Dear Community Friends,
As we welcome in the new year, I want to wish everyone an abundance of health, happiness and prosperity. The township committee and I are excited about the year ahead. I look forward to continued communication with you through this platform in an effort to keep you abreast of the important news and factual based information about our community.
According to our Chief of Police, Darren White, New Year’s Eve in the township was relatively quiet with no major police incidents to report.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for the rest of last year. 2023 was the busiest year in the history of the Mantua Township Police Department, according to Lieutenant Brian Hauss. Our police officers handled 20,352 calls for service. They made 628 arrests and wrote 1,842 motor vehicle summonses.The department handled 1,994 investigation reports and investigated 487 motor vehicle crashes for the year.
Just during the month of December, our police officers handled 2,525 calls for service. They made 74 arrests and wrote 169 motor vehicle summonses. The department handled 141 investigation reports, and investigated 54 motor vehicle crashes during this final month of the year.
Also during the month of December, our department participated in the grant funded “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign in order to combat intoxicated drivers.
We’re truly blessed to have one of the very best police agencies in New Jersey. Our department is accredited by the N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police and is held to one of the highest standards of professionalism in the country. In today’s difficult climate, our proactive administration has continued to lead a group of young and eager officers who are trained to address the criminal element head-on. Making arrests and eradicating unlawful behavior in our community is prioritized. We thank them for the continued dedication and hard work.
The township is now hiring school crossing guards. General duties include safeguarding pedestrians at designated crosswalks near Mantua Township and the Borough of Wenonah schools during student arrivals and dismissals. Crossing guards are also responsible for reporting pedestrian safety concerns to the police department.
Our crossing guards work 10 hours per week and earn $15.99 per hour. There are currently three alternate guard positions available, and these hours vary. Applications should be obtained and submitted to the Mantua Township Police Department at 405 Main St.
2023 marked the beginning of a new and wonderful tradition for Mantua Township residents, our inaugural “Deck The House” decorating contest. After almost instant overnight success and constant positive feedback, we are happy to say that this will continue to be a welcomed part of our Christmas festivities here in our great township moving forward. We had 32 residents who participated and “decked their houses” for this first year contest.
Each house was unique and fun in its own way. We’d like to congratulate our first, second and third place winners as chosen by you, our residents.
First place – Genzel family at 530 Church Rd.
Second place – Hauss family at 3 Ravenswood Way
Third place – Brady family at 664 Sacramento Dr.
We’d also like to congratulate our honorable mention winners.
Scirrotto family at 202 Evergreen Ave.
Thurston family at 980 Main St.
The winners have been invited to our township committee meeting on Feb. 12 and will be presented with a township proclamation and a congratulatory gift.
The Township Committee and I would like to congratulate resident, Brandon T. Byrne of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 7083 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout through his hard work, perseverance and dedication. Brandon’s Court of Honor will be on Jan. 20 at the Mantua VFW. The township committee will recognize Brandon’s exceptional achievement by presenting him with a proclamation.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. is the next Board of Health meeting to be held at the Township Building.
- Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. is the next Historical Commission meeting to be held at the Historical Museum.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, myself, and the entire township committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS
