DENVILLE — Steven Vazquez, 48, of Denville, faces multiple charges after being involved in a two-vehicle crash with a Denville Township police vehicle on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Police responded to the scene on Cooper Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. During the investigation, officers determined that Vazquez was allegedly under the influence and placed him under arrest. He was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Vazquez was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), assault by auto, DWI within 1,000 feet of a school, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, possession of an open container in a motor vehicle, delaying traffic, and obstructing the passage of other vehicles.

He was released pending a mandatory court appearance.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Despite skepticism about New Jersey’s recent playoff performance, the Devils have undergone a significant transformation heading into 2025. They have systematically addressed their vulnerabilities, notably by bolstering their goaltending with the addition of Jacob Markstrom and strengthening their defensive core with Brett Pesce. These strategic moves position the Devils for improved performance in the upcoming season.

Jack Hughes now has the supporting cast to showcase his elite talent within Keefe’s structured system. The question isn’t whether the Devils will make the playoffs—it’s how far they’ll go once they do.

Key Takeaways

• The Elite goaltending tandem of Markstrom and Allen stabilizes a previous weakness and provides championship-caliber netminding.
• Defensive upgrades with Pesce and Dillon bring imposing size and reliability to complement Hamilton’s offensive production.
• Hughes-Hischier center duo provides top-end talent, but forward depth remains a concern requiring optimization.
• Keefe’s new 1-3-1 system emphasizes defensive structure while maximizing the speed of elite forwards.
• Recent playoff momentum combined with improved goaltending and defense positions the Devils for potential dominance.

An Upgraded Goaltending Combination

After enduring goaltending woes that plagued their 2023-24 campaign, the Devils have aggressively addressed their most glaring weakness by acquiring the Markstrom-Allen duo.

You’ll see an immediate impact from Markstrom, whose top-10 goals saved above expected last season earned him elite recognition among netminders. Even the NHL odds by FanDuel point to the team’s fortified crease as a crucial factor that could push the Devils into serious championship contention.

Allen’s numbers will also likely improve markedly behind New Jersey’s enhanced defensive structure, while Daws’ development guarantees a seamless future shift. This represents the best goaltending setup since the Devils’ Cory Schneider era.

Revamped Blue Line Brings Size and Experience

The Devils’ blue line underwent a dramatic transformation this offseason with three substantial additions bringing much-needed size, physical presence, and veteran stability to the defensive corps.

Pesce and Dillon inject immediate defensive reliability, offsetting the departures of Bahl and Marino. Under Keefe’s system, you’ll see more aggressive shifts in play, with Hamilton potentially pairing with Dillon rather than Siegenthaler.

The coaching shift prioritizes balanced play without sacrificing offensive contributions.

These changes represent a significant evolution from the neutral zone trap era that defined Devils hockey during their championship years under Jacques Lemaire.

Forward Depth and Scoring Potential Under Keefe

While the Devils’ forward corps boasts elite top-end talent in Hughes and Hischier, their overall lack of depth presents a concerning vulnerability heading into the 2025 campaign under Keefe’s system.

Bratt’s elite production and Noesen’s high-danger impact provide scoring punch, but injuries to either center would devastate the lineup.

Keefe must maximize Glass’s surprising chemistry with Bratt while addressing the failed pursuit of elite forwards through trade deadline acquisitions.

The team will likely rely heavily on Erik Haula’s defensive prowess to strengthen their bottom-six forward group.

Sheldon Keefe’s System and Cultural Reset

Sheldon Keefe’s arrival in New Jersey brings far more than tactical adjustments—it represents a complete organizational overhaul designed to transform a talented but underachieving roster into a disciplined contender.

You’ll see his 1-3-1 neutral-zone trap mirroring Laviolette’s Rangers success, with aggressive F1-F2-F3 layering maximizing Hughes and Bratt’s speed.

The defensive system prioritizes deliberate puck movement after gaining possession to minimize dangerous turnovers while building attacks.

Despite an 0-4 preseason, the accountability culture emphasizing daily improvement and defensive commitment signals that meaningful change is underway.

Playoff Aspirations: Overcoming Challenges in the Metropolitan

Despite entering the final stretch with promising 95.8% playoff odds and a projected 94-point finish, New Jersey’s postseason aspirations remain precariously balanced on their ability to navigate Metropolitan Division challenges.

Fans and bettors will want to monitor the teams’ vital home-and-home against Columbus, where that 4-point gap could shift dramatically.

Markstrom’s elite .857 high-danger save percentage and Bratt’s 80-point production must overcome their concerning 46.6% 5v5 shot attempts since March 7.

The team’s success has been bolstered by three consecutive wins for the first time since December.

Team Culture and Leadership: The Heartbeat of the Devils

The New Jersey Devils’ transformation extends beyond strategic plays and roster enhancements; it is reimagining the very essence of the team culture and leadership style. Under the guidance of head coach Sheldon Keefe, the Devils have cultivated an environment where accountability and unity are paramount.

Keefe’s philosophy emphasizes not just the physical aspects of the game but also the mental resilience required to excel. This cultural shift is evident in the locker room dynamics, where veteran players mentor emerging talents, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose.

The leadership core, led by captain Nico Hischier, embodies this ethos, setting a standard of excellence that permeates every facet of the organization.

