Shea Andrew O’Donnell, age 37, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 11, 2026 at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.

Born on November 1, 1988, Shea was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester City High School. He earned his associate’s degree from Gloucester County Community College and was employed by UPS as a driver in Lawnside, New Jersey. Shea was known for his quick wit, easygoing nature, and the way he could always make people laugh — he always had a joke ready. Those who knew him will remember his humor, loyalty, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Sports were an important part of Shea’s life. He played football growing up with the Gloucester City Mustangs, baseball with Gloucester City Little League basketball with the Carmen Palmero Basketball League in Gloucester City and swam for the Gloucester City Swim team. During his high school years, Shea was an outstanding football and track athlete at Gloucester City High School.

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Charles Joseph Reed, 93, of Gloucester City

Charles Joseph Reed, age 93, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Charles was raised in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, was a longtime resident of Gloucester City, New Jersey, and a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey. He also completed some college coursework at Akron University.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He entered the Navy right out of high school and served for three years, attaining the rank of EM2. During his service, he was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Charles was honorably discharged on June 3, 1954.

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CNBNews OPRA Request for Gloucester City Housing Data Incomplete

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS)(JANUARY 13, 2026)—Sixteen years ago, in 2010, we wrote a story about the number of rental properties, which included an interview with Housing Officer Joe Stecklair. Prior to the interview with Stecklair, we submitted an OPRA asking how many rental properties there are in Gloucester City. Who are the biggest landlords?  How much money does the city receive from rental properties, and other questions.  Ten days later, CNBNews received a 46-page list containing the names of landlords and the addresses of rental properties, along with other information.

We updated those numbers in 2022.

To write an current story on housing situation, we submitted an OPRA on December 9, 2025, to Vanessa Little, the City’s Custodian of Records, asking for the same information we requested in 2010 and 2022 . On January 5, 2026, nearly a month after submitting our request, we received an answer. Instead of the 46 pages of information we received in 2010, we received two pages with numbers scribbled on both pages. We also received 83 pages containing addresses of homes located in the City. There was no explanation why the Custodian of Records emailed those addresses to us.  

Gloucester City occupancy rates

According to data released by https://www.point2homes.com/in September 2025, there are 4,117 occupied housing units. However, the recent pencil information from the Custodian of Records states there are 3,639 or 478 fewer.

The same website, point2homes.com reveal that there are 4,117 occupied housing units in Gloucester City, 56.9% are owner-occupied, while 43.1% are occupied by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes or 443 properties on the local market sit vacant. Gloucester City is home to 11,465 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Gloucester City locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

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John “Jack” G. Eberle, Jr., 85 of Gloucester City

On January 3, 2026. Age 85. Of Gloucester City, NJ. Born in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late John G. Eberle, Sr. and Laura (McCormick) Eberle. Beloved husband of the late Mary Ann L. (Hyk) Eberle (March 18, 2016). Jack is survived by his loving children, Jean M. Eberle, Karen L. Tomlin, Robert S. Eberle, Jacqueline Heuermann; cherished grandchildren, Jeremy, Joshua, Danielle, Rachel, Sadie, Peyton; great grandchildren, Aubrey, Harper, Cole, Jace, Kinsley, Jordan, Savanna, and Jeremiah, beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and later worked as an Assistant Container Terminal Manager for the Delaware River Stevedore Corp., in Philadelphia, PA. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jack’s viewing on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, January 16th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the McCANN – HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where funeral services will be celebrated promptly at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ.

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Little League Sign-ups

John Brian Kearney, of Woodbury/Gloucester City

Catholic Deacon, Navy Yard Engineer, WWII Naval Veteran

Sunday, July 24, 2022

On July 20, 2022. Age 99. Of Woodbury. Formerly of Gloucester City. Born in Donegal Township, PA, he was the son of the late Patrick J. and Maude (Horr) Kearney. Loving father of Frances X. Kearney (the late Deborah), Catherine E. Palumbo (the late Joseph), Marie Hunter (William), Anne Gross (Michael), Joseph Kearney (Catherine), John E. Kearney (Carol), Clare Kearney, Paul Kearney, Stephen Kearney (Mary Kathryn), Mark Kearney (Jill); many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Brian is also survived by his sister, Florence Reed; daughter-in-law, Rory Kearney; son-in-law, Tony Lentini. Brian was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Catherine V. (Williams) Kearney, he was also predeceased by his children, Michael Kearney, Patricia Lentini, Brian P. Kearney, Margaret Mary Kearney and Gerald Kearney.

