A new Westwood Police Department program for elderly residents who live alone aims to ensure local law enforcement officers have easier access to homes when responding to emergencies.
The Westwood force had heard about Operation Blue Angel, a free program that many other departments in the state have adopted, and was excited to participate to help people in the city who are 55 and older, Detective Joseph Pavone said. Westwood officially launched the initiative in early October.
“The department had noted numerous incidents involving residents 55 years of age or older, or with medical conditions living alone, where officers had difficulty entering their homes to render aid,” Pavone said in an interview. “Many people do not have family or loved ones nearby who are willing and able to provide access to their home at a moment’s notice.”
Operation Blue Angel offers participants a free key box for a spare key to their home. The box will be installed in a secure location on their property, Pavone said.
“In the event of an emergency, a responding Westwood officer will open the key box, use the home’s spare key and render assistance,” Pavone said. “Only the Westwood Police Department has access to the key box codes.”
Operation Blue Angel Cities in NJ
Operation Blue Angel has emerged around New Jersey as the state’s population ages. Cities including Ridgewood, Park Ridge, Montclair, West Orange and Bridgewater now offer the service.
Since the program started, nine lockboxes have been installed in Westwood, some in homes where couples live, Pavone said.
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“These key boxes ensure that our officers can quickly enter your home and provide you with the help you need as quickly as possible,” the detective added. “It will also prevent damage to residents’ property as there have been numerous cases where officers were unable to gain entry to a locked home and had no choice but to break down the door. This program helps save lives, and we hope all our eligible residents participate.”
Those 55 and older interested in Operation Blue Angel can contact Detective Danielle Neuberger at dneuberger@westwoodnj.gov or Pavone at jpavone@westwoodnj.gov.
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the top news from your local community, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
E-mail: noda@northjersey.com
Twitter: @snoda11
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Westwood’s Operation Blue Angel watches over seniors living alone
