Bridgewater Police Launch Blue Angel Program To Help Residents

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — When there is an emergency time is of the essence and could literally mean the difference between life or death. To help residents who may not be able to answer their door in an emergency situation the Bridgewater Police have launched the Operation Blue Angel Program.

The free program is geared to residents who, due to advanced age, mobility, or medical concerns, can't get to the door.

This is how it works: Police will mount a police-owned lock box similar to a realtor's lock box on a door to the home with a key inside.

If an emergency arises, officers can get the key by using a code so that they can quickly get into the home without causing damage.

"The Bridgewater Police Department is always striving to come up with new ideas on better ways to serve our community. The Blue Angel Program will greatly enhance the police departments ability to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said Bridgewater Police Lt. John Mitzak.

Police Chief Alfred Nicaretta came up with the idea to start the program in the township after he saw it presented to the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association at a monthly meeting.

To be eligible for Operation Blue Angel here what you need to know:

Must be 65 years of age or older, or have a medical condition that is potentially incapacitating, or persons of any age with medical conditions that could lead to incapacitation and who live alone or are alone for extended periods of time on a regular basis.

• Must provide a key (or keys) for an entry door to the home
• Must grant the Bridgewater Township Police Department permission to access and use the key in a medical emergency. A waiver form must be completed and notarized, and included with the application.
• The Police Department maintains ownership of the lock box. If you should you move, you must notify the Police Department so that we may retrieve our lock box.
• The resident will not be given the code to the lock box and may not request access to the lock box, except in a medical emergency.

If you need help filling out this application, contact the Bridgewater Township Police Department at 908-722-4111.

For more information visit bridgewaterpd.com/operation-blue-angel.

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