Category: LegacyImport2

Fan-Favorite Broadway Shows in 2020 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Tickets go on sale December 13

at

HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

and

Ticketmaster.com

or 800-745-3000

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

(December 9, 2019)

– Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment announced today a 2020 partnership to co-present three fan-favorite Broadway shows that will take place at the Sound Waves Theatre inside the resort destination.

The announcement follows a successful summer premiere of the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier® Award-winning hit musical

Jersey Boys

that will now return by popular demand to Hard Rock Atlantic City as one of three featured productions in the 2020 season. The lineup of shows also includes

Jim Steinman’s

Bat Out of Hell

,

and

Chicago

, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

“Hard Rock Atlantic City could not be more thrilled to partner with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment for the second consecutive year, collaboratively bringing more renowned Broadway shows to the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk in 2020,” says Joe Lupo president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “

Jersey Boys

is coming back to town by popular demand, along with

Bat Out of Hell: The Musical,

and

Chicago

, all of which speak favorably to our brand and customers.”

“We are proud and excited to partner with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City to present a new series of Broadway-styled shows,” says Robert Nederlander Jr., President and CEO of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment. “Hard Rock and Broadway are two great entertainment brands that together promise a unique experience for audiences of all ages. Combining popular shows, historic memorabilia, world-class restaurants and more makes Sound Waves in Atlantic City a new entertainment destination for local audiences and regional visitors.”

Tickets go on sale December 13 at

HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

and

Ticketmaster.com

or 800-745-3000. The 2020 shows include:

JIM STEINMAN’S

BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL

March 27 – April 5, 2020

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre from 2017 – 2019. The musical also ran successfully in Canada, Germany and at New York’s City Centre last summer.

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical.

Bat Out Of Hell

became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide.  16 years later, Steinman scored again with

Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell

, which contained the massive hit “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman has incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out Of Hell albums, including “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth,” “Bat Out Of Hell,” “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” and “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” as well as two previously unreleased songs, “What Part of My Body Hurts the Most” and “Not Allowed to Love.”

In

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

, the electrifying rock songs of Mr. Steinman propel an epic story of rebellious youth and passion as Strat, the immortal leader of The Lost, has fallen in love with Raven, the beautiful daughter of the tyrannical ruler Falco.

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

is produced by David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl and Tony Smith features book, music, and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, additional choreography by Xena Gushthart, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set  & costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume design by Meentje Nielson, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, video design by Finn Ross, sound design by Gareth Owen and orchestration by Steve Sidwell

Jim Steinman’s

Bat Out of Hell

– The Musical plays Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, March 27 – April 5, 2020. Performances are Monday at 8PM; Wednesday at 8PM; Thursday at 2PM and 8PM; Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 2PM and 8PM; and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets $34 – $104 for Monday – Friday performances, and $44 – $124 Saturday and Sunday performances. For more information, visit

BatOutOfHellMusical.com

or

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

. For theatre groups of 10 or more, call (609)449-6037 or email

boxoffice@hrhcac.com

.

JERSEY BOYS

June 16 – 28, 2020

Jersey Boys

is “working their way back” to Atlantic City with a return to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City after a sold-out run last summer.

Jersey Boys

is the winner of the 2006 Best Musical Tony Award®, the 2006 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia). Directed by two-time Tony

®

Award-winner Des McAnuff,

Jersey Boys

is written by Academy Award-winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Jersey Boys

is the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.”

The

Jersey Boys

design and production team comprises Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Design), Jess Goldstein (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (winner of the 2006 Tony

®

Award for his Lighting Design of

Jersey Boys

), Steve Canyon Kennedy (Sound Design), Michael Clark (Projections Design), Charles LaPointe (Wig and Hair Design), Steve Orich (Orchestrations) and Ron Melrose (Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements & Incidental Music).

Jersey Boys

is produced by Dodger Theatricals, Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, with Latitude Link, Rick Steiner, and NETworks Presentations.

Jersey Boys

plays Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City June 16 – 28, 2020. Performances are Monday at 8PM; Tuesday at 8PM; Wednesday at 8PM; Thursday at 2PM and 8PM; Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 2PM and 8PM; and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets $44 – $124 for Monday – Friday performances, and $54 – $144 Saturday and Sunday performances. For more information, visit

JerseyBoysTour.com

or

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

. For theatre groups of 20 or more, call (609)449-6037 or email

boxoffice@hrhcac.com

.

CHICAGO

August 4 – 16, 2020

With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb,

Chicago

is now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history –and it still shows no sign of ever slowing down! There’s never been a better time to experience

Chicago

, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.

Chicago

has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you\’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise that

Chicago

has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. And now it’s coming to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City!

Whether you\’re looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you\’ve seen the Academy Award®-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you\’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic,

Chicago

always delivers!

