Category: Public Info

Residents received up to $250 reward for turning in unwanted guns.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s 2021 Gun Amnesty Buyback event was a success, with residents turning in more than 525 unwanted guns in exchange for rewards of up to $250.00 per weapon. The countywide event was held on Saturday, October 23, at locations in Elizabeth, Plainfield and Westfield.

No questions were asked, and guns in any condition were accepted.

“I want to thank all of the residents who participated in the event as well as the law enforcement officers who worked to create a safe environment for those returning guns,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

“Dedicated collaboration between state, county, and local organizations made Saturday’s three gun buyback events a success,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “The enthusiastic participation of community members highlights the importance of fostering relationships between law enforcement agencies and the citizens we serve, as we work towards our common goal of safer communities. We look forward to hosting more events in the future.”

“Gun buybacks are an important part of the gun safety toolkit, along with reasonable, common sense regulations that reduce the threat of gun violence and prevent criminals from accessing guns,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, the Chairman of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “This was a collaborative effort and I want to thank everyone involved.”

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program was supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Westfield.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Final countywide scrap metal recycling events of 2021 will be held on November 4 and 20; program will resume next spring after winter hiatus.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s final free scrap metal recycling drop-off events for this year will take place in November. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted free of charge on Thursday, November 4 and Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two countywide drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

These are Union County’s final two scrap metal recycling events for 2021. The schedule will resume in April 2022 after a winter hiatus.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with both countywide and Union local recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ –Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado reminds Union County voters that a new Early Voting option is available for anyone who wishes to cast their General Election ballot in person, on a voting machine prior to Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. The Early Voting option began on Saturday, October 23 and will be in effect until Sunday, October 31.

“Early Voting is a historic first for New Jersey this year. Many voters wish to cast their votes in person, and the Early Voting option provides them with the opportunity to vote at a time and place of their convenience. Early Voting helps to reduce the chance of a last minute rush or mishap on Election Day, helping to ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard,” said Ms. DiRado.

Early Voting is a new option which enables all registered voters to cast their ballot in person, using a voting machine, during an eight-day period prior to Election Day.

There are seven Early Voting sites in Union County. For a complete list of locations visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/boe/early-voting.

The Early Voting sites are open to all Union County voters, regardless of their town of residence.

Voters who choose to cast their ballot on Election Day, Tuesday November 2, must use the polling place assigned to their street address. To find the correct Election Day polling place visit ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote.

Key dates for the 2021 General Election include:

• October 23 to October 31: In-Person Early Voting
• October 26: Deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot by mail for General Election
• November 1 at 3:00 pm: Deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person
• November 2: Election Day – Polls are open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

For more information about the General Election from the Union County Board of Elections, visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Union County residents who are interested in additional resources and information from the New Jersey Division of Elections can find the following resources online:

• Flyers – How to Vote, In Person Early Voting, Become a Poll Worker.
• Videos – How To Vote, How to Complete and Return Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot.
• Information on becoming a poll worker – Pollworker.NJ.Gov.
• Follow the New Jersey Division of Elections and participate on social media with the #NJVotes hashtag: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

19 municipalities also received matching “tree for tree” grants.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to 20 municipalities for improvements to recreation resources for children, through the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund. In addition, 19 municipalities were awarded matching grants for planting new trees through the Greening Union County program.

Both grant programs are funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Since 2000, the Open Space Trust Fund has helped maintain, improve, and expand our public recreation and open space resources,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella, “The pandemic has awakened a new spirit to reconnect with the outdoors, making these grant programs all the more important throughout the Union County community.”

“These two grant programs enhance the quality of life in our urban and suburban communities, by providing assistance to local recreation programs for children and by helping municipalities create beneficial treescapes,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmierei-Mouded, who is the Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

The Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000. It has provided the Commissioner Board with the ability to preserve over 315 acres of land throughout the County of Union. In addition to acquisition of land, creation of parkland, and updating of recreational facilities throughout the county, the grant programs of the Trust Fund provide an avenue for municipalities to focus on their hometown recreational priorities, increase tree plantings, and stabilize and restore historic sites.

