Let the police run their own departments

In a recent article in The New Jersey Herald where Councilman Fredrick Babcock Jr., of Franklin Borough interfered with Franklin Police Sgt. Gregory Cugliari and the Franklin police during an ongoing investigation is appalling. Councilman Babcock should not have interfered with the police during the investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of his father, Fredrick Babcock Sr., a Franklin Borough fireman.

Councilman Frederick Babcock Jr. should be pleased and appreciative with the Franklin Borough police because the police did not arrest him for interfering in an ongoing police investigation as would have most likely been the case if the councilman was just a citizen. As far as Councilman Frederick Babcock Jr. saying to the Police “THIS IS WHY I HATE YOU GUYS," does show he cannot remain unbiased and professional and should resign from his position as councilman immediately. If the Franklin Borough mayor or any of the councilmen are standing by Councilman Fredrick Babcock Jr.’s actions and statement then they should also resign their position.

In my opinion it has been a practice throughout Sussex County that some mayors, some council people, and other elected officials, think they are above the law and they have the authority to tell our police who to arrest, when to arrest, and who not to arrest. The elected officials should stay out of police work and let the Police Dept. heads run our Police Departments. Not the politicians. Councilman Fredrick Babcock Jr. should tread very lightly in this matter and publicly apologize to the good sergeant and Franklin Borough police. If I was the chief of police, I would direct my officers to arrest the councilman for interfering with the police, due to the statue of limitations not being expired.

Now I must touch on Councilman David Fanale, who criticized a police officer for assisting in the rescue of pets during a fire when he was injured. Our police take an oath of office to protect, serve, save lives and property. I am sure that if the officer felt he would be injured, he would have stayed out of the building. Councilman David Fanale, in my opinion, also cannot be unbiased and act in a professional manner when it comes to the Franklin Borough police and should immediately resign his position as councilman. The local politicians in our municipalities who do not appreciate or like our police officers probably do not like the residents either and they should not be in public office. The citizens of Franklin Borough should demand that these two councilmen resign immediately.

Our State Police, county sheriff's officers and Municipal police do a fantastic job for the citizens, taxpayers and visitors who travel through our county. It’s time for the citizens and taxpayers to come together and support our law enforcment community, and start electing officials who appreciate our law enforcedment officers, our school teachers and us the taxpayers.

Wallace A. Zosche Sr.
Vernon