Chicago

plays Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City August 4 – 16, 2020. Performances are Monday at 8PM; Tuesday at 8PM; Wednesday at 8PM; Thursday at 2PM and 8PM; Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 2PM and 8PM; and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets $44 – $114 for Monday – Friday performances, and $54 – $124 Saturday and Sunday performances. For more information, visit

chicagothemusical.com/ustour

or

http://hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

. For theatre groups of 10 or more, call (609)449-6037 or email

boxoffice@hrhcac.com

.

###

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,200 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa® and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and access to Body Rock® Fitness Center. For more information and to book your stay, please visit

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

.

Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment

Founded in 2000, Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is part of the Nederlander family of companies which has been a leader in the live entertainment industry for 107 years. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is focused on the expansion of the Broadway and Nederlander entertainment brands into new and emerging markets globally.  Today, NWE develops, manages, and operates theatres worldwide including the upcoming 2,000-seat SIIC Broadway Theatre in Shanghai; produces Broadway and related shows in domestic and international markets, such as the Broadway-bound musical

Shimmer

; and undertakes cultural and education initiatives, such as Graduate Certificate in Performing Arts Enterprise, established in partnership with Boston University’s Metropolitan College.

Approval Given for Railcar Carrying Dangerous LNG to Gibbstown Port

GIBBSTOWN, NJ–(Dec. 9, 2019)–PHMSA has approved a Special Permit to Energy Transfer Solutions LLC, a New Fortress subsidiary. New Fortress is looking to build an LNG facility in Gibbstown, NJ. The permit requests authorization for transportation of liquefied natural gas (methane, refrigerated liquid) by rail tank car. This material is currently not authorized for transportation by rail tank car although materials with similar properties are authorized for transportation.

Modern tank cars carry all types of liquid and gaseous commodities (image source Wikipedia).

“This proposal is fracking crazy. PHMSA is going to allow a rail tank car carrying explosive LNG through our communities and neighborhoods. Granting this special permit to New Fortress’s subsidiary will mean 100s of trains will be coming through our communities and neighborhoods carrying explosive LNG. Some of our train tracks go back before WWI and are not designed to handle this dangerous cargo. The dangers of a possible derailment, spill, or explosion would be catastrophic. This is an accident waiting to happen. We need to stop the federal government and President Trump from allowing that to happen. More importantly, the Murphy Administration and the DRBC need to protect us and stop Delaware River Partner’s LNG facility proposal in Gibbstown,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

The rail will transport the LNG from Wyalusing Twp., PA to Gibbstown, NJ. Trains will be transporting 20 or more tank cars under the permit. The permit is good for two years.

“Trump’s PHMSA has sided with polluters over public safety. These trains carrying LNG are compressed at 600 to 1, so if an explosion happens, it can wipe out a neighborhood and be catastrophic .A train derailment carrying LNG will be much worse than what happened in Paulsboro, New Jersey when a tanker derailed and released 23,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride gas.  A leak from any of those trains could instantly kill everything within 550 yards. A fireball could have a radius as large as a mile-and-a-half. The blast zone from an explosion could spread as wide as two-and-a-half miles,”

said Tittel. “

These trains will likely be close to homes, schools, businesses, fire-prone forests, critical ecosystems, and critical waterways.”

The safety analyses performed in the development of this special permit only considered the hazards and risks associated with the transportation in commerce.

“Transportation of LNG by rail prompts more fracked gas. Natural gas is primarily methane and is 87 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and can cause major climate impacts, while adversely affecting public health, like causing childhood asthma attacks, other respiratory ailments, and even premature death,”

said Tittel.

According to Army Corp.’s supplemental notice, the LNG product will arrive at the proposed structure via truck or tanker railcar. Approximately 13 trucks per hour would enter the site, 24/7. The proposed operations at the Site will generate approximately 15 trucks in and out of the facility per hour on average. Each truck would carry approximately 12,000 gallons of product.

“There will be close to 1400 trucks that would transport LNG to the site each day. The company will bring 3.5 million gallons of LNG a day to the port from truck or rail, this is equivalent to 2 billion gallons of natural gas. These trucks will be bombs on wheels coming through Pennsylvania and New Jersey,”

said Tittel. “

Bridge and river traffic would be greatly disrupted by a LNG port. The National Guard would have to close off bridges to allow tankers through, as happens in Boston.”

The NJ DEP have approved the Waterfront Development Permits for the LNG facility. The facility still needs approval from FERC and the Army. Corp and a 401 Water Quality Certificate from the DEP.

“Even though PHSMA acted reckless in approving this permit to transport LNG by rail, the Murphy Administration can still step up. The DEP need to do their job and protect our environment and public safety by rejecting Delaware Partner’s 401 Water Quality Permits. More importantly, Governor Murphy can put a mortarium on fossil fuel projects. Without an LNG, there wouldn’t be anything to transport,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

“Even though the approval of this permit is a bump in the road, it does not mean our battle is lost. We will fight and keep on fighting until this disastrous LNG proposal is dead. It’s too important for safety of too many people.”

