Dave Estelle is a retired police officer who has lived in Sea Bright, New Jersey, all his life. He is currently the captain of the First Aid Squad, and has helped to organize responses to several hurricanes including Sandy. During Sandy, he was forced evacuate all first responders temporarily due to the storm’s intensity. In the aftermath, he worked for about two months straight helping the people of Sea Bright to recover. In this narrative, Dave Estelle talks about his personal reaction to the storm, the emergency calls he received as a first responder, and the recovery of the town of Sea Bright. Continue Reading
First Responder
We may be a casualty of Hurricane Sandy
Jane Marion was born in 1957 and has spent most of her life living along the Jersey Shore. For nearly thirty years, she has been working as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Dover Brick Beach First Aid Squad. Just before Hurricane Sandy, she evacuated her home in Monterey Beach, Lavallette. As a first responder, she was one of the first to witness the devastation of the storm. In her narrative, she speaks to the work of first responders and the challenges involved with organizing evacuation plans. Continue Reading
There was nothing you could do, other than all you could
Harry “Chip” DiCorcia, has been a resident of Point Pleasant Beach for all his life. During Hurricane Sandy he worked with the first aid squad to help those in danger. In the aftermath he helped to transform the Durand Masonic Lodge into a support center for helping those affected by the storm. In his interview, Chip shines light on both positive and negative experiences post- Sandy. He gives his regards to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to help those in need. Continue Reading
We were those people on TV
Bob Peck was working at his local hospital when Superstorm Sandy hit Toms River. Since junior year of high school in 1968, Bob has lived and worked in Toms River, and is intimately familiar with his hometown. A year later, he reflects on the tremendous impact the storm had on his community of 44 years, and shares his views on the rebuilding process. Continue Reading
Rescuing people and pigs
Paul Daley has resided in Toms River, New Jersey since 1970. During Hurricane Sandy, he served as Acting Coordinator for the township’s Office of Emergency Management. A year after the storm, Daley reflects on his experiences with Emergency Services as they responded to those in need. His story shows the importance of being prepared for potential disasters, as well as the ways in which the storm brought out the best in his community. Continue Reading
Just picking up the pieces
John Barcus has been a police officer with the Mantoloking Police Department for twenty years. Before his career as a police officer, John served in the First Gulf War with the Marine Corps. During Superstorm Sandy, John played a vital role in keeping order and saving lives in Mantoloking. A year later, he reflects on the harrowing experiences he lived through during the storm, and the lasting effects that still hamper the Mantoloking Police Department’s ability to protect and serve. Continue Reading
It Wasn’t a Normal Workday for a While
Kassandra Putman was working for Seaside Heights Police Department as an emergency dispatcher while Hurricane Sandy took her toll on the Jersey Shore. Stranded on the island for 72 hours post-hurricane, Putman recalls her biggest challenge being finding food and water. More than two years after the storm she reminds the public of the importance of listening to your local police. Continue Reading