The township recently welcomed a new, full-time police officer who has made local history: He is Mantua’s first, third-generation officer.
Life-long resident Andrew “AJ” Glaser was sworn in during the Sept 9 township committee meeting. His grandfather John is a former police lieutenant in Mantua, and his father Jay is a former corporal. The Glaser family was there to witness his swearing in.
Andrew Glaser graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy in June, when he received an academic award that goes to the officer with the highest GPA in a trainee class.
“The township committee and I want to congratulate officer Glaser on this promotion to full-time status,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “Let’s be clear: Our department has a rigorous screening process, and our leadership team in the (police department) selects the very best of the best.
“Andrew may be (the first) third generational to serve,” he added, “but it’s also obvious that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with his exemplary credentials.”
The committee also issued a proclamation at the meeting to recognize September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month in Mantua. It was presented to resident Ashley Levinson, who was diagnosed with the condition in 1999 and has since worked to raise awareness.
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects a woman’s reproduction. Symptoms, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), can include irregular periods, cysts on ovaries, excess hair growth, acne, oily skin, weight gain, difficulty losing weight and pelvic pain. PCOS can also lead to other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Levinson thanked the township committee for its support.
“It’s not an easy condition,” she noted. “It’s not often recognized. A lot of people go years and decades without getting a diagnosis. So, having a proclamation from Mantua Township helps raise that awareness and raises the bar to help younger generations get the care that they need.”
Zimmerman presented the document to Levinson and said he was grateful for her work in helping the community.
“We thank Ashley for her committment to better health, and for using her own diagnosis to educate and help others in our community,” he said.
The next committee meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21.
