48 Troopers On Way to Assist Puerto Rico In Aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Irma

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie announced today that 48 troopers from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) departed New Jersey to support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

The troopers from Troop “B” Headquarters in Totowa and Troop “C” Headquarters in Hamilton Township, Mercer County will meet with the New Jersey State Police advance team, which arrived a week earlier to coordinate recovery efforts with local, state, and federal authorities. These additional troopers will focus primarily on law enforcement and humanitarian aid to the region, hard hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“New Jersey law enforcement and emergency personnel take their first-hand expertise gained during Superstorm Sandy with them as they work with officials in Puerto Rico to help their people regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives after such devastating storms,”

Governor Christie said. “Their experience should prove invaluable to Puerto Rico and we wish them well on their mission. We will continue to deploy help as needed that has been requested by the Governor of Puerto Rico.”

Last week, Governor Christie authorized the mobilization of 1,100 emergency responders and soldiers to deploy to Puerto Rico, including NJSP and 500 National Guard citizen soldiers with various equipment.

In addition, two New Jersey National Guard armories continue to accept donations to aid Puerto Rico hurricane relief efforts. The following are suggested items that elected officials, community leaders and organizations should collect for donation:

Baby food, batteries, box fans, canned goods, cots, cleaning supplies, diapers, feminine hygiene products, flash lights, flood pumps, hand sanitizer, first aid items, leather work gloves, new underwear and socks, new bed pillows and blankets, toiletries, utility knives and high capacity generators to restore power for hospitals, water service, and flood pumps.

The armories will not accept any items dropped off for deliver and all deliveries must be scheduled by calling 1-833-NJ-HELPS. Financial donations may be made by visiting www.NJ4PR.org.

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