Linden Police to participate in Nationwide Click it or Ticket Enforcement and Education Campaign from May 19 through June 1, 2025. The Linden Police Department will join law enforcement officers from around the country in cracking down on unbuckled motorists and passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” high-visibility enforcement effort.
Click here to view and/or download the memo regarding the 2025 Click it or Ticket Campaign.
Click here for more information about New Jersey seat belt laws.
The annual “Click It or Ticket” national mobilization, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, utilizes high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols in combination with local and national publicity efforts to reiterate the life-saving value of seat belts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,484 of the passengers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023 were not wearing seatbelts. While a national compliance rate near 92% seems high, the data reflects some concerning trends; 60% of the young adults killed and 56% of those killed in nighttime crashes were not buckled. “Putting on your seatbelt is the single most important step you can take when you get into a vehicle,” said Police Chief David Hart. “Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can cut your chances of being seriously hurt or killed in a crash by 45%, and it is 100% in your control.”
In New Jersey, everyone must be buckled up, regardless of where they’re sitting. A violation by the driver, front seat passenger, or passenger under the age of 18 is a primary offense, so a police officer may stop a vehicle and issue a ticket without witnessing any other violations. While passengers over the age of 18 are responsible for themselves, drivers are responsible for all passengers under the age of 18.
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish Celebrates Centennial Anniversary in Linden.
Linden, NJ, May 1, 2025 The Parish of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus marked a significant milestone on Sunday, April 27th, celebrating its 100th anniversary with a jubilant Mass held at the church. The centennial celebration continued with a special reception at The Grand in Totowa.
Mayor Derek Armstead proudly recognized this enduring congregation for its century of service to the Linden community. “For the past 100 years, the St. Theresa community has been an integral and deeply valued part of our City,” Mayor Armstead noted. “Their contributions, both spiritual and communal, have enriched the lives of countless residents.”
In honor of this momentous anniversary, official resolutions were presented to the Pastor of St. Theresa, Reverend Ireneusz Pierzchala. These recognitions came from the City of Linden, presented by Council President Michele Yamakaitis; the County of Union, delivered by County Commissioner Joseph Bodek; and the State Senate, conveyed by Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak.
Founded in 1925, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish has served as a cornerstone of the Linden community, initially established to meet the spiritual and educational needs of the Polish immigrant population. Over the past century, the parish has grown into a diverse and vibrant faith community, holding a special place in the hearts of generations of Linden residents.
The City of Linden extends its heartfelt congratulations to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish on this remarkable achievement and wishes them another 100 years of faith, service, and community spirit. Sto Lat!
Click here to view and/or download the press release for the event. Click here to view and/or download the photo from the event.
On April 4, 2025, Human Services announced a new security feature that allows individuals who receive cash and food assistance benefits to lock their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to protect against the national problem of skimming. Residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits can use the new EBT Lock/Unlock tool on the NJFamiliesFirst.com website or the ConnectEBT app to lock their EBT cards when they are not in use. Choosing the “Lock My Card Everywhere” option blocks all purchases while your card is locked. Residents will still receive benefits or refunds – even if their card is locked – but no online or in-store purchases can be made. Click here to view the full press release in English. Click here to view the full press release in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download instructions on how to lock your Families First EBT Card and protect your family from theft – English.
Click here to view and/or download instructions on how to lock your Families First EBT Card and protect your family from theft – Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the Mother’s Day Celebration flyer.
Who: Adults only.
What: 2025 Mother’s Day Celebration; spa care, massages, wigs & hair, nails, lashes & tints, Mary Kay Consultants, head wrapping, book signings. Make you own bracelet! music, exercising, line dancing, consulting dietician, refreshments, swag bags, and prizes.
The City of Linden offers a vibrant array of cultural and entertainment options that cater to residents of all ages and interests. For those seeking live entertainment, Linden hosts various festivals, outdoor concerts, and community events throughout the year, ensuring a lively atmosphere. The city is also home to numerous parks & recreational centers that provide ample opportunities for indoor/outdoor activities and family-friendly fun. Whether it’s enjoying a summer concert, attending a cultural festival, or simply relaxing in one of the city’s beautiful green spaces, Linden truly stands out as a place that fosters a strong sense of community through its diverse cultural and entertainment offerings! For more information, call the Linden Department of Parks & Recreation at 908-474-8600.
Click here to view all Parks & Recreation Programs and Events!
Congratulations to the Linden Tiger Cubs or LTC youth basketball organization had a spectacular winter season. The 7th grade elite boys team, coached by Whitney Denville, won the Clark Winter tournament. LTC also won three Championships competing in the Central Jersey North Brunswick basketball league. Their 5th grade girls, coached by Jaedyn Boyd, won their grade and age level. Many of these girls won the 5th grade level as 4th graders last season. LTC also had the 6th and 7th grade boys, coached by Greg Parker Sr., win their age and grade level as well. We are Linden! For more information about the LTC youth basketball organization follow their IG page.
Click here to view the LTC Youth Basketball Organization Gallery.
United Way of Greater Union County in partnership with Prevention Links are excited to announce an upcoming event that brings together all the young people we serve for a day of fun, competition, and awareness. Game On for Prevention: Youth, Substance Abuse & Violence Awareness Tournament!
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English. Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish. Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Creole.
Who: Youth program.
What: United Way of Greater Union County in partnership with Prevention Links are excited to announce an upcoming event that brings together all the young people we serve for a day of fun, competition, and awareness. Game On for Prevention: Youth, Substance Abuse & Violence Awareness Tournament! This event, aligned with National Youth Violence Prevention Week, will feature:
Free admission, amazing youth opportunities with trophies and medals.
A basketball tournament for youth teams across Union County.
Resource tables connecting youth with local programs & opportunities.
Music, food, and friendly competition to bring our community together.
Click here to view and/or download the NJSACOP Accreditation News Release.
Linden Mayor Derek Armstead and Police Chief David Hart announced today that the Linden Police Department has earned accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
NJSACOP Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S. attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 18 and presented the Department with its first ever accreditation certificate.
During his remarks, Dr. Delgado praised the leadership of Chief Hart through the accreditation process. “Under the leadership of Chief Hart, a high level of competence, leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency. Leading a large police department through this rigorous process, despite the many challenges in law enforcement today: budgets, manpower and emerging technologies and to have no issues found is simply remarkable!”
The NJSACOP Accreditation Program is a nationally-certified program designed to enhance professionalism and transparency in the state’s public safety system. To earn accreditation, agencies must demonstrate compliance with one hundred and twelve (112) professional standards that reflect the best practices for law enforcement in the state of New Jersey. The process includes a comprehensive self-analysis of agency policy and operations that culminates with an independent, on-site audit conducted by a team of assessors.
“This accreditation stands as a powerful testament to the enduring hard work and professionalism that have defined our police department, both since and prior to my taking office.” said Mayor Derek Armstead
Attaining and maintaining an accreditation is an ongoing commitment; only 54% of police departments statewide achieve accreditation status, and this achievement demonstrates a commitment by the entire Department, Governing Body, and citizens to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in law enforcement.
“This is a very proud day for the Linden Police Department,” said Police Chief David Hart. “This accreditation recognizes the incredible efforts our men and women take each and every day to serve our community with honor, pride, and professionalism.”
Chief Hart specifically thanked Sergeant Leon Pastor, who served as the Department’s Accreditation Manager, as well as Mayor Armstead and the members of the Linden City Council, whose continued support of the Police Department and our initiatives were instrumental in this achievement.