Dionne Warwick joins Peace Starts With Me Rally

New York, NY — Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Six-time Grammy winning singer Dionne Warwick has just been added to the list of performers for the most celebrated peace rally in the U.S., “Peace Starts

With Me” December 28th at the Prudential Center. Featuring Grammy award winning talent including Grammy award winning Gospel star Hezekiah Walker, Grammy winning artist Yolanda Adams, and a 2000 Voice Choir made up of local singers from across the Tri-State Area under the direction of Emmy Award winning producer A. Curtis Farrow.  The entertainment will be rounded out by Gospel sensations Kim Burrell, Joanne Rosario Condrey, an Orchestra, dancers and much more. The Peace Starts With Me rallies, gather thousands of people from a wide variety of national, racial, and religious backgrounds to stand united for peace.

Co-sponsored by Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), the Peace Starts With Me rallies have been an enormous success since their inception in 2017 at Madison Square Garden featuring Hezekiah Walker. The second stop on the tour was Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York with Grammy award winner Yolanda Adams and Citizen Way.  The third stop was in Los Angeles at the City of Refuge mega church home of Bishop Noel Jones, and in June the Peace Starts with Me Rally took MGM Grand in Las Vegas by storm. At every Rally the thousands in attendance were treated to a keynote address by the Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.

The last stop for 2019 is Saturday, December 28th at 3:00pm at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.  This rally for peace is a free event and all are welcome.  This event has inspired clergy from around the world to join in.

This is an event you don’t want to miss. For your free tickets, go to

www.peacestartswithme.com

.

It’s not too late to join the 2000 voice Choir for Peace, go to

www.voicesforpeacechoir.com

or call 973-643-6262 for more information.

DIONNE WARWICK

Dionne Warwick is one of the most charted female vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Billboard Hot 100. She was just awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has garnered six Grammys over the course of her illustrious career. Her voice and music are recognizable to fans young and old.

BISHOP HEZEKIAH WALKER

Bishop Hezekiah Walker has two Grammy Awards, as well as numerous Stellar, Dove, Vision, Soul Train, and Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Awards. Hezekiah was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, continuing to uplift the masses from far and wide with inspirational songs that focus on maintaining faith and overcoming life’s daunting moments. Hezekiah actively pastors the thriving Love Fellowship Church, which he founded in his native Brooklyn, New York.

YOLANDA ADAMS

After twelve albums, five Grammys and performing for several U. S. presidents, she still wows audiences all over the world, ever since her 1988 debut album, “Just As I Am.”  Yolanda Adams is renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music infused with soul and jazz.  In addition to being a gospel superstar, she has reigned on radio airwaves for more than ten years as the host of her own show, “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” which has been heard in over sixty markets nationally.

KIM BURRELL

Pastor Kim Burrell is a Grammy Award-nominated and Stellar Award-winning singer known for her dynamic, distinctive and captivating voice. Her passion is for ministry and music. A native of Houston, Kim has performed in notable venues and ministries around the world. Her prayer is that she would be used as a vessel of change; that her spirit-filled singing and preaching will touch the lives of many.

JOANN ROSARIO CONDREY

was first introduced to gospel audiences by Fred Hammond with her debut album More More More. Since then, Joann has become a wife, mother, international bilingual worship leader, and pastor. Joann pastors RainFire Church in Douglasville Georgia with her husband, Cory “Coco Brother” Condrey, and is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

DR. HAK JA HAN MOON

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as the “Mother of Peace.” For the past three years, she has been on a worldwide “Peace Starts With Me” speaking tour, calling every individual to become a co-creator of a lasting peaceful world, starting with themselves. The heart and soul of Dr. Moon’s, and her late husband Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s, lifelong ministry, spanning more than 50 years, is the ideal of the family as the cornerstone of world peace.

A. CURTIS FARROW

A choir director since the age of nine, Mr. Farrow was named as one of the most influential men in Gospel music. In 2014 Mr. Farrow fulfilled a long-time dream to break the Guinness World Record for World\’s Largest Gospel Choir by organizing and leading 1171 voices. In 2017 Mr. Farrow amassed a 3000 Voice Choir for Peace at Madison Square Garden. For the twentieth year Mr. Farrow brought his directing and producing talents to McDonald’s Gospelfest 2019 and has received 14 Emmy nominations and won two Emmy awards for producing the McDonald’s Gospelfest television specials for the past nineteen years. Mr. Farrow was responsible for the organization, planning and execution of the home going services for the Late Whitney Houston, the Queen, Aretha Franklin, watched by millions around the world.

Your Guide to the Rise and Evolution of the Pot Store

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(December 9, 2019)–To say that marijuana has been booming into the avenues of business, politics, and the cultural zeitgeist would be an understatement.

With the advent of more and more legalization across the United States and other countries, the humble pot store has gone from humble origins to big business interests.

Where did it all start? Where does it all lead? The cannabis industry is riding high and we\’re here to follow its evolution.

