Middletown's Security in Post-9/11 Era

Before Sept. 11, 2001, there was no such thing as a Municipal Counter Terrorism Coordinator in Middletown, or anywhere else for that matter. 

But everything changed after that day, when municipalities had to start paying closer attention to the very real, very near threat of terrorism that shook police departments to their core when the two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, across the bay from Middletown ten years ago.

On that day, Middletown lost 37 of its residents who left for work on the trains and ferries into the city. Shortly thereafter, a Homeland Security initiative in the township was borne.

There is now a explosives detection K-9 on patrol named Tupac, who patrols the Belford Ferry Terminal and train station on a regular basis and is on alert at all times, accompanied by his partner, Patrolman Frank Mazza. "It gives people a sense of comfort when they see the dog," Mazza said. "I have him at the ferry (Belford) and train station all the time and they like knowing he's around to protect them."

In the past 10 years, there have been four Municipal Counter Terrorism coordinators in Middletown: Sgt. William Straniero, Deputy Police Chief Darren Schwedes, Lt. John Kaiser and, now, Sgt. William Colangelo.

Patch will feature a video interview with Colangelo and a glimpse into the job today.