Township Policing Unit, County Sheriff's Office Host Session About Gold Star I.D. Program

Members of the Township of Washington Community Policing Unit and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) held an informal session for seniors this week to explain the BCSO's Gold Star Identification Program, which is meant to provide first responders with important medical information for residents 65 and older and those with special needs.

Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino and Officer Aimee Mehnert of the BCSO's Community Outreach Unit went over the Gold Star I.D. Program with seniors Wednesday afternoon at the township's council.

Seniors who enter into the program get a photo identification card, which is connected to a file the BCSO's 24-Hour Operations Unit maintains. That file has important information, including family members' names, emergency contacts, physician contacts and current and prior medical history.

During a medical emergency, if a program participant is unable to communicate with medical personnel, the information will be released.

Lt. Richard Skinner said, "This program overall is valuable and will enhance the safety of our seniors, the core of our community."

The I.D. cards will be processed Feb. 23 at 11:30 a.m. in the township municipal complex, 350 Hudson Ave. Seniors are welcome to come then to enroll. If they are unable to attend, they can pick up an application at police headquarters.

For more information about the Gold Star Identification Program, call the BCSO's Community Outreach Unit at 201-336-3540.