The Humble Beginnings

Marijuana has long since been a common medicine for calming nerves and healing inflammation and other cases. It wasn\’t until the 20th century that prohibition movements banned the drug and started a mistrustful campaign against it.

In the 21st century that is all overturning and with it comes a rise of many variants on the pot store. Back in the 60s and 70s, the pot business was a bit more wild and uncertain. Dealers sold it almost anywhere and in cheap bundles.

The biggest reason for the coming growth comes from the fast unfolding band of legalization.

Legalization on Multiple Levels

It started with a few states legalizing the use of medical marijuana. Then came the likes of Utah and Washington allowing recreational usage of the plant.

With more and more pressure on the government, the idea of nationally legalized marijuana may be soon around the corner.

With the bounds of government banning coming down, this only invites the potential markets of big business. With the potential of

big profits showcased in Nevada

and Washington, many entrepreneurs are eager to invest in the pot store.

Working Around the Restrictions

For now, there is still legislation from stopping full-on major investment. This hasn\’t stopped any companies so much as made them change tactics.

Figuring out ways to work within the law has been a common theme in many businesses.

1. Vertical Integration

Vertical integration

refers to a company that owns all levels of its production. This means they grow the plant, harvest the plant, process the plant, and sell the plant and its byproducts.

This allows companies to control their limited markets. Because federal law still prohibits marijuana from crossing state lines, this is a good foundation to have.

2. Mergers and Buyouts

Big companies are pushing and moving in preparation for something bigger. Some say that the legalization of marijuana at the federal level is inevitable and some businesses seem to think so.

While the Canadian pot industry is already booming due to its full legalization, American companies are not far behind. Major corporations are snatching up the small-time pot growers who have come from the initial legalizations.

Their ever-growing product and company base pushes them for massive pot franchises and huge superstores.

The Pinnacle of Pot Store Levels

All of this corporate moving and big investments lead to only one thing and that is massive pot store showcases. Things like the

Planet 13 Superstore

may be a common thing in the near future.

The humble pot store is now far from humble. There is a lot more change on the horizon as the potential of full legalization unleashes the floodtides of corporate interests.

History, Information, and the News at Your Fingertips

Your local pot store may become not only a more common site but bigger and more corporate. These changes look to be inevitable as a lot of investments and resources pour in. What this evolution will bring is anyone\’s guess.

For all things news in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas, we have you covered. Check out our other articles for more items and keep yourself updated.

Maryland\’s 2020-21 Migratory Game Bird Contest Winner

Indiana Artist’s Blue-Winged Teal to Adorn Hunting Stamps

The

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind. won the 46th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Judges selected his stunning depiction of a hen and a drake blue-winged teal, complete with leg band and mirror-like reflection in the water, aptly named “Quiet Waters.”

The artwork will be featured on the

stamps that hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state

, with the proceeds funding migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on public lands.

The winner was chosen by a panel of judges on Nov. 10 at the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton in front of art enthusiasts, as well as some of the entrants and their families.

“I am happy to win and am grateful to be a part of the event,” said a surprised Klinefelter.

“Congratulations to our winner and all participants. It was a great experience for our judges and staff to witness such a remarkable collection of entries,”

Wildlife and Heritage Service

Director Paul Peditto said. “We appreciate and thank all of the artists who participated this year.”

HOLIDAY CHEER RETURNS TO PORT AUTHORITY FACILITIES

NEWARK,NJ–The Port Authority recently installed holiday decorations at its tunnels and bridges, continuing a tradition of sharing in the spirit of the season with travelers from near and far.

image courtesy of News12 New Jersey

Back by popular demand this holiday season will be the new design scheme on the Holland Tunnel façade, which was selected after an online petition was launched in response to the previous arrangement, which had been in place for decades. The design includes having a Christmas tree (slightly larger than the one used last year) hanging in congruence over the A and a wreath covering the O in Holland to bring even more holiday joy to the viewer. In addition to the tree and the wreath, a menorah will be positioned at the corner of Marin Boulevard and 12th Street adjacent to the toll plaza.

“Last year, we heard our decorations at the Holland Tunnel weren’t up to snuff, and we took action. This season, the design matches the results of the 2018 customer poll, complete with a newly resized tree to cover the A,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “It’s truly a time of merriment and cheer, and we look forward to continuing our holiday traditions of decorating the New Jersey/New York crossings for our customers to enjoy.”

“Improving the customer experience at all of our transportation facilities by better aligning with travelers’ needs – and their vision for holiday decorations – has been among our top priorities. When our customers call for a change, we listen,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “The holiday menorahs, wreaths, and lights at our facilities add a bit of holiday cheer to the customer experience. And we are going the extra mile this year at the Holland Tunnel by redesigning the tree to achieve a ‘more perfect union’ between the tree and the A!”

