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Vol. 1 - No. 43
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Patrolman Recognized for Assisting Widow Searching for Late Husband’s Gravesite
PHOTO BY BILL HAINES, OF FOCAL POINTS PHOTOGRAPHY Patrolman Randy Molina of the Evesham Township Police Department has been selected as the department’s Officer of the Month after performing exceptional acts and achievements in the performance of his duties and responsibilities. By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
EVESHAM—Patrolman Randy Molina of the Evesham Township Police Department has only been on the job for a year and half, but he has already left his mark on Evesham and holds a special place in one resident’s heart for an act of kindness on Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, May 26, an elderly woman who lives in the municipality set out for Brigadier General William Doyle Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover to place flowers on the grave of her late husband, a WWII veteran. However, the woman, described to be in her
80s, returned home after she was unsuccessful in finding the cemetery. The following day, she tried again. However, police say the woman became distraught after she drove for over four hours, unable to locate the cemetery. “She flagged down another officer on Main Street,” said Molina, who was called to the scene to provide assistance. “She was in tears. The other officer and I decided that one of us should take her to the cemetery instead of running the risk of her getting lost again.” Molina transported the upset woman in his police car to the cemetery.
“At first I thought I was just giving her a ride,” he said. “But as I spent time with her, I realized the meaning of Memorial Day varies. For her, it was to go see her hero.” Throughout the 50-minute trip to the cemetery, the 25-year-old officer and the woman exchanged stories with each other and touched on topics that included the importance of family and military service. Molina spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer before joining the Evesham Township Police Department. “For me, the most important story she told
PATROLMAN>>PAGE 17
June 24-30, 2017 BurlCo Prosecutor Declares ‘The Tide Is Turning’ During His Ceremonial Swearing In By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
MOUNT LAUREL—Over 275 members of the law enforcement community and a number of distinguished guests gathered inside Rowan College at Burlington County’s (RCBC) Enterprise Center for a ceremonial swearing in of Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and First Assistant Prosecutor Philip Aronow on June 14. Coffina was previously administered the oath of office on March 29 during a private ceremony led by Burlington County Assignment Judge Ronald E. Bookbinder. He succeeds Robert D. Bernardi, who served as county prosecutor for 17 years. Aronow was also administered the oath of office during a private ceremony which occurred on May 15. The first assistant prosecutor holds the second highest position in the Prosecutor’s Office and oversees many of the daily operations. The public event was an opportunity for the two men to share their vision for the county and to discuss a number of initiatives they’ve already undertaken since beginning their service. As Coffina and Aronow entered the room and took their seats, members of the Burlington County Honor Guard performed the presentation of the colors. The young children of Coffina and Aronow; Alex Coffina, Ethan Coffina, Dylan Coffina, Carrick Aronow and Micah Aronow; helped lead a flag salute. As the children came off stage, Maurice Lassiter of the Prosecutor’s Office sang the National Anthem and Ret. Detective Sgt. Steve Wenger of the Burlington Township Police Department played a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel, of Congregation M’Kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, delivered the invocation. She quoted from the Prophet Isaiah and discussed the Bible’s “Pursuit of Justice by Just Means.” “Creator of justice, we ask your blessings upon Scott Coffina and Phillip Aronow, upon our county and community, and upon all those who live, play and work here,” she said. “We all come from many places, different backgrounds and different paths. Yet, we each come here inspired by a singular mission—to work passionately and honorably for the safety, security, and well-being of all those who call this county home.”
PROSECUTOR>>PAGE 18
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