The following municipalities received grants from the 2021 round of the Kids Recreation Trust Fund:

Berkeley Heights: $40,000 for replacement of wooden picnic tables, installation of security cameras, tennis court improvements at Columbia Park, and turf field drainage assessment and DEP permit analysis for Lower Columbia Park Soccer Field.

Clark: $100,000 for the replacement of the exiting baseball and soccer fields that are being converted to turf

Cranford: $60,000 for Indoor Tennis Court Renovation, Johnson Park beautification, and Adams Avenue Field Concession Stand

Elizabeth: $150,000 for improvement to the Sixth Street Playground, installing drainage improvements, lighting, landscaping, trash and recycling receptacles, and installing bike racks

Fanwood: $30,000 for installation of a Gazebo-playground at Forest Road Park

Garwood: $30,000 for removing curbing and constructing an ADA accessible ramp at Hartman Park and a pavilion at Garwood Sports Complex

Hillside: $43,055 for installation of new, upgraded basketball court surfacing at the Maple Avenue Park

Kenilworth: $30,000 for new and improved park equipment at the Borough’s three pars with specific concentration to Urquhart and Louis Wood Parks

Linden: $50,000 for reconstruction of the existing basketball courts at St. Marks Place

Mountainside: $30,000 for improvements to the Deerfield School Baseball & Softball Field and Echo Brook Field at Borough Hall

New Providence: $30,000 for removal and replacement of the pavilion in the center of Veterans Memorial Park to provide a more user-friendly park space

Plainfield: $33,500 for resurfacing of basketball courts at Maple Crest Park

Rahway: $60,000 for replacing the playground structure and safety surface at Grover Cleveland Field

Roselle: $60,000 for improvements to Poplar Street Park, including replacing equipment per ADA and OSHA and addressing drainage and landscaping issues

Roselle Park: $40,000 for playground safety and featured equipment improvements to Acker Park and Aldene Park

Scotch Plains: $65,000 for playground improvements and upgrades to the walkways and landscaping at Greenside Park

Springfield: $40,000 for installation of of a variety of modern and interactive playground elements at Irwin Park

Summit: $50,000 for improvements to the Paddle Tennis Court at Wilson Park, replacing wooden boards, and updating the park’s entrance to make it ADA-compliant with a wheelchair-accessible ramp

Union: $70,000 for the first phase of a large-scale upgrade to Weber Park, including the installation of a Bankshot Basketball Court, relocating the hitting wall, curb cut, making accessible parking spaces, the conversion of one tennis court to include pickle ball lines, and a new walkway

Westfield: $43,320.40 for the installation of an ADA-compliant playground structure and equipment at Windsor Park

The following municipalities received grants through the 2021 round of the Greening Union County Grant Program:

Berkeley Heights: $4,000   

Clark: $3,500

Cranford: $2,500

Elizabeth: $16,000

Fanwood: $1,375

Garwood: $2,500

Hillside: $2,500

Kenilworth: $3,000

Linden: $6,000

New Providence: $2,500

Plainfield: $10,000

Rahway: $5,000

Roselle: $2,500        

Roselle Park: $5,000

Scotch Plains: $3,750

Springfield: $4,000

Summit: $8,000                             

Union: $7,000                                                                                          

Westfield: $10,000

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Nearly $300,000 in awards will help revitalize gems from Union County’s past.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that 10 unique historic preservation projects in eight different municipalities will receive grant money in 2021 as part of the Preserve Union County program, administered by the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Funding from Preserve Union County helps our local historic sites undertake needed renovations and improve public access, providing residents and visitors with new insights into our heritage,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“These sites contribute to civic pride and community spirit, while providing us with a more complete understanding of the lives of our forebears. They inspire us to create a legacy of our own for the next generation, and the Commissioner Board is proud to support the efforts of local preservationists,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

The Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000. It has provided the Commissioner Board with the ability to preserve over 315 acres of land throughout the County of Union. In addition to acquisition of land, creation of parkland, and updating of recreational facilities throughout the county, the grant programs of the Trust Fund provide an avenue for municipalities to focus on their hometown recreational priorities, increase tree plantings, and stabilize and restore historic sites.