“I’m happy the Port Authority had some holiday fun with the public last year and showed that they do care about how we feel and what we think,” said Cory Windelspecht, who began an online petition last year that sparked a new design for the Holland Tunnel decorations. “I’m very happy they are keeping the holiday tradition of lighting up the Holland Tunnel alive and look forward to a great Christmas and Holiday season in New York, the greatest city in the world.”

The George Washington Bridge also will be adorned with festive décor, including a tree and menorah in each toll plaza, and a tree and menorah on top of the inbound bus ramp and in the common area of the Fort Washington level of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.

The Lincoln Tunnel’s decorations include reindeer lights along Boulevard East on the New Jersey side of the tunnel and decorations along the tunnel’s approach roads on the New York side. The Port Authority Bus Terminal will be bustling with decorations from top to bottom, with wooden Nutcracker soldiers and a large menorah on the Performing Arts Stage, wreaths hung from multiple locations, colored lights along exterior canopies, sleighs, reindeer and colored lights that resemble trees on top of exterior canopies and candy canes and snowflakes in public facing windows in the building.

The holiday spirit will be in full swing at the Staten Island Bridges. At the Goethals Bridge, a large wreath will be attached to the north tower facing westbound traffic and another wreath will be affixed to the south tower facing eastbound traffic. Menorahs also will be positioned at the bases of the north and south towers and will be visible to eastbound and westbound traffic. At the Outerbridge Crossing, a wreath will be attached to the north side of the administration building, visible to eastbound and westbound traffic and a wreath will be placed at the rotunda facing eastbound traffic.

In addition to decorations on the bridges and tunnels, the Port Authority also is working with local Jewish congregations to stage menorah lightings at the facilities throughout the month of December. Ceremonial menorah lightings are currently scheduled for December 18 at the Staten Island Bridge and December 19 at the George Washington Bridge (10 a.m.), Lincoln Tunnel (12:30 p.m.) and Port Authority Bus Terminal (1:30 p.m.). The ceremonial lightings will be performed by Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky. The actual first candle lightings will take place on Sunday, December 22, the first night of Hanukkah. The Holland Tunnel lighting will occur on December 22.

Contact:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

212-435-7777

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the State of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, please visit

http://www.panynj.gov

.

Mark R. Gosewisch; Worked at Dominic Tavern, Barrington Rod & Reel Member

Mark R. Gosewisch “Gozzie”, on December 8, 2019, of Somerdale, formerly of Bellmawr. Age 62.

Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Harder) for 41 years. Devoted father of Jason Gosewisch (Julie) and Ashley Sanderson (David Jr.). Loving pop-pop of Paige, Jason, Nathan, Angelina, Kolton and Chase. Dear brother of Louis Gosewisch (Phyllis), Ronald Gosewisch (Janet) and Beverly Wall (Dennis). Brother in law of Greg Kyler and the late Elizabeth Kyler. Mark leaves behind man’s best friends, Gus and Wally. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mark was a member of Barrington Rod and Reel Club. He also worked at Dominic’s Tavern in Bellmawr.

There will be a visitation on Friday from 6pm to 8pm at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Memorial service at 8pm also at the funeral home.

Interment private.

Family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053

Officer Down: 114 Line of Duty Deaths in 2019

Master Police Officer Joseph William Shinners

Provo Police Department, UT

EOW: Saturday, January 5, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Dale James Woods

Colerain Township Police Department, OH

EOW: Monday, January 7, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Police Officer Clayton Joel Townsend

Salt River Police Department, TR

EOW: Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Police Officer Natalie Becky Corona

Davis Police Department, CA

EOW: Thursday, January 10, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Trooper Christopher Lambert

Illinois State Police, IL

EOW: Saturday, January 12, 2019

Cause: Vehicular assault

Sergeant WyTasha Lamar Carter

Birmingham Police Department, AL

EOW: Sunday, January 13, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Supervisory Deputy US Marshal Norman D. Merkel

United States Department of Justice – United States Marshals Service, US

EOW: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Deputy Sheriff Ray Elwin Horn, III

Comal County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Thursday, January 17, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Police Officer Sean Paul Tuder

Mobile Police Department, AL

EOW: Sunday, January 20, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Lieutenant Robert \”Bo\” McCallister

Susquehanna Township Police Department, PA

EOW: Sunday, January 20, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Bryan \”LJ\” Ryer, Jr.

