Sheriff Anthony Cureton Holds Pre-Ramadan Briefing

With Faith and Community Leaders

Hackensack, N.J. – In preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, Sheriff Anthony Cureton held a pre-Ramadan briefing on Tuesday, April 30th to discuss public safety precautions for the upcoming holiday season. The briefing was attended by Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Freeholder Vice-Chair Mary Amoroso, Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo, faith leaders from Bergen County mosques, and local law enforcement personnel.

“The safety and security of all Bergen County residents is of the utmost importance,” said Sheriff Cureton. “It is the job of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office to remain vigilant and dedicate additional resources for religious high holy days such as Ramadan. Bergen County must continue to be a welcoming place for everyone and that starts with making sure residents feel secure practicing their chosen creeds and faiths.”

“Our residents should always feel safe to worship openly as members of their chosen faith community, especially during high holy days,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “I am proud that we are working together to keep both residents and visitors safe as they live, work, and pray in Bergen County.”

“Recent religiously inspired violent acts have heightened everyone’s sense of preparedness, at a time when worshipers should be able to freely practice their faiths.  We in Bergen County law enforcement will always do our utmost to assure all members of our community that we will take all necessary actions and preparations to keep them safe while they worship,” said Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo.

“Sheriff Cureton has done an amazing job working collaboratively with religious leaders in Bergen County ensuring that law enforcement and the community are working hand in hand to maintain a safe environment for all of those who are observing Ramadan in the wake of houses of worship being targeted,” said Freeholder Vice-Chairwoman Mary Amoroso.

The briefing featured an overview of the holy Muslim holiday from Bergen County Jail Chaplain Imam Mohammed Ibn Ahmed as well as an opportunity to ask the Sheriff’s Office questions about resources available to keep faith communities safe.

While there is no current or specific threat, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office plans on deploying additional patrols to mosques and other potentially sensitive locations during the season of Ramadan. In addition, law enforcement will be on heightened alert for acts of bias.

Ramadan begins at sundown on the evening of Sunday May 5^th. Sheriff Anthony Cureton and the entire Office of the Bergen County Sheriff wish all who will be in observance a fruitful and happy Ramadan.

# # #