around the Jersey shore Wildlife Rescue 911 – Mother Seton Regional High School

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Typically, a wildlife rescue scenario is receiving a call, any hour - day or nightfrom a concerned person. If they’re lucky enough, they already know to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (rehabber). They’re advised to transport the animal to the rehabber. There are times, however, when I performed the rescue myself as special skills are required. Don’t attempt rescue yourself before speaking with a licensed professional.

It was a warm summer afternoon when my phone rang. Like everyone else, wildlife rehabbers try to maintain a normal life and are often already caring for many animals. The woman on the phone explained there was a large bird who was having trouble flying. The bird was located at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey. As I hung up the phone, so many things began running thru my mind. What kind of bird, was it a broken wing, a head injury, adult, or juvenile, and most importantly, where at the high school would I find this bird? The adrenaline starts pumping because you know the rescue could be dangerous for either the animal, for you, or both. Until you see the situation, planning the rescue cannot be done. I hopped in my car with my usual rescue supplies.

I arrived at the high school and was fortunate enough to quickly spot a red-tailed hawk, suffering from what appeared to be a broken wing, perched on the fence. Knowing that hawks have excellent eyesight, I positioned myself within a few feet of the bird, who continued to ‘watch me like a hawk.’ About five minutes passed, when he turned his head away from me. I quickly swung the net up, over and behind the bird, moving him to the ground, when I suddenly heard a woman on a motorcycle cheering. A sense of relief, I secured the hawk and transported him to the Raptor Trust for rehabilitation. Wildlife rescue begins with a concerned person making the effort to get the animal help. Without rescue, the odds of survival are very low.

To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which include harm inflicted upon an animal, are subject to punishment.

Beachwood Police Department Now Hiring

BEACHWOOD – Job Announcement

- Beachwood Police Department SLEO Class II. Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must comply with the following basic qualification standards:

• Applicants must possess Certification from the NJ Police Training Commission for the Basic Course for Special law enforcement officer Class II

• Must be a citizen of the United States

• Must be a resident of New Jersey and poses a valid NJ driver’s license

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate

• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently

• Must be of good moral character, and have not been convicted of any criminal offense

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological testing, drug screening, and an oral interview.

Job Description/General Duties: Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO II) are authorized to exercise full police powers and duties to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer. They will perform all duties and maintain same authority as regular, full-time police officers but as a part-time member of the Police Department.

About Our Department: The Beachwood Police Department consists of 20 full time sworn officers and up to

2 SLEO Class II officers. Our yearround population is just over 11,000. We have approximately 10,000 calls for service a year. We are a two-time NJSACOP Accredited Agency. We are hiring up to two SLEO II officers and specifically interested in the immediate hire of anyone already academy trained that meets our hiring criteria.

Hiring Process:

• Formal Application

• Background Investigation/Process

• Administration Interview

• Brough Appointment

• Formal Training, if applicable

• Field Training

Direct questions regarding this position to Lieutenant Daniel Altman at daltman@beachwoodpolice.com.