Glascock County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Corporal Shane Michael Totty

Baton Rouge Police Department, LA

EOW: Friday, February 1, 2019

Cause: Motorcycle crash

Detective William Lee Brewer

Clermont County Sheriff\’s Office, OH

EOW: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss

United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol, US

EOW: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Trooper Lucas Bartley Dowell

Virginia State Police, VA

EOW: Monday, February 4, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Matthew J. Rittner

Milwaukee Police Department, WI

EOW: Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detective Brian P. Simonsen

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Cause: Gunfire (Inadvertent)

Chief of Police David P. Hewitt

Rising Sun Police Department, IN

EOW: Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Agent Alfred Sanyet-Pérez

Puerto Rico Police Department, PR

EOW: Friday, February 15, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Lieutenant Daniel Duane Hinton

Florida Highway Patrol, FL

EOW: Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Undersheriff Monty Thomas Johnson

Pawnee County Sheriff\’s Office, OK

EOW: Thursday, February 21, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Police Officer Nicholas Scott Galinger

Chattanooga Police Department, TN

EOW: Sunday, February 24, 2019

Cause: Vehicular assault

Sergeant Steve Hinkle

Sullivan County Sheriff\’s Office, TN

EOW: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Nathan Hayden Heidelberg

Midland Police Department, TX

EOW: Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Howard Keltner

McHenry County Sheriff\’s Office, IL

EOW: Thursday, March 7, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Corporal Daniel H. Groves

Colorado State Patrol, CO

EOW: Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Shane Thompson

Kittitas County Sheriff\’s Office, WA

EOW: Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Paul Thomas Rutherford

Phoenix Police Department, AZ

EOW: Thursday, March 21, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Deputy Sheriff Peter Herrera

El Paso County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Sunday, March 24, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Trooper Brooke Jones-Story

Illinois State Police, IL

EOW: Thursday, March 28, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Trooper Gerald Wayne Ellis

Illinois State Police, IL

EOW: Saturday, March 30, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Detective Benjamin J. Campbell

Maine State Police, ME

EOW: Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Cause: Accidental

Deputy Sheriff II Spencer Allen Englett

Forsyth County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Thursday, April 4, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

Sergeant Steven Lawrence Licon

California Highway Patrol, CA

EOW: Saturday, April 6, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Deputy Sheriff Justin Richard DeRosier

Cowlitz County Sheriff\’s Office, WA

EOW: Sunday, April 14, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Kyle David Olinger

Montgomery County Police Department, MD

EOW: Thursday, April 18, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, Jr.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Enforcement Division, MN

EOW: Friday, April 19, 2019

Cause: Drowned

Special Agent in Charge Liquat A. \”Leo\” Khan

United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, US

EOW: Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

K9 Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon

Mooresville Police Department, NC

EOW: Saturday, May 4, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Robert McKeithen

Biloxi Police Department, MS

EOW: Sunday, May 5, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Anthony Neri

Sanibel Police Department, FL

EOW: Monday, May 6, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Trooper Matthew Elias Gatti

Tennessee Highway Patrol, TN

EOW: Monday, May 6, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Constable Willie Houston \”Hoot\” West

Lowndes County Constable\’s Office, MS

EOW: Thursday, May 9, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Sergeant Kelvin Ansari

Savannah Police Department, GA

EOW: Saturday, May 11, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer William Ray Buechner, Jr.

Auburn Police Division, AL

EOW: Sunday, May 19, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Jesus Marrero-Martínez

Manatí Municipal Police Department, PR

EOW: Saturday, May 25, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Lieutenant Joseph P. Johnson

Seminole Police Department, TR

EOW: Thursday, May 30, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Lieutenant Steven Dewayne Whitstine

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff\’s Office, LA

EOW: Thursday, May 30, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Police Officer William James Leahy

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

EOW: Thursday, June 6, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Police Officer Albert Ramirez Castaneda, Jr.

Grand Prairie Police Department, TX

EOW: Friday, June 7, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Police Officer Esmeralda Ponce Ramirez

Los Angeles Police Department, CA

EOW: Sunday, June 9, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Sergeant David Jones Fitzpatrick

The Colony Police Department, TX

EOW: Monday, June 10, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Deputy Sheriff Julius Jamal \”Jay\” Dailey

Monroe County Sheriff\’s Office, AL

EOW: Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Police Officer Steven James Brown

Port St. Lucie Police Department, FL

EOW: Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Master Trooper William Moden

Colorado State Patrol, CO

EOW: Friday, June 14, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Lieutenant Robert Jones

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

EOW: Saturday, June 15, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

Patrol Officer John David Hetland

Racine Police Department, WI

EOW: Monday, June 17, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Tara Christina O\’Sullivan

Sacramento Police Department, CA

EOW: Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Trooper Jerry Louis Smith, Jr.

Nebraska State Patrol, NE

EOW: Thursday, June 20, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Corporal Jose Luis \”Speedy\” Espericueta, Jr.

