NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO HONOR THREE ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO HONOR THREE ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS

March 13 Ceremony Slated for Ellis Island

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson, Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam will be honored by the National Park Service during a March 13 ceremony on Ellis Island.

The three lawmakers sponsored a law (A-210/S-1493) giving the United States Park Police more authority at check points and bridges leading to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The law gave park police authority to make arrests for fourth degree crimes, disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses and motor vehicle violations on Ellis Island or in Liberty State Park within 500 feet of the ferry terminal serving the Statute of Liberty and the access bridge to Ellis Island.

The federal officers were previously only authorized to make arrests on state property for crimes of the first, second or third degree.

The United States Park Police is the oldest uniformed federal law enforcement agency.

“These officers secure and protect the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island and visitors to these national treasures, and it was an honor to help enhance their abilities,” said Johnson (D-Bergen).

“They serve as patrol officers, marine police, SWAT team members, explosives experts and terrorism detectives,” said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “They do it all. I was pleased to be involved in helping them protect our heritage.”

“Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are symbols of our liberty and freedom,” said Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “Helping these fine officers do what’s needed to protect our history was an honor.”

Park police officials said they often encounter persons committing lesser degree crimes and offenses, as well as motor vehicle violations, on check points and bridges leading to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but had no jurisdiction to make arrests for these crimes or offenses or to issue summonses for the illegal conduct.

The ceremony is slated for 11 a.m., Friday, March 13 on Ellis Island.

DIRECTIONS:

According to park police, the best way to come to Ellis Island is to get off the New Jersey Turnpike Extension at Exit 14B. Immediately after the toll bear left at the sign for Liberty State Park, go through stop sign and traffic signal shortly thereafter and continue straight. Proceed 180 degrees around the traffic circle (Liberty Park Cafe will be on left and a boat launch parking area is on the right) and continue until you see a “Do Not Enter” sign. Turn left on to Freedom Way, go about .9 mile and turn right onto a road (where a brown sign states 'Ellis Island Deliveries"), proceed to the guard booth and check in with the officer. You will be advised where the ceremony is taking place.

Please provide National Park Service with the names of all individuals who are coming at least two days in advance so park police can have them on the log.

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