JACKSON – A recent Township Council meeting started off with the swearing in of a lifelong township resident as the newest member of the Jackson Police Department.
Police Chief Matthew D. Kunz introduced Charles “CJ” Hanson to the governing body and public and Township Clerk Mary Moss swore him in.
The chief noted that the new hire had been very active within the community. “He was a mentoring buddy for Challenger Sports which is a Jackson Township program designed to help kids with special needs learn sports of soccer and basketball.”
Hanson attended high school in Holmdel and graduated in 2019 and received multiple varsity letters in the sports of lacrosse and football and was captain of both teams. “He was a mentor for Heroes and Cool Kids, volunteering his time to help less