Mission Police Department, TX

EOW: Thursday, June 20, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Michael Vincent Langsdorf

North County Police Cooperative, MO

EOW: Sunday, June 23, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Troy P. Chisum

Fulton County Sheriff\’s Office, IL

EOW: Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detective Andrea Renee Jacqueline Rainer

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Detective Luis Alvarez

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Saturday, June 29, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Deputy Sheriff Carlos A. Ramirez

Kendall County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Deputy Jailer Michaela Elizabeth Smith

Murray County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Cause: Training accident

Police Officer John Ralph Anderson, IV

Metro Nashville Police Department, TN

EOW: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Cause: Vehicular assault

Deputy Sheriff Omar Diaz

Harris County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

Conservation Officer Shannon Lee \”Opie\” Barron

Red Lake Nation Conservation Department, TR

EOW: Sunday, July 7, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Deputy Sheriff Nicolas Blane Dixon

Hall County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Monday, July 8, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Sergeant Michael Stephen

Stone County Sheriff\’s Office, AR

EOW: Thursday, July 18, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detective Christopher Cranston

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Saturday, July 20, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Nimtz

Broward County Sheriff\’s Office, FL

EOW: Sunday, July 21, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Police Officer Juan Jose Diaz

Los Angeles Police Department, CA

EOW: Saturday, July 27, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detective James J. Biello

Atlanta Police Department, GA

EOW: Sunday, July 28, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Correctional Officer Pedro J. Rodríguez-Mateo

Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, PR

EOW: Thursday, August 1, 2019

Cause: Assault

Police Officer Raymond Harris

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Sunday, August 4, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Correctional Administrator Debra Johnson

Tennessee Department of Correction, TN

EOW: Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Cause: Assault

Sergeant Jeffrey Cicora

New York State Police, NY

EOW: Saturday, August 10, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Officer Andre Maurice Moye, Jr.

California Highway Patrol, CA

EOW: Monday, August 12, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Stephanie Schreurs

Lyon County Sheriff\’s Office, IA

EOW: Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Deputy Sheriff Carlos Cammon

Orange County Sheriff\’s Department, CA

EOW: Friday, August 23, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

Trooper Nicholas J. Hopkins

Illinois State Police, IL

EOW: Friday, August 23, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Jose Luis Blancarte

Kinney County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Friday, August 23, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Trooper Moises Sanchez

Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol, TX

EOW: Saturday, August 24, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Voyles

Chickasaw County Sheriff\’s Department, MS

EOW: Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud

Cayuga County Sheriff\’s Office, NY

EOW: Thursday, August 29, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Detective Joseph Paolillo

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Monday, September 9, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Investigator Dornell Cousette

Tuscaloosa Police Department, AL

EOW: Monday, September 16, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Derrick Bishop

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Thursday, September 19, 2019

Cause: 9/11 related illness

Captain Vincent N. Liberto, Jr.

Mandeville Police Department, LA

EOW: Friday, September 20, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Michael Hulsey

Meade County Sheriff\’s Office, KY

EOW: Saturday, September 21, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Sergeant Tracy L. Vickers

Florida Highway Patrol, FL

EOW: Friday, September 27, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Deputy Sheriff Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal

Harris County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Friday, September 27, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detective Brian Charles Mulkeen

New York City Police Department, NY

EOW: Sunday, September 29, 2019

Cause: Gunfire (Inadvertent)

Border Patrol Agent Robert Hotten

United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol, US

EOW: Sunday, October 6, 2019

Cause: Unidentified

Trooper Peter R. Stephan

Indiana State Police, IN

EOW: Friday, October 11, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Ryan Jones

Falls County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Friday, October 11, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Captain Albert E. Torres

Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, CA

EOW: Saturday, October 12, 2019

Cause: Heart attack

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Otto Allmendinger

Gallatin County Sheriff\’s Office, MT

EOW: Saturday, October 19, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Deputy Sheriff Brian Ishmael

El Dorado County Sheriff\’s Office, CA

EOW: Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Detention Officer Gene Lee

Maricopa County Sheriff\’s Office, AZ

EOW: Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Cause: Assault

Police Officer Jonathan Diaz

Lemoore Police Department, CA

EOW: Saturday, November 2, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Interim Police Chief Michael Knapp

Lynden Police Department, WA

EOW: Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

Detective Jorge Rene DelRio

Dayton Police Department, OH

EOW: Thursday, November 7, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Deputy Sheriff Makeem Brooks

Northampton County Sheriff\’s Office, NC

EOW: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Deputy Sheriff Stephen Reece

Cheatham County Sheriff\’s Office, TN

EOW: Friday, November 15, 2019

Cause: Automobile crash

Investigator Cecil Ridley

Richmond County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Rasheen McClain

Detroit Police Department, MI

EOW: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Sheriff John \”Big John\” Williams, Sr.

Lowndes County Sheriff\’s Office, AL

EOW: Saturday, November 23, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Master-at-Arms Oscar J. Temores

United States Navy Security Forces, US

EOW: Saturday, November 30, 2019

Cause: Vehicular assault

Sergeant Joshua Voth

Colorado Department of Corrections, CO

EOW: Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Cause: Explosion

Agent Billy Fred Clardy, III

Huntsville Police Department, AL

EOW: Friday, December 6, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

Sergeant Christopher Brewster

Houston Police Department, TX

EOW: Saturday, December 7, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

K9 Able

United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US

EOW: Saturday, January 5, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

K9 Haas

Duluth Police Department, MN

EOW: Sunday, January 13, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

K9 Chucky

Bexar County Sheriff\’s Office, TX

EOW: Friday, January 25, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

K9 Defender

BNSF Railway Police Department, RR

EOW: Thursday, February 7, 2019

Cause: Gunfire (Inadvertent)

