At this past Monday’s Township Committee Meeting, two very deserving members of our police department were promoted to ranking positions. Brian Hauss was sworn-in as lieutenant by myself and Brian Crispin was sworn-in as sergeant by Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto.
Lieutenant Hauss has earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of his many accomplishments include being the Mantua Masonic Lodge’s “2015 Officer of the Year,” and the Mantua VFW’s “2018 Officer of the Year.” He received the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Award for the most DWI Arrests on four different occasions and has received two lifesaving awards. He has been instrumental in assisting-with and solving many cases due to his tenacity and knowledge of the town and its residents.
Sergeant Crispin started his career with the Mantua Police Department in the year 2014. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Neumann University. Prior to working in Mantua, he was a SLEO II (Special Law Enforcement Officer II) for a short period of time with the Bridgeton Police Department. Crispin has received several letters of recognition, as well as several exceptional duty and exemplary performance notices for his service actions. Crispin is a positive role model in our department.
Lieutenant William Murphy has recently been named the Assistant Commander for the Gloucester County SWAT Team. Murphy has been with the Manta Township Police Department since the year 2006 and has served in law enforcement for twenty years. He has served on the SWAT Team for about 10 years, took a six-month hiatus after being promoted to lieutenant with our police department and is now returning as the assistant commander. Murphy has earned a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has three post graduate certificates. We’re thrilled to have someone with Murphy’s tactical skills and education helping to lead our policing services here in Mantua.
The township committee and our Township Administrator Jennica Bileci will be starting the 2023 annual budget preparation process. The township committee will typically introduce the municipal budget and have a budget presentation over the next few meetings. More information will be forthcoming.
I’d like to provide some clarification regarding our official township social media accounts. Our social media pages are for informational purposes only, and the page settings for the public comment and private message sections are disabled / restricted across the board for everyone. Unfortunately, we had to make this difficult decision for a few of the following reasons.
- We do not have the personnel to regularly provide oversight and moderate the social media accounts, respond to questions or comments, and deal with potential vulgarity, illicit, violent and hateful comments, etc.
- As a result of not monitoring the pages regularly, emergent things could be left unanswered without immediate attention, and create a safety and/or liability to the township.
- It discourages and eliminates spam, hacking and potential trolls.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Our Public Works Department will have the “Tire Amnesty” program during the week of March 20 through March 24 where residents can dispose-of a maximum of four tires per household during their normal trash days. Truck tires and rims are not allowed.
- The next Municipal Utilities Authority Board meeting will be held on Tuesday March 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Main Street.
- The next Land Use Board meeting will be held on Tuesday March 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Main Street.
- The next Veterans Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Main Street.
- The Public Works Convenience Center will be open on Saturday, March 25th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 p.m. Residents can drop-off used motor oil, household bulk items, yard waste, electronics, metal items, bbq grills and A/C units. Contractors will be denied access, and proof of residency is required.
- The last day to obtain a pet registration without paying a late fee is Friday, March 31.
Once again, we want to wish everyone a very safe Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. Please enjoy yourselves and please act responsibly.
On behalf of myself, Deputy Mayor Scirrotto and the entire township committee, we look forward to serving you with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
