SOUTH AMBOY – Police Officers were honored at the 6/19/19 Council Meeting for achieving Accreditation *Photos by Carolyn Maxwell

South Amboy Recognizes

The SAHS Boys Baseball Team & Coach;

SAPD Receives Accreditation

6/19/19 Council Meeting

South Amboy 6/19/19 Council Meeting

By: Carolyn Maxwell

SOUTH AMBOY – Congratulations were the first order of business at the 6/19/19 Council Meeting. The Council Chambers were filled with well-wishers, guardians, and parents of the South Amboy High School Boy’s Baseball Team. Representatives from the State and County Government who were on hand to recognize the South Amboy Police Department as well as residents and relatives. A special recognition was also presented to the family to honor the late Paul Soltys (Former Baseball Coach, Little League Coach, and Resident of South Amboy). Mr. Soltys was a Navy Veteran and served in Vietnam. 

Councilman Brian McLaughlin had the honor of reading the resolutions honoring the Baseball Team and their Coach Poulsen and also honoring Paul Soltys. McLaughlin had fond memories of Coach Soltys and how he took his players and the youth in the community at-large under his wings. “Soltys was also one who would let you know your weaknesses, but also saw what your potential was. Soltys would evaluate each player and placed them in a position where they would excel and help the team the most.”

When it came to comments regarding the Baseball Team and their Coach Poulsen, Mayor Henry wanted to congratulate the parents and guardians who produced these fine young men. The players also are very involved in the community. “And that comes from the top (parents and guardians)! You (the team members) had the guidance and the initiative. You also have the basis for something good. “Henry then told McLaughlin, “I’m sure you’re proud of your son and your constant involvement with our youth.”

Sergeant Patricia Kanecke (L), Detective Sergeant Daniel Holovacko (R) hold the Certificate of Accreditation

Councilman Tom Reilly mentioned that some of the players are involved in the Fire Department, First Aid, and the Community at-large. “Some are going off to college (Rowan, Middlesex), and one will be serving in the U.S. Army and some will be working for the City.” Reilly also mentioned the passing of Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski’s mother and Chief Darren LaVigne’s brother. Reilly praised Paul Soltys’s commitment to the youth of South Amboy. “His coaching and mentorship meant a lot.” James Soltys (his son) was present to receive the award presented by Councilman McLaughlin honoring his dad.

Councilman Brian McLaughlin wanted to thank all (Mayor and his fellow Council Members): “For allowing me to read the entire resolutions honoring the Baseball Team and their Coach Poulsen and the resolution honoring Paul Soltys.”

Councilwoman Dato congratulated the Baseball Team and recognized some of the members of the community. She also talked about the new swimming program at the YMCA that teaches grade school kids how to swim. She mentioned that the program is expensive, and they will be having a raffle at the Fireworks to help the Y defray some of the cost. The raffle will be drawn on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 9:10 p.m. at the South Amboy Waterfront. Tickets can also be purchased at the South Amboy YMCA. The cost is $20 per ticket.

The South Amboy Police Department took centerstage and Chief Darren LaVigne came forward to proudly announce that the Police Department had received full accreditation on March 14, 2019. “This accreditation was important, and it was through the highly recognized Rodgers Group. This program was started by Police Chief Frank Rodgers who has been recognized statewide on his progressive Police standards. These standards meet the highest level that any police department can achieve. Their program is very strict and has many guidelines and criteria that has to be met.” LaVigne wanted to thank the Prosecutor for his support and former Business Administrator Camille Tooker. He recognized the two accreditation managers: Detective Sergeant Daniel Holovacko and Sergeant Patricia Kanecke. “They undertook a voluminous task. They had to do a lot of assessments, interviews, updating records, firearms training, and working with internal affairs. I want to thank Mayor Henry and Council President Mickey Gross for their patience, diligence, and support. We had to testify before the State Chief of Police. We were awarded Full Accreditation Status.” LaVigne then went on to introduce a person who he described as, “A great ally who was always there when we called – Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey.”

Carey came up to speak and stated, “We ask more of our police than ever before. They are expected to have many roles. I commend the Council. You gave the Police Department the tools they needed to do the best job and to back you up. Our partnership will continue and Chief LaVigne was the driving force.”

James Soltys (L) accepts a resolution from Councilman Brian McLaughlin (R) honoring his late father, Paul Soltys.

The next person to come up to speak was Harry Delgado (Accreditation Program Manager) of the New Jersey State Association of Police Chiefs. Delgado stated,  “There are 500 agencies (police departments) and only 39% were successful in achieving accreditation. There are 112 standards along with compliances that have to be met. The South Amboy Police Department exceeded the practices. This program raises the level of stress. You have well trained personnel. This program consists of progressive and forward thinking. You (the South Amboy Police Department) met all the standards and criteria in a shorter period of time than other departments. We found no fault in the South Amboy Police Department in our last findings.”

Mayor Henry congratulated Police Chief DeVigne and the two officers in charge of the training, Prosecutor Carey, and State Police Chief Harry Delgado. “On behalf of myself, and the Council, I want to thank you all for keeping us safe.”

During the meeting, comments were also made by Council President Mickey Gross who thanked the Superintendent of Schools who had a lot to do with the new swimming program at the YMCA. Council Vice-President Christine Noble congratulated the baseball team and the others that were honored tonight.

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski thanked the redevelopment agency for helping with the cost of South Amboy’s new digital sign. “The YMCA will be receiving a matching grant of $83,000 which will help with Y improvements. This will save us $10,000 a year.” 

Mayor Henry mentioned the passing of a Sayreville resident Raniero Travisano. Travisano was a Sayreville Councilman, Board of Education Member, former Middlesex County Clerk, and a member of Morgan Fire Department, a member of South Amboy Knights of Columbus, and a member of South Amboy Elks.

Henry also talked about the Historical Society Vintage Baseball Game. “The Board of Education recently honored the Girls Basketball Team of 1989.” He also thanked the Council for the resolution honoring Paul Soltys. “I want to thank all of the people who volunteer.” He urged everyone to check out South Amboy’s website (for upcoming events) and special announcements.

During the public portion, Resident Brian Murphy came up to speak. “I’ve only been a resident here for 10 months and I have a young son enrolled in the baseball program. I want to thank the older baseball players who come and talk to the younger players and give them encouragement and mentor them.”

James Soltys then came up. He thanked the Council for honoring his Dad. “I’ve been gone for almost 20 years, but this will always be my hometown. There’s always a flood of memories when I come to visit. I appreciate all that you did.”

The South Amboy High School Baseball Team (Seniors who were recognized included in no particular order) Christian Anderson, Nick Charmello, Kyle Gaslewski, Christian Gonzalez, Zach Honimar, John McCleery, Stephen McLaughlin, Raymond Perez