Kean Honors Local Law Enforcement at Hometown Heroes Event
(October 15, 2024) BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Last Friday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his inaugural Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes event at the Bernardsville Library to recognize and honor outstanding law enforcement officers in the community. In attendance were Bernardsville Council President Al Ribeiro, Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay, the Hometown Heroes, along with their families, friends, and supervisors.
Congressman Kean honored 22 Hometown Heroes, who represent all six counties in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Each Hometown Hero was nominated by their chiefs and supervisors for the outstanding work they do every day.
“First responders and law enforcement are the backbone of our communities' safety,” said Congressman Kean. “I am fortunate to represent a district filled with some of the most selfless and hard-working people, including those we recognized as Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes. I am grateful to play a small role in recognizing their efforts as a token of appreciation for the difficult responsibilities these men and women have keeping our communities safe.”
“I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for choosing to recognize our law enforcement professionals,” said Sergeant Daniel Kern, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “Law enforcement officers are some of the most misunderstood professionals. The vast majority of officers sacrifice a great deal for their communities and do so without the expectation or desire of any recognition. My department is full of officers that could easily be here in my place.”
“I am grateful to have been nominated and recognized as part of Congressman Kean’s Hometown Heroes Initiative,” said Sergeant Tracy Baldassare, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “I am proud to represent and serve alongside all of the honorable women and men of the Bernards Township Police Department. Being able to do so in my hometown has been an added privilege, for which I will always be thankful.”
Photos of the event can be found HERE.
The Honorees are:
Honorees That Attended:
Captain Miguel Acabou - Clark Police Department
Sergeant Tracy Baldassare-Bernards Township Police Department
Lieutenant Douglas Baylor- Phillipsburg Police Department
Officer Alyse Brown- Sparta Township Police Department
Staff Sargeant Brent Hawkswell – NJ State Police
Sergeant Daniel Kern-Hopatcong Police Department
Captain Michael Jackson- Mountainside Police Department
Corporal Gretchen L. Malone -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office
Officer Jarren Mann -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant Thomas Polito- Bedminster Township Police Department
Detective Elizabeth Savnik – Westfield Police Department
Officer John M. Simonetti Jr.- Mount Olive Police Department
Lieutenant Donald Sretenovic -New Providence Police Department
Patrolman Peter Zabita-Hopatcong Police Department
Honorees That Did Not Attend:
Officer Vincent Conti- Scotch Plains Police Department
Officer Jessica Gutsick- High Bridge Police Department
Corporal Ryan Kamieniecki- Far Hills Police Department
Captain Jonathan Rachel – Springfield Police Department
Captain Scott Rayack - Rahway Police Department
Sergeant Timothy Richard-Bernardsville Police Department
Officer Connor Strohm- Readington Township Police Department
Officer Nicholas J. Villa- Raritan Township Police Department
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