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The Union County Department of Engineering has announced that Linden Avenue in Rahway, between West Scott Avenue and Price Street, is temporarily closed due to a culvert failure. The culvert at this location is nearly 100 years old, and recent heavy rain and snow events have further compromised the structure, leading to the closure.

County engineers will be conducting a full inspection of the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown.

Local resident access will be maintained during this interim period, however motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

According to recent reporting, the U.S. has officially surpassed 1,000 confirmed measles cases in 2026. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that as of February 2026, we are already approaching the total number of cases from 2025 nationally.

While there are no confirmed measles cases in New Jersey so far in 2026, and there is no recommendation for residents to seek out measles vaccination outside of routine guidance, the Union County Office of Health Management asks residents to please be aware of the CDC’s current recommendations:

• Children should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine according to the routine schedule — first dose at 12 months, second dose at 4–6 years old.
• MMR vaccination is required for school attendance in New Jersey. If your child is not up to date, please contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. MMR vaccination is available for eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals at the Union County Family Clinic in Elizabeth; please call
• Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely past exposure (herd immunity). If concerned, speak with your healthcare provider about a blood test (titer) or receiving one dose of MMR.
• Adults born after 1957 have most likely received the vaccine as part of routine childhood immunizations. If unsure, contact your provider for a titer test or receive one dose of MMR — it is safe even if you were previously vaccinated.

We will continue to monitor cases closely and remain in contact with our partners at the New Jersey Department of Health and the CDC. Follow our social media for updates and guidance as new information becomes available.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announced County Manager Edward T. Oatman’s appointment of Captain John da Silva as the 12th Chief of the Union County Police Department, effective immediately. Chief da Silva has served as Officer in Charge since July 2024, following the retirement of former Union County Police Chief Martin Mogensen. During that time, he has overseen department operations and ensured continuity of leadership throughout the transition.

“I have known John for many years — long before I ever joined the Board,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Joseph Bodek. “I have watched him grow into the leader he is today, both professionally and personally. His integrity is unquestioned, his work ethic is unmatched, and his commitment to this County runs deep. This appointment is not only well deserved — it reflects the kind of steady, principled leadership our residents expect and deserve.”

A twenty-two-year veteran of the Union County Police Department, Chief da Silva began his career as a Patrol Officer in 2003. He was promoted to Corporal in 2009, Sergeant in 2012, Lieutenant in 2016, Captain in 2021, and appointed Officer in Charge in July 2024. Throughout his career, he has served, supervised, and commanded many of the department’s functional areas, including assignments as Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, Shift Commander, Platoon Commander, and Unit Commander within the Patrol Division.

“I’ve spent over 22 years here, and this department has shaped much of who I am professionally,” said Chief da Silva. “The strength of this agency comes from the people who show up every day ready to serve. I’m proud to lead them. I’m also sincerely grateful to County leadership for their trust and confidence in entrusting me with this responsibility. I will continue to approach this role the same way I always have — with dedication, fairness, and a steady focus on doing the job the right way.”

Chief da Silva has played key roles in major emergency responses and high-profile operations, including Presidential security details, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Ida, COVID-19 response efforts, and numerous large-scale public events throughout Union County. He was a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team/Union County SWAT, serving nearly 18 years as a negotiator. He is an FBI-certified Hostage Negotiator and a certified Active Shooter Instructor and has taught both active shooter response and hostage/crisis negotiations within the County. He also served as a recruit instructor at the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

“Chief da Silva has consistently led with integrity, sound judgment, and a strong sense of duty,” said County Manager Oatman. “His experience, operational knowledge, and dedication to the department make him exceptionally well-qualified to serve as Chief. I am confident he will continue to strengthen the Union County Police Department and uphold the highest standards of law enforcement.”

Chief da Silva has also supported community-based initiatives including the Arrive Together Program and the Blue Envelope Program and is the recipient of numerous awards from the Police Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County.

“Since the retirement of Chief Mogensen, Chief da Silva has served as Officer in Charge and provided steady, day-to-day leadership for the department during an important transition,” said Director of Public Safety Dennis Burke. “He understands the operational responsibilities of this role and the importance of supporting the officers who serve our communities. His professionalism, experience, and commitment to public safety make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as Chief.”

Chief da Silva will have a formal swearing-in ceremony at a later date.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with our Haitian community and with local leaders calling for an immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

The humanitarian, security, and political conditions in Haiti remain deeply unstable. Forcing families to return under these circumstances would place lives at risk and separate parents from children, workers from jobs, and neighbors from the communities they help strengthen every day.

Haitian TPS holders are integral members of Union County — they are essential workers, small business owners, caregivers, and parents raising families who call this county home. They contribute to our economy, our schools, our faith institutions, and our neighborhoods.

Union County has long been a place that values dignity, compassion, and fairness. We believe federal policy must reflect those same principles.

In keeping with these values, the Union County Board of County Commissioners urges members of Congress to sign Discharge Petition No. 15, H.Res. 965, allowing for consideration of H.R. 1689, which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. We call on federal leaders to act with urgency to provide stability, certainty, and protection for Haitian families who deserve safety, not displacement.

Union County will continue to stand with our Haitian residents and community partners in calling for policies that uphold human dignity, family unity, and public safety.

As Union County prepares for a major winter storm, residents are reminded that 9-1-1 is for life-threatening emergencies only. During severe weather, emergency lines must remain available for those who truly need immediate help.

CALL 9-1-1 ONLY IF:

• Someone is trapped or in immediate danger
• There is a medical emergency
• Lives are at risk

DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 OR POLICE TO REPORT:

• Power outages
• Snow-covered or unplowed streets
• Downed trees without injuries
• General storm or weather questions

Law enforcement and dispatch centers do not have additional information on power restoration or plowing schedules. Calling for non-emergencies delays response for critical situations.

POWER OUTAGE REPORTING

PSE&G Customers:

• Call 1-800-436-7734
• Text “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734)
• Report online at nj.myaccount.pseg.com/mydashboard/outage

JCP&L Customers:

• Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• Text “OUT” to 544487
• Report online at firstenergycorp.com/outages

ADDITIONAL SAFETY REMINDERS

• Extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected
• Limit time outdoors and dress in layers if you must go out
• Ensure medical devices and backup batteries are fully charged
• Check on seniors, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance

SNOW REMOVAL QUESTIONS

For snow removal concerns, please contact your local public works department. Crews will be working throughout the storm and afterward as conditions allow.

Thank you for helping keep emergency services available for true emergencies.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor and longtime State Senator Richard J. Codey.

Governor Codey devoted his life to public service, spending decades advocating for the people of New Jersey with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right — particularly for those who were most vulnerable. His leadership, humility, and courage left a lasting mark on our state and set an example for generations of public servants.

Union County joins the people of New Jersey in honoring his legacy and extending our heartfelt condolences to the Codey family, his friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his service.