Police to Use Man Power to Maintain Safety at Firemen's Fair

With the large amount of people coming into the small town of Fair Haven this Friday, are taking all necessary precautions.

This Friday is the opening day of the annual in Fair Haven. Every year people young and old, near and far, come to experience what is Fair Haven's oldest tradition.

The Firemen's Fair is said to be the second largest fair in New Jersey and first largest firemen's fair. "This fair attracts tens of thousands of people every year," said Mayor of Fair Haven, Michael Halfacre.

With such a large influx of people coming into such a small town, the local police do everything they can to keep things in order. "We are assisted by police from surrounding towns," said Jesse Dykstra, Fair Haven detective. "We have officers posted throughout the fair grounds and throughout the town."

According to detective Dykstra, the local police plan for possible issues, but they do not expect them. In general, the police expect a much higher volume of traffic coming through town, but they take that as it comes. Around the time of the fair, there will be signs posted on the streets warning people about traffic delays. 

As far as precautions the police take before the fair, man power is key. "We have lots of help from other officers," Dykstra said. "With the amount of people coming into town, having as much police presence as possible really helps." In addition to , the town will have the help of police from Rumson, Red Bank and Middletown.

The local police know that traffic will be an issue during the course of the fair. They ask people passing through to be patient, as traffic will be moving slow closer to the on River Rd.

"Local people know what to expect," Dykstra said. "They know traffic will be slow, parking will be tough and it is going to be loud. Complaints people have should be brought directly to any officer at the Fair."

The main objectives for the local police is the safety of people coming to the fair, maintaining the safety of Fair Haven residents, and keeping everything under control.