The following municipalities received grants from the 2021 round of the Preserve Union County program:

• Berkeley Heights: $20,000 to watertight the Littel-Lord Farmstead by addressing the foundation, sagging floors, exterior walls, and broken windows.
• Cranford: $2,500 for the installation of central air conditioning and a new wall heater in the Hanson House.
• Elizabeth: $70,000 for the installation of a monument at Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Cemetery, and to coordinate the inclusion of the proposed museum as a destination/tour site.
• Fanwood: $55,000 for replacement and repairs of the existing roof at the Fanwood Carriage House.
• Kenilworth: $16,000 to reinstall screen doors and windows at the Nitschke House.
• Plainfield: $31,320 total – $14,940 to restore and repair the north porch steps and adjacent walkway of the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, and $16,290 to enhance the front façade of the duCret School of Art, as well as to replace wooden windows.
• Rahway: 30,000 to complete the final of a 4-phase exterior restoration of the Merchant and Drovers Tavern building.
• Scotch Plains: $75,000 total – $35,000 to match the NJ Historic Trust Grant award to restore the two fireplaces, interior walls, stairway, and floors on the first-floor interior of the Rotary Frazee House, and $40,000 for ballroom floor replacement, basement step enclosure, mold remediation, and the purchase of de-humidifiers at the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union is the only county in New Jersey and the entire Northeast currently with low community transmission rating from CDC.

Union County, NJ – According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Union County is the only county in New Jersey designated in the lowest tier for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and also the only county in the entire northeastern quadrant of the U.S. to achieve the low transmission designation.

The CDC currently designates 2,656 counties in the U.S. as high, 361 for substantial, and 148 for moderate community transmission. Union County is one of only 52 counties nationwide rated low.

The low risk designation is based on a seven-day rolling average charted by the Centers for Disease Control.

“The low transmission designation is a remarkable achievement that validates all of the hard work and extra precautions we have taken since the beginning of the outbreak, including vigorous guidelines on wearing masks. However, the data can change from one day to the next, and Union County is not an island. The fact that so few other jurisdictions have achieved the low risk status demonstrates how important it is for everyone to step up and get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. Vaccination is the only sure way to reduce the risk of death and long term health impacts from this devastating virus,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Union County was hit hard at the beginning of the outbreak, but our residents rallied to protect themselves as soon as guidance became available on masks, social distance, testing, and vaccination. We want to thank all the volunteers and professional staff who have worked long hours to ensure that everyone has had access to tests and vaccines as soon as they are available, and of course the ultimate credit is due to every Union County resident who availed themselves of these life-saving resources,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “We also want to emphasize that many thousands of Union County residents cannot be vaccinated due to their age or medical condition. COVID-19 will continue to be a matter of life and death until all eligible residents step up and get vaccinated.”

“This has been an all hands on deck, collaborative effort with a shared philosophy of handling this public health outbreak with the utmost seriousness and dedication to public service, including a continued emphasis on wearing masks,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “The new CDC rating is a credit to professional staff and volunteers who worked long hours to coordinate and deliver resources to the people of Union County, including Kean University, municipal governments and federal funding through the CARES Act, along with countless individuals, businesses, schools, and other entities that have engaged with our services and followed emergency health mandates issued by Governor Phil Murphy. Union County will continue to apply every available resource to coordinate and amplify these efforts. We encourage all residents to remain vigilant until the pandemic is declared at an end.”

Regardless of the new CDC designation, businesses and other entities may continue to exercise additional precautions such as masks and social distance. Many individuals may also choose to take extra precautions. Union County residents and visitors are reminded to be respectful of these additional measures aimed at protecting public health and safety.

Union County was the first county in New Jersey to set up a free mass testing site for COVID-19 at the outset of the pandemic, in March 2020. The mass testing site is located on the campus of Kean University in Union Township, and it has operated continuously since then. It currently operates on a walk-up basis.

Union County also worked with Kean University to establish a certified, on-campus laboratory for COVID-19 tests, to help shorten turnaround time for results.

When COVID-19 vaccines first gained FDA approval on an emergency basis, Union County was among the first counties to make free vaccines available at a mass vaccination site. That site, located at Kean University, began dispensing vaccines in January 2021.

