Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • January 18, 2012 Ridgewood The Ridgewood Village Council promoted Joseph Koonce to the rank of lieutenant in the Ridgewood Fire Department. Lieutenant Koonce has served on the Ridgewood Department for 14 years. A swearing-in ceremony took place at last week’s public meeting. His family and approximately 20 firefighters and other public safety personnel attended the ceremony to wish him well. A resident of Cliffside Park, Koonce is also a veteran of six years in the United States Army with three rows of Koonce promoted to lieutenant in fire department service campaign medals and commendations. As part of the consent agenda in an independent vote, the council also approved the plans and specifications for a mid-mount ladder truck prepared by the engineering department of the Ridgewood Fire Department. Bids will now be accepted for the truck, which has an estimated cost of $1 million to $1.4 million. Council members concurred toward the end of last year that the truck was a necessary upgrade both for the safety of the residents and the safety of the firefighters. J. KOSTER The Ridgewood police urge residents to keep an eye on their neighborhoods in the wake of a number of burglaries and thefts. On Jan. 4, an Englewood resident reported that her wallet was stolen from the staff kitchen of the Ridgewood Center on Franklin Turnpike. On Jan. 8, a Montclair resident reported that she had parked her vehicle at the rear of 200 East Ridgewood Avenue, and when she returned to the vehicle, the rear pas- Residents urged: Keep eye on neighborhoods senger window had been smashed and a number of items had been taken. Chief John Ward urges residents to make their homes appear occupied when they are not home by leaving lights and a radio on. He also urged residents to report any vehicles in the neighborhood that do not appear to belong to residents. He said residents should not approach or confront anyone in a suspicious vehicle. J. KOSTER Mayor Keith Killion and Fire Lieutenant Joseph Koonce.