Teaneck, NJ – The township held a safety seminar on Wednesday for houses of worship and other institutions after the racially motivated shooting last month in South Carolina.

The discussion, co-sponsored by the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce, touched on topics such as planning and implementing security programs, maintaining relationships with local public safety officials, training in safety techniques, and inspections of buildings and groups to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Deputy Mayor Elie Katz, a lifetime member of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps, said the idea for the seminar arose after nine African-Americans were shot and killed while praying in a Charleston church last month. It also was important as there are major Jewish holidays coming up in September.

“Unfortunately, this is our world now,” Katz said.

Teaneck Police Chief Robert Carney, Fire Chief Anthony Verley, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino, William Stallone of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and Teaneck police chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman all spoke during the meeting.

It was held at the Richard Rodda Community Center.

(Source: Bergen Record)