Union County’s free testing and vaccination services include mobile units that visit local neighborhoods and vulnerable populations such as senior residences and homeless shelters. Home bound Union County residents can also apply for a free in-home vaccination service.

After the FDA issued permanent approval for COVID-19 vaccines, Union County became one of the first counties to mandate vaccination for all County employees, with the alternative requirement of regular weekly testing. The County continues to observe mask requirements and other precautions within public buildings.

In its capacity as administrator of federal COVID-19 response funds, Union County also implemented grant programs aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 during the first year of the outbreak, while promoting economic recovery and aiding those most at risk of financial impact.

The initial grant programs included aid to schools, libraries, non-profits, small businesses, restaurants, and families with special needs children. This year, the County also administered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for tenants behind on rent or utilities due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Union County continues to provide emergency food supplies to thousands of households each month.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County’s Senior Citizens Virtual Art Exhibit showcases artists age 60 and up.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the Union County 2021 Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit, showcasing 125 original works created by residents aged 60 and above. The exhibit can be viewed on the Union County website at ucnj.org/senior-art.

“The Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit provides senior artists in our community with an opportunity to reach new audiences, here in Union County and elsewhere,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 exhibit showcases an array of work in the categories of Acrylic Painting, Craft, Digital Art, Drawing, Mixed Media, Oil Painting, Pastel, Photography, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

An independent panel of professional artists judged the show. The award for Best of Show by a Professional Artist went to Eileen Bonacci of Berkeley Heights for “Day at the Beach.” Tina Berlin of Scotch Plains was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist for “Painted Girl.”

These entries, along with all other artworks awarded First Place in their respective categories, will represent Union County at the state level in the 2021 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, opening online later this month.

Among the artists whose work is being showcased is Joseph Schott of Fanwood, a 99-year old veteran of the World War II. Mr. Schott resumed painting last year after a decades-long hiatus, and received a Second Place award in the category of Oil Painting by a professional artist. He is also credited with inspired his son, Robert Schott of Cranford, who received a Second Place award for an Oil Painting by a non-professional artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit https://www.ucnj.org/cultural.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Bring unwanted guns to Union County’s buy-back event, October 23

by

Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

October 2021

Our nation has come a long way since the days when gun violence was associated almost entirely with known criminals and gang-related street violence. School shootings have become so commonplace that they rarely make headlines, and it seems that our youth are at risk no matter where they go, whether it’s a sporting event, a birthday party or a neighbor’s home.

All too often, the guns used in these violent outbreaks are wielded by youth and adults who have access to weapons at home.

In particular, the research shows that guns used in school related violence typically come from the shooters’s home, or from the homes of other family or friends.

Fortunately, many of our residents have the power to help keep guns out of the wrong hands.

New Jersey has among the most strict gun ownership laws in the nation, but it is not unusual for our residents to come into the possession of an unlicensed or unwanted gun, whether it’s the result of an inheritance, a gift, a hobby, or any other happenstance.

Here in Union County, we know that unwanted guns in the home are a common occurrence because we have taken hundreds of them out of our neighborhoods in recent years, thanks to the many residents who participate in our gun amnesty buy-back events.

Gun amnesty buy-back events are the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted guns in your possession, and to collect a reward for doing a good deed.

At Union County’s gun buy-back events, we offer up to $250.00 for each gun turned in, in any condition – working or not. Anonymity is guaranteed and absolutely no questions are asked.

Our next buyback event is coming up this Saturday, October 23. Residents can bring their unwanted guns at any time between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to any of these locations:

Elizabeth: Master’s Table Christian Fellowship, 207-211 Bond Street

Plainfield: Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street

Westfield: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 506 Westfield Avenue

No appointment is necessary. We only ask that you convey the weapon in a secure container and bring it straight to the buy-back location of your choice, without stopping off along the way.

In advance of this Saturday’s event, I want to thank all the residents who are planning to participate. If you have not already done so, there is still time to look through your closets, drawers and garage shelves. Your participation in the buy-back event has the potential to save lives and help ensure that children in our community feel safe and secure, in school and out.

Union County’s gun amnesty buy-back events are a collaborative effort with the Union County Department of Public Safety, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Jr. and local law enforcement. For more details visit ucnj.org.