CAPE MAY – Coast Guard Training Center Cape May resumed normal security operations following the heightened security postures imposed June 25.
“At this point we are confident the missing pilot is not aboard the training center,” stated Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards, training center spokesperson, in a release. “After working with Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, which indicated the pilot’s scent lead away from the training center, as well as physical tracks from the plane and security camera footage showing the pilot heading away from the training center itself, the command decided to resume standard security measures.”
Training Center Cape May security personnel will continue to be posted at all access points, as well as by the plane.
Multiple agencies responded to the aircraft landing June 24, including the Coast Guard Fire and Police Departments, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Cape May Police Department and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit. Other agencies involved include Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Barbara Tomalino, owner of Paramount Air Service, released the following statement:
“After air operations were completed for the day of June 24, a plane owned by Paramount Air Service was taken without authority of the management or ownership of Paramount Air Service. The plane landed on the beach in Cape May.
“Paramount Air Service has no knowledge of the pilot’s motivation for the incident or his whereabouts after the incident.
“Paramount Air Service has been dedicated to serving the people and businesses of the Jersey Shore since 1945. We have always held ourselves and employees to the highest standards and will continue to investigate this incident.
“We at Paramount Air Service are working with the federal, state and local authorities to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”
Subsequent to her statement, Tomalino told NBC10 that her stepson, a mechanic at Paramount Air Service, took the plane without her knowledge.
The plane was removed from the beach later June 25, according to a release. The plane was defueled and its wings were removed to mitigate any potential damage to the environment and wildlife.
The incident remains under investigation.
North Cape May – Another shout out to Officer Bohn, the school resource officer at LCMR. I admire his hard work and devotion to the students and staff as I see him every morning and afternoon, snow, wind , sleet or…