K9 Doby

Fairfax County Police Department, VA

EOW: Friday, February 22, 2019

Cause: Duty related illness

K9 Biggie

Florida Department of Corrections, FL

EOW: Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 Eli

Gwinnett County Police Department, GA

EOW: Thursday, May 23, 2019

Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 Max

Portsmouth Police Department, NH

EOW: Thursday, May 23, 2019

Cause: Training accident

K9 Assuan

Marion Police Department, IN

EOW: Thursday, June 27, 2019

Cause: Training accident

K9 Cas

Whitley County Sheriff\’s Office, IN

EOW: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Cause: Vehicle pursuit

K9 Havoc

Utah County Sheriff\’s Office, UT

EOW: Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Verro

Paulding County Sheriff\’s Office, GA

EOW: Friday, July 19, 2019

Cause: Gunfire (Inadvertent)

K9 Jake

Alabama Department of Corrections, AL

EOW: Saturday, July 20, 2019

Cause: Exposure to toxins

K9 Windy

Riverside County Sheriff\’s Department, CA

EOW: Thursday, July 25, 2019

Cause: Exposure to toxins

K9 Ozzy

Long Beach Police Department, CA

EOW: Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 Rocco

Vernal Police Department, UT

EOW: Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Rambo

Greensboro Police Department, NC

EOW: Friday, August 16, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Thor

Vicksburg Police Department, MS

EOW: Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 EJ

New York State Police, NY

EOW: Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 Hooch

Alabama Department of Corrections, AL

EOW: Thursday, October 10, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Rocco

Tulare County Sheriff\’s Office, CA

EOW: Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Harlej

Fishers Police Department, IN

EOW: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

K9 Chopper

Davis County Sheriff\’s Office, UT

EOW: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Cause: Struck by vehicle

K9 Koki

El Mirage Police Department, AZ

EOW: Friday, November 22, 2019

Cause: Gunfire

RELATED:

Via

Officer Down Memorial page

CNB Crime

Blue Line

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

published Gloucestercitynews.net | Dec. 9, 2019

10 New Philadelphia Paramedics Looking Forward to Starting their Career

PHILADELPHIA PA (Dec. 2019)–For paramedics, there are many easier places to work than Philadelphia, which sees an average of 750 EMS incidents every day.

But the 10 paramedics in Class 38 chose to come here anyway — some from as far away as California, Chicago and Boston. And at their graduation on Dec. 6, they pledged to provide the dedicated service that is the hallmark of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

“They know how tough it is here,” said Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel. “But they wanted to be part of the best.”

Members of Class 38 were already state-certified paramedics when they decided to join the PFD. Their nine weeks of training at the Fire Academy included lessons on basic vehicle rescue; how to treat children who are seriously ill or injured; and how to respond during active shooter incidents.

The paramedics are joining the department during a period of unprecedented reinvestment. Last month, the PFD reopened four engine companies and put five more ambulances in service.

Paramedic Services Chief Brian Ackerman told those at the graduation ceremony that paramedics now have many more opportunities with the PFD, including training for hazmat responses; attending technical rescue school; and working in alternative EMS response units, such as the one focused on opioid overdoses.

“These initatives and training programs are evidence that the future is bright for paramedics in the Philadelphia Fire Department,” Ackerman said.

Class spokesperson Bradley Woods said the PFD’s newest members would work with honor, compassion and diligence.

“We have the opportunity to impact so many people on a daily basis,” Woods said, “whether it be to provide comfort after a loved one has died, or to welcome a new life into this world.”

Booker Statement on Release of Xiyue Wang

WASHINGTON, D.C —

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the below statement following the release of Xiyue Wang from Iran:

American student Xiyue Wang freed in prisoner swap image courtesy of NBC News

“I’m elated that, after three years of painful separation and uncertainty, Princeton University student Xiyue Wang and his family will finally be reunited. This is the outcome that New Jerseyans and those around the globe who followed this unjust and politically motivated ordeal had hoped for. I’m grateful for the efforts of those who worked tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes to help bring Xiyue Wang home. Their relentless pursuit of justice is proof that diplomacy is absolutely essential.

“While the release of Xiyue Wang is welcome news, Iran continues to unjustly detain other Americans who also deserve their freedom. I will continue to press this Administration to secure the release of Siamak Namazi, his father Baquer, Bob Levison, Michael White, and Morad Tahbaz. The Iranian regime’s disgraceful detention of innocent American must end.”

Booker led a 2017

letter

urging the U.S. Department of State to take concrete steps to secure the release of Xiyue Wang and all other Americans wrongfully detained in Iran. He is also a cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution urging Iran to release Wang.

Booker is also the author of a bipartisan resolution calling on Iran to immediately release Siamak and Baquer Namazi.