By Dave Fried
Although Robbinsville Township was spared the widespread devastation that accompanied Superstorm Sandy when it came ashore Oct. 29, 2012, the most dynamic weather event ever to hit New Jersey triggered a ripple effect that changed the lives of people throughout our region forever.
Two years ago, the residents of Robbinsville stepped up in a big way to help others in need. From Mantoloking to Ortley Beach and along the devastated shores of Sea Bright, Staten Island and Union Beach, the generosity of our town was among the most uplifting and emotional I have experienced in all my years holding public office.
Most of Robbinsville was finishing last-minute preparations for a major storm, but nothing could have prepared us for the nightmare that slammed ashore at 8:11 p.m.
Sandy became the second-costliest storm in United States history after making landfall near Brigantine. Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record in terms of diameter. Only Hurricane Katrina in 2005 effected more people and cost as much. Sandy claimed the lives of 286 people in seven countries from the Caribbean to the Canada.
Locally, widespread power outages took its toll with 99 percent of Robbinsville residents without power for at least 48 hours and some for much, much longer. We were extremely fortunate, however, as no deaths or significant injuries were reported.
Chief of Police Marty Masseroni, along with Deputy Fire Chief Dan Schaffener, Business Administrator Joy Tozzi, Director of Public Works Dino Colarocco and his team, all spent several days on the road helping township residents with every possible need, from food and water, to temporary power, to clearing debris from properties and simply comforting them in what was a very stressful time for everyone.
The BAPS provided shelter for our of town workers and any resident in need, while the Senior Center and Robbinsville fire house served as warming and charging stations.
We worked 24 hours a day, every day, throughout the emergency. We did our very best, even without traditional access to Internet services to keep the community informed. I could not have possibly been any more proud of my employees and this town for its response. It still makes me emotional to this day.
The township continues to be indebted to the countless residents, volunteers, staff, local churches, civic organizations, the Robbinsville Police and Fire Departments, Public Works, PSE&G, the State of New Jersey and the Gov. Christie administration, FEMA, the County of Mercer and countless others far and wide for their unprecedented response and support.
Let’s hope we never have to endure such a calamity again. If we do, I am confident our town will again rise to the occasion.
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville.
