Wall man found guilty of harassing another Glendola firefighter
For the second time in just over one month, a Wall Township resident was found guilty of harassing a Glendola firefighter in September 2006.
Robert Fuhr, 32, of Belmar Boulevard, was found guilty in Wall Municipal Court last Thursday of harassing John Rosenfeld, a full time firefighter with the Glendola Fire Department and the brother of the man Mr. Fuhr was convicted of harassing on Dec. 13.
In that case, Monmouth County Municipal Courts Presiding Judge John G. Colannino fined Mr. Fuhr $400 on one count of harassment and $256 for careless driving.
Capt. Christopher Rosenfeld, who is a full-time firefighter with the Glendola Fire Department, alleged that on Sept. 13, 2006, Mr. Fuhr harassed him on Belmar Boulevard after an incident in which Mr. Fuhr “checked his brakes” twice as Capt. Rosenfeld was driving behind him, in a manner to cause alarm, annoy or injure Capt. Rosenfeld.
Capt. Rosenfeld had faced the charges of following too closely and careless driving, after a civil complaint was filed against the captain by Mr. Fuhr.
Both those charges were dropped by the court since it was determined that the testimony of Mr. Fuhr was insufficient enough to prove that Capt. Rosenfeld had actually committed those driving infractions, as alleged by Mr. Fuhr. No other charges were filed against Capt. Rosenfeld in that case.
Judge Colannino heard the latest case this past Thursday morning after Wall Municipal Court Judge Thomas Brennan recused himself from the case.
Judge Brennan did not provide a reason for recusing himself, nor is he required to do so.
Mr. Fuhr was arrested on Sept. 15, 2006 and charged with aggravated assault in the fourth degree and harassment for allegedly swerving his vehicle into the oncoming lane of traffic on 16th Avenue. John Rosenfeld was driving in a marked fire vehicle on 16th Avenue when Mr. Fuhr allegedly swerved in front of him.
That same day, John Rosenfeld was cited by the Wall Police with harassment, obstructing the passage of another vehicle, careless driving, reckless driving and tailgating after an alleged incident on Belmar Boulevard with Mr. Fuhr. Mr. Fuhr alleged that later the same day, Mr. Rosenfeld passed him on the roadway and made obscene gestures towards him while also driving in a careless manner.
Mr. Fuhr signed a complaint against Mr. Rosenfeld for the alleged incident, which led to the firefighter being cited by police.
Before the trial even began, Riverside-based attorney Jeffrey E. Snow, who was representing Mr. Fuhr, and Wall Township Municipal Prosecutor Eric Brophy, met for approximately 90 minutes in an effort to amicably settle the case.
Mr. Rosenfeld’s attorney, Michael Hobbie, of Eatontown, also sat in on those negotiations.
When the case resumed, Judge Colannino complimented the attorneys for their effort to resolve the matter, stating that it was his belief the resolution was a “very good one.”
Mr. Brophy shared the judge’s sentiment, stating, the “mutual resolution is beneficial for everyone.”
Judge Colannino wound up dismissing all of Mr. Fuhr’s and Mr. Rosenfeld’s traffic tickets related to the case, as part of the arrangement. Mr. Rosenfeld did not face any other charges.
As part of the resolution, Mr. Fuhr did admit that he came into contact on several occasions with Mr. Rosenfeld on the roadway and while operating his vehicle, acted in a way to “seriously annoy” Mr. Rosenfeld, as well.
“I strongly feel it’s in the best interest of justice,” Judge Colannino said in reference to Mr. Fuhr’s plea bargain. “I think it is an appropriate way to resolve these matters.”
Prior to sentencing Mr. Fuhr, Mr. Snow stated, “He’s [Mr. Fuhr] coming forward on this day and accepting responsibility.
“I don’t anticipate any further problems between these parties,” Mr. Snow added, “so he [Mr. Fuhr] can move on with his life.”
The prosecutor was more firm with the court, stating, “It’s more than a squabble” between two neighbors, saying it was more of a clash between one Wall resident and the municipal government.
Mr. Brophy asked for the harshest penalties to be imposed upon Mr. Fuhr.
While Mr. Hobbie declined to offer an opinion on how Mr. Fuhr should be sentenced, the attorney did inform the court that his client is a full-time firefighter who was only trying to do his job and protect his fellow firefighters and community.
“These are unfortunate situations, clearly they should not have happened,” Judge Colannino said, before declaring the penalties.
“I believe Mr. Fuhr does in fact understand he erred and this could not continue,” said the judge, further stating that he believes Mr. Fuhr comprehends that he broke the law and “what he did was improper.
“Firefighters and civil servants, in general, have a difficult enough task having to carry out their responsibilities,” without having to worry about people interfering with their duties, said Judge Colannino.
“There can be no excuse as to what has been admitted to,” the judge stated.
Judge Colannino found Mr. Fuhr guilty on two counts of harassment from the incident on Sept. 15.
Mr. Fuhr received a $1,000 fine, plus $33 in court costs, on each count, as well as 90 days in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on each count, for a total of $2,066 in fines and 180 days in jail.
The sentence will be suspended with the stipulation that Mr. Fuhr does not come into contact with any Wall Township official over the course of the next year.
If so, Judge Colannino stated, Mr. Fuhr will be immediately placed into the county jail for 180 days and fined the full amount.
Mr. Hobbie was pleased with the verdict, he stated, as were both of his clients.
“The Rosenfelds are both very happy this is over,” Mr. Hobbie stated.
The attorney stated that both he and the Rosenfelds are hopeful the sentence imposed by the judge upon Mr. Fuhr will ensure the safety of Wall Township firefighters.
“They want to continue to serve and protect the citizens of Wall,” the attorney stated.
