On the behalf of the South Orange & Maplewood School District, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Jimmy DeVaul. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and law enforcement family. Chief DeVaul was a product of the SOMSD, he was also a friend and partner to the District. We are grateful for his leadership to our District community and his dedication and commitment to our schools, administrators and students over the past several years. We ask that you keep Chief DeVaul’s family and everyone who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, October 28 Memorial Service & Traffic Impact:
The District participated in a meeting with Security Supervisor Stanley Valles, Deputy Chief Albert Sally of the Maplewood Police Department, and Superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor regarding the town’s plans for honoring Chief Devaul this Friday, October 28, and it’s impact on schools departure times.
Midday on Friday, October 28 beginning at 11 am, there will be a procession that will close streets starting at the funeral home on Milburn Ave to Maplewood Town Hall where several local departments will meet to remember and honor Chief DeVaul. This includes street closures on Valley St., SOUTH of Parker Ave., (meaning from the pizzeria and 7-11 to Millburn/Union).
While the service is scheduled to end at about 2pm, it is possible (and likely) that it will run long and that it may end during student dismissal. This could mean road closures during dismissal at CHS, Tuscan, and MMS. Please plan accordingly if you intend to pick up your child later in the day.
Attached is the notification that was released yesterday by the Maplewood Police Department regarding Friday’s service and tomorrow’s wake since it will impact traffic along Millburn Avenue in the afternoon. Please follow the link from Maplewood Police Department regarding street closures for Chief DeVaul’s service: https://maplewoodpd.org/upcoming-events