Emergency Response Lockers Equipped At All Bernards Township Schools

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — All six Bernards Township schools will now be equipped with emergency response lockers following donations.

Five lockers were donated by the Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund, and one was donated by the AT EASE Foundation.

A ceremony was held last week at Ridge High School to mark the official transfer of the lockers.

Remarks were delivered by Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund President Mike Fitzpatrick, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy on behalf of the Township Committee, Board of Education President Jennifer White and Police Chief Tim King.

"Pat" Grillo, founder and chairman of the AT EASE Foundation, also spoke about the organization’s work supporting schools and agencies across New Jersey, including its donation of one locker. John Dapkins of Jersey Tactical Corporation, which provided the lockers, was also in attendance and shared remarks.

The lockers will be pre-positioned across the township’s six schools. The equipment is intended to improve coordination and preparedness between the Bernards Township Police Department and local schools.

Each locker will be securely mounted and accessible only to law enforcement. The lockers contain specialized breaching tools and emergency medical equipment so first responders can act quickly if needed in a crisis.

"These emergency response lockers ensure that vital equipment is available where it may be needed most," said Mike Fitzpatrick, President of the Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund. "We are grateful to the Board of Education for their partnership, to the AT EASE Foundation for their collaboration, and to the generous donors whose support makes initiatives like this possible. Together, we are strengthening the safety of our schools and community."

The initiative reflects the mission of the Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund, a community-supported nonprofit that supports the Bernards Township Police Department through supplemental programs, equipment and training. The announcement said the donation was made through a joint effort by the fund and the AT EASE Foundation.

Residents looking for more information about the fund, or who want to support it, can visit www.btlef.com. The fund will also be at Charter Day on May 16, where residents can learn more about its work and how to get involved.