North Jersey Rail Commuter Association

05/22/2026

https://youtu.be/Mm04yv13o4s

Chuck Walsh provides a detailed progress report on the restoration ...

05/02/2026

https://youtu.be/QCJnf_n41Ow

This video is a deeply-researched and personal look at a significant piece of history, a detailed documentary-style exploration of the terrible events of December 21, 1981, and a tribute to the life of Trooper Philip Lamonaco, who was shot and killed late that afternoon during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township, Warren County, New Jersey,

We begin with an introduction to the annual (Dec 21st) remembrance ceremonies at the Trooper Philip Lamonaco Memorial, located next to the Lackawanna Cut-Off's Delaware River Viaduct.

We then follow the route taken by the fugitives, Thomas Manning and Richard Williams, before and after the shooting, which took place just east of the future memorial. The video details how a seemingly-routine traffic stop escalated into a tragedy.

We trace the suspects' escape through back roads, to where they make a phone call, and then to where they abandon their vehicle. Using historical testimony and information gathered from other sources (including videographer Larissa Walsh), we follow their likely path, on foot, towards where they were eventually picked up by their "comrades," as well as how they subsequently evade police roadblocks, and steal a car.

The video touches on the massive manhunt that followed. A local resident shares his personal memories of the immediate aftermath of the murder when police came to his house and searched his family's barns and outbuildings, looking for Manning and Williams.

The final portion of the video is devoted to Philip Lamonaco, the man. Through a phone conversation that he had with the trooper's widow, Donna Lamonaco, Chuck Walsh is able to share some personal details about Phil's life at home—playing with his children, yard work, and his dog, Snookie.

In a particularly moving segment, Chuck recounts Donna's attempt to find Snookie after he runs away from home after Phil's death. The dog would be found in a place you would not expect.

Finally, we hear about Donna’s advocacy for fallen heroes and how she remains, after 45 years, a respected figure within the New Jersey State Police community.

The video concludes with a previously untold story about a hitchhiker and his encounter with Trooper Lamonaco.

In a brief epilogue, Chuck shares some concluding thoughts--and a poignant photo.

Lackawanna Cut-Off - Part 45: Murder of New Jersey State Trooper Philip Joseph Lamonaco

02/22/2026

The link to the video of Feb 19th's PENNDOT meeting...

https://advancingparail.com/projects/scranton-to-new-york-city-corridor-id/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQFaMVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETI4R0pic1FTQWVVTWIwbeHVSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv7BkufBORNGPv-LHWrV6w9HRy-qGZelGdo02rAkE-mAeo_MaWR3aNX7Evim_aem_y_wih6qCn8PbonjmiiJExQ

Watch the February 19, 2026 Public Meeting:   The Scranton to New York City Corridor ID project is proposed to re-establish intercity passenger rail service between Scranton, PA, and New York Penn Station via New Jersey. This restoration of passenger rail service has been a priority for local commu...

02/06/2026

Register for the Feb 19, 2026 PENNDOT Presentation on Scranton-NYC Amtrak service (4-5 pm).

1c7e1853-348e-4cc0-9554-feccd01f5d72@7ec50e16-3787-4697-b086-795dd54b8c9a?fbclid=IwY2xjawPzKWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFNYta2zMdZmo0O0WjzZzgEQOWDuFYXrCmeYyr40cbpcaZNFh9fRJUPTyCyM_aem_vZqikEuszlsrYvR7TxC9hg" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1c7e1853-348e-4cc0-9554-feccd01f5d72@7ec50e16-3787-4697-b086-795dd54b8c9a?fbclid=IwY2xjawPzKWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFNYta2zMdZmo0O0WjzZzgEQOWDuFYXrCmeYyr40cbpcaZNFh9fRJUPTyCyM_aem_vZqikEuszlsrYvR7TxC9hg

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

11/27/2025

https://youtu.be/9f1BUqYk1MU

Join us as we continue the story of the Centerville & Southwestern (C&S) miniature railroad after it leaves the Becker Farm in Roseland, NJ after the farm's ...

11/21/2025

11/05/2025

https://youtu.be/pUkOX36T8Uk

Join us for how the incoming governor in New Jersey may affect the Andover Extension on the Cut-Off, as well as an update on the FRA Corridor ID Program, whi...

09/20/2025

https://youtu.be/r97jNC_z64Q

Join us for a trip down Memory Lane as we visit the former Becker Farm in Roseland, New Jersey, to reminisce about the miniature railroad--the 2-inch scale C...