It’s this intangible synergy that often propels teams from being mere contenders to championship-caliber squads. As the Devils embark on the 2025 season, this fortified internal culture stands as a testament to their commitment to not only play the game but to redefine it with passion and integrity.

Revolution and Evolution

You’re witnessing nothing short of a Devils’ revolution. Markstrom’s arrival transforms their Achilles’ heel into an impenetrable fortress, while Keefe’s system will release Hughes and Hischier to stratospheric production levels.

Their blue line now rivals any in the league’s history. Make no mistake—this team isn’t just a playoff contender; it’s potentially the NHL’s most dominant force since the dynasty Oilers. The Metropolitan Division crown is merely the foundation of eagerly anticipated future successes.

DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Town of Dover Chief of Police Jonathan Delaney confirmed the sentencing of Richard Ferrarie-Loffredo, 38, of the Town of Dover, for distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

On December 16, 2024, Ferrarie-Loffredo pled guilty to one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Distribution of CSAM, a second-degree offense. On March 14, 2025, the Honorable Ralph Amirata imposed a sentence of seven years in New Jersey State Prison and Parole Supervision for Life. Ferrarie-Loffredo was also found to be “repetitive and compulsive” subjecting Ferrarie-Loffredo to sentencing under the New Jersey Sex Offender Act. Under this act, the defendant was sentenced to specialized sex offender treatment at the New Jersey State Prison located at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel. Ferrarie-Loffredo was previously subject to Megan’s Law, which will continue upon release.

The investigation in this case began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referencing media files depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors. The media files were uploaded to Reddit, an internet-based social platform, by Ferrarie-Loffredo. The investigation of electronic devices found that he distributed between 800 and 900 items of CSAM, and had approximately 1,400 items of CSAM.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Dover Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in this investigation and prosecution.

Testing and Continued Work
Additional testing on the westbound side is now underway in light of the new sinkhole. NJDOT crews have halted non-essential roadwork across the state to focus all resources on this critical repair. In addition, the DOT Commissioner has been in touch with federal and neighboring state DOTs to collaborate on traffic flow management and resource sharing.

Changes to the Crossover Plan
The planned crossover to temporarily shift eastbound traffic onto the westbound side to alleviate congestion is now on hold as the DOT completes testing and assessment on the westbound lanes. Once testing is completed, the crossover plan will be reconsidered.

What You Need to Know
In the meantime, NJDOT continues to coordinate with local officials to ensure that alternate routes for detours are as effective as possible, and I am in direct contact with mayors to address community-specific needs. Detour routes and updates are being provided through digital notices, including alerts to truck drivers about closures.

I am also exploring urgent legislative solutions to ensure that local businesses and municipalities impacted by these extended closures have access to necessary resources, including potential financial assistance to help mitigate the effects of this prolonged disruption.

Thank You for Your Patience
I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as this critical repair work continues. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and my office is available to help with any questions or concerns.

Please stay safe and plan for travel. For real-time updates, visit 511nj.org.



MORRIS COUNTY — The streets of Morristown were filled with Irish pride as Grand Marshal Keith Wood of Chester led the 2025 Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15. Wood, a dedicated local community member and a proud advocate for Irish heritage was honored for his contributions and leadership.

A Proud Tradition

The Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade has long been a cherished event, drawing participants and spectators from all over the region. The parade stepped off at noon from 200 South Street and made its way through the heart of Morristown. Lined with enthusiastic onlookers, the route showcased the community’s unity and pride.

Honoring the Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal Keith Wood of Chester led the procession. A dedicated community member, Wood’s selection as Grand Marshal was a testament to his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Irish culture in Morris County. With a sash draped across his chest, Wood proudly marched at the helm of the parade, waving to the thousands of spectators who lined the streets to celebrate one of New Jersey’s largest and most anticipated St. Patrick’s Day events. Behind him, a sea of green-clad participants, including local officials, marching bands, cultural organizations, and community groups, followed in a spirited procession.

Wood, well known in Chester for his involvement in civic and charitable initiatives, expressed his gratitude for being chosen as this year’s Grand Marshal. “It’s an incredible honor to lead this parade and celebrate the deep-rooted Irish traditions in Morris County,” Wood said. “This event is not just about St. Patrick’s Day—it’s about bringing people together in unity, culture, and celebration.”

Parade Highlights

The parade featured a vibrant array of participants, including:​

• Marching Bands: Local high school bands filled the air with lively tunes, adding rhythm to the celebration.​
• Bagpipers: Traditional Irish melodies resonated through the streets, evoking a deep sense of heritage.​
• Dance Troupes: Irish dance groups captivated the audience with intricate footwork and spirited performances.​
• Community Organizations: Various local groups and societies proudly marched, reflecting the diverse fabric of Morris County.​

A Day of Festivities

Beyond the parade, attendees enjoyed a host of activities:​

• Cultural Exhibits: Displays highlighting Irish history and contributions to the community.​
• Food Stalls: Vendors offered traditional Irish fare, delighting the taste buds of many.​
• Family Activities: Children and families participated in games and crafts, ensuring fun for all ages.​

Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s parade underscores Morris County’s enduring spirit and unity. Organizers are planning next year’s event to make it even more memorable.