A new Westwood Police Department program for older residents who live alone aims to ensure local law enforcement has easier access to homes when responding to emergencies.

The Westwood force had heard about Operation Blue Angel, a free program that many other departments across the state have adopted, and was excited to participate to help people in town who are 55 and older, said Detective Joseph Pavone. Westwood officially launched the initiative at the beginning of October.

"The department had noticed numerous incidents where residents 55 or older, or with medical conditions who live alone, where officers had difficulty accessing their residence to render aid," Pavone said in an interview. "A lot of people don't have family or loved ones in the area who are ready and able to provide access to their home at a moment's notice."

Operation Blue Angel provides participants with a free lockbox for a spare key to their residence. The box is installed in a secure location on their property, said Pavone.

"In the event of an emergency, a responding Westwood officer will open the lockbox, use the spare key to the residence, and render aid," said Pavone. "Only the Westwood Police Department has access to the codes for the lockboxes."

Operation Blue Angel has sprung up around New Jersey as the state's population ages. Towns including Ridgewood, Park Ridge, Montclair, West Orange and Bridgewater now offer the service.

Since the program began, nine lockboxes have been installed in Westwood, a few at homes where couples live, Pavone said.

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"These lockboxes ensure our officers will be able to enter your residence quickly, and get you the aid you need as fast as possible," the detective added. "It will also prevent damage to resident's property, because there have been numerous instances where officers had no access to a locked residence and were left with no choice but to break down the door. This program helps save lives, and we hope all of our eligible residents participate."

Those aged 55 and above who are interested in Operation Blue Angel can reach out to Detective Danielle Neuberger at [email protected] or Pavone at [email protected].

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.