North Brunswick honored United States Air Force veteran Jeffrey Buonocore by dedicating Kingston Run as Buonocore Way on Monday, September 16.

Jeffrey grew up in Milltown and is a Spotswood High School graduate. From 1999 – 2000, he attended Middlesex County College. In 1999 he joined the Milltown Fire Department. He graduated from Fire Fighter Academy and Fire Fighter Academy 2. In 2000, Jeffrey transferred to Rutgers University.

Jeffrey in 2001 responded to Ground Zero as a Fire Fighter and assisted with search and rescue efforts and setting up Blood Banks for the injured. Jeffrey wanted to do more. He was raised by a WW2 Air Force Veteran that received the Distinguished Flying Cross for surviving thirty missions over Germany preparing for the D- Day invasion. which inspired Jeffrey to join the Air Force Reserves.

Jeffrey graduated from Air Force Basic Training in Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and in 2002 graduated from the Air Force Security Forced Academy. (their military police academy) Jeffrey returned home to continue his studies at Rutgers University. He graduated in 2003 from the New Jersey Union County Police Academy alternate route program. In 2004, he was hired by the Rutgers Police Department. In 2005, he moved to North Brunswick Township and in 2006 deployed to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Florida. He attended heavy weapons machine gun training, in which he became anti – terrorism level two training and attended foreign country awareness school. In 2006, Jeffrey was promoted to Staff Sergeant and volunteered to go to IRAQ in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he attended Pre – Deployment training in Camp Swift in Bastrop TX. In 2007 Jeffrey was deployed to Iraq.

Jeffrey has received the following awards: Iraq Campaign Medal, War on Terrorism Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He graduated in 2010 from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology and Criminology.

Jeffrey in 2011 married Nakia Buonocore and have four beautiful children. Dasia, 22, Sophia, 12, Preston 9, and Josphine 1.

Jeffrey was hired by the North Brunswick Police Department in 2012. He attended Seton Hall University from 2013 – 2015 and earned a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Training Management.

Jeffrey in 2015 attended the Air Force Aerial Port Academy in Georgia and honorable ended his service with the military in 2021.

We thank and honor Jeffrey Buonocore for his service to our country and community!

At his final Township Council Meeting on Monday, September 16, Councilman Ralph Andrews was honored by Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack, Council colleagues and Township Directors.

“For more than two decades, Ralph has been a pillar of our community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of our residents,” read the proclamation in his honor. “His dedication as a liaison to the Planning Board and his work with both the Open Space Committee and Environmental Commission have left a lasting impact on the development of our community.”

In his remarks, Councilman Andrews said, “It’s bittersweet that I am leaving but I think it’s time. It’s time to start spending time with the people that you really want to be with, your friends and your family.”

“I have to thank the residents for electing me to this wonderful ride that I have been on for many years,” he said.

Andrews thanked Mayor Womack and his confidential aide, Janice Larkin, his present and past Township Council colleagues, Township departments and Directors and former Mayor David Spaulding.

Mayor Womack said, “We are all deeply grateful for Ralph Andrews’ many years of service to our community and we wish him all the best as he starts this next chapter.”

Councilman Bob Davis said Andrews has given back so much to the Township.

Councilman Carlo Socio praised Andrews’ work on Township committees.

Council President Mary Hutchinson, Councilwoman Amanda Guadagnino and Councilman Rajesh Mehta thanked Andrews for his guidance and support when they began their Council tenures.

“You are a wealth of information,” said Council President Hutchinson. “You are a beautiful human being and you are going to be greatly missed.”

During his time on the Township Council, Andrews played a key role in numerous initiatives, particularly in advocating for open space. He was instrumental in the 100-acre land acquisition that led to the creation of North Brunswick Community Park in 2005, now a cherished space for residents of all ages.

Lou Ann Benson, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, said, “You’ve done some amazing projects for the residents in our community from the Links to Health to your input for our fabulous North Brunswick Community Park and just a constant partner in all our recreation avenues.”

With a background in construction, he also made significant contributions during his time on the Planning Board. He was a forward thinker, championing energy-efficient solutions in development that went beyond vehicle charging stations and rooftop solar panels.

Michael Hritz, Director of Community Development said, “My admiration for the work that (Andrews) has done, particularly on the Planning Board for the past 20+ years has been really pivotal to all the modern development and redevelopment of the Township. Your counsel on these matters has been significant.”

Andrews worked closely with Police Director Kenneth McCormick and Chief Joseph Battaglia on initiatives that supported at-risk youth and empowered them to see a bright future despite life’s challenges.

“I appreciate all of your knowledge and everything you have taught me over the years,” said Chief Battaglia. “I am proud and happy to call you my friend.”

Andrews offered advice to residents who seek an answer to any Township related issue or matter. Don’t post it on social media. Call the town.   “If it’s a police issue, call the police,” he said. “I also recommend they call the Mayor’s aide because she’ll get somebody involved that will help you.”

The Boost spotlights the North Brunswick Food Bank with special guest Kathy Aruta, Food Bank President.

Food Bank distribution is on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 15 Linwood Place. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services at (732) 247-0922, ext. 475.

We are pleased to announce the opening of a newly constructed basketball court in Babbage Park. 

This work was entirely funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and replaces a court that was nearly 36 years old. 

The Boost travels to the Department of Public Works as Director Steve Bloyed discusses the Township’s recent move from regular diesel to Neste MY Renewable Diesel for its vehicle diesel fleet and generators. It is a renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil that is chemically identical to fossil diesel.

North Brunswick is the first municipality in Middlesex County to use renewable diesel for Township vehicles that are diesel operated. The change will be more environmentally friendly while reducing Township fuel and maintenance costs.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is extending its “Hard Shoulder” pilot program from South Brunswick along Route 1 in North Brunswick between Aaron Road and Finnegans Lane.  The project allows shoulders to be used as travel lanes during designated times.

Accordingly, work to widen the shoulders for milling and paving will take place throughout the summer and result in temporary closures in this area.

Please use caution as necessary when traveling in this area of Route 1 while work is in progress.

This week’s Boost highlights the North Brunswick Police Department’s Adopt A Cop Program with special guest Detective Adrian Ailey. The show includes footage from the program’s recent visit to Livingston Park Elementary School.