SECURITY ALERT
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
SECURITY ALERT
PO Box 809, Trenton, NJ 08625-0809 (609) 633-6070 SECURITY ALERT 13-1
Be Alert for Individuals Seeking Information About
Emergency Response Agencies
Issued April 2013
The Division of Fire Safety has received information from the Mantua Twp., Gloucester
County, NJ Fire Department that on April 12, 2013 two male subjects, appearing to be of
Middle Eastern descent and possibly between 25 and 30 years old walked into the fire
station and asked to take photographs of the apparatus and do a video interview with
personnel. They stated the reason for this was so the information could be sent back to....Continue Reading
their country. They also stated that they wanted to obtain information from local police
departments as well. Personnel advised them that this request was denied based upon
security concerns. When asked for ID, one said they didn't have any. It was reported that the
two men were very upset that their request was denied.
They then were escorted out of the station and a description of their vehicle was obtained.
The vehicle is a 1999 Mercury Villager Mini-Van, Light Gold Metallic in color, NJ Registration
UEA31N.
Personnel then notified the Mantua Twp.Police Department and requested theyrespond to
the fire station. The Division of Fire Safety was notified and immediately notified the State
Regional Operational Intelligence Center (ROIC) in West Trenton with a description of the
incident.
The Mantua Twp. Police Department put out a “pickup and hold for questioning” at this time.
It is believed that these individuals may have visited several area fire stations.
Fire and emergency response personnel are advised to have a heightened awareness of
this and other similar incidents; especially considering the attacks at the Boston Marathon.
If an incident such as this occurs at your station, ensure that no information is provided and
that any individuals are escorted out, if safe to do so. Attempt to obtain any identifying
information such as physical characteristics, approximate age, tattoos, scars, clothing,
accents and any other information that may be useful to police. If possible to do so secretly,
a cell phone photo or video of the individuals should be taken. Additionally, obtain vehicle
information including make, model, approximate year, color, and most importantly, license
plate number and registration state. Local or State Police should be notified immediately
and all information should be provided to them.
Please also notify the Division of Fire Safety of any similar incident that may occur at
1-877-653-4737.