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(image Brian and Catherine Kearney)

Brian honored his country during WWII serving in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Engineer. He went on to work as an Electrical Engineer at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Naval Air Engineering Laboratory, Frankford Arsenal. Brian was employed as a supervisor of ship building for USN, Camden, NJ, and finally the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, PA. where he retired on October 27, 1977.

Brian was ordained as a Deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Camden on October 4, 1976, and was assigned to Mary, Mother of the Church, Bellmawr. He also served at St. Vincent Pallotti R.C. Church, Haddon Township and Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Mt. Ephraim. Additionally, he also served in Hospital Ministry from 1976 to 1983.

Relatives, friends, brother Catholic Deacons and Clergy are invited to his viewing on Monday, July 25th, 2022, from 5 to 8 PM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM on Tuesday, July 26th in the church. The live-streaming of the Mass can be viewed at 10 AM at https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterSMCChurch   Interment with U.S. Navy Military Honors in Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, NJ. There will be No morning viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Brian be made to: Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105 or a gift of a Mass Card for his soul.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of John Brian Kearney. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City  Ph:856-456-1142

Posted by CNBNewsnet on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM in Current Affairs, DELAWARE, Gloucester City NEWS, Gloucester County , Obituaries, Religion, South Jersey, St. Mary Grammar/Parish |

Filthy Fuhrer, and Four Others of the White Supremacist Gang 1488s Sentenced

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (CNBNews) February,2023– Filthy Fuhrer, formerly Timothy Lobdell, 46; Roy Naughton, aka Thumper, 44; Glen Baldwin, aka Glen Dog, 41; Colter O’Dell, 30; and Craig King, aka Oakie, 57, were sentenced this week in Alaska to life in prison without the possibility of parole. All five defendants were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping conspiracy. Fuhrer and Naughton were also each convicted of an additional two counts of kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping, and assault in aid of racketeering.

Evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants were leaders, members, and associates of the 1488s. This violent, prison-based Neo-Nazi gang operated inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska. The 1488s used Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang, including a 1488 “patch” tattoo that depicts an Iron Cross superimposed over a swastika. The tattoo was awarded to members who gained full membership by committing acts of violence on behalf of the gang. The gang enforced discipline through written rules and a code of conduct, including the boast that “the only currency we recognize is violence and unquestionable loyalty.”

The trial testimony established that Fuhrer founded and led the 1488 gang from inside a maximum-security prison, where he was serving a 19-year sentence for the attempted murder of an Alaska State Trooper. In addition to directing acts of violence to establish the gang’s dominance in the prison hierarchy, Fuhrer ordered gang members to commit violent kidnappings and assaults in the “free world” outside of prison. As part of a plan to impose greater organization and structure among non-incarcerated members, Fuhrer insisted on punishing members that he perceived to be defying the 1488 code of conduct thereby diminishing the power, influence, and reputation of the gang. Fuhrer sent out a trusted lieutenant with a list of directives, culminating in the kidnapping and assault of two lower-level gang members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Michael Staton on Aug. 3, 2017.

According to the trial evidence, on April 2, 2017, defendant Roy Naughton and other 1488 members, acting at the direction of Fuhrer, lured a victim to a gang meeting at Naughton’s residence.  Once there, the victim was taken into a basement, held at gun point, tied up, and assaulted. As part of the assault, the gang members shattered a lightbulb in his mouth and tattooed him with a racial epithet. The victim was threatened with more violence if the incident was reported to police.

In addition, the evidence at trial demonstrated that on July 17, 2017, Fuhrer called Naughton from prison. During the call Naughton boasted about the April 2 assault and reported to Fuhrer that another member would be assaulted in the next few days. On July 20, 2017, a second victim was similarly assaulted and had his 1488 membership patch burned off.

Evidence also showed that in 2016 Naughton asked for and received permission from Fuhrer to impose exceptionally severe discipline on 1488 member Michael Staton, who held himself out as a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, for stealing from both the 1488’s and defendant Craig King.  

Naughton, King, and defendants Glen Baldwin and Colter O’Dell worked with other 1488 members to locate, kidnap, and murder Staton. On August 3, 2017, 1488 members, including Baldwin and O’Dell, lured Staton to Wasilla where they beat him and took him to King’s duplex. After arriving, Staton was taken to an empty room which had been lined with plastic sheeting. Inside the room King and the 1488s beat and tortured the victim, including cutting off his 1488 tattoo with a knife that had been heated with a propane torch. The defendants wrapped Staton in the plastic and carpeting, and Baldwin and O’Dell drove him to a remote section of Wasilla, where they shot him and set fire to his body. O’Dell was awarded full membership in the 1488s for his role in the murder.