Gold Star travel program offered

HOWELL - Monmouth County Undersheriff Tom Pegut presented the Gold Star Senior Travel Program on Oct. 24 at Surrey Downs to approximately 20 residents of the adult community.

The program, a partnership of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and the county's Office on Aging, provides emergency identification for senior citizens when traveling by car.

A special identification form is carried in the glove compartment of a senior's vehicle. Should the senior become ill or involved in a motor vehicle accident, emergency identification and contact information is available on the form to emergency responders.

A gold star affixed to the rear windshield of the vehicle indicates that the driver of the vehicle is a participant in the program.

"I am delighted to again be partnering with Sheriff Joseph Oxley and the sheriff's office in this program," said Office on Aging Executive Director John A. Wanat. "Our four current partnerships, Senior Scan - Seniors Fighting Terrorism, Senior Air Traveler, Project Lifesaver and Safe Surfing for Seniors have been extremely successful."

"My top priority as sheriff is the safety and security of Monmouth County residents," Oxley said. "By partnering with the Office on Aging in developing and implementing programs for senior safety, we are ensuring that Monmouth County remains a safe and secure place to live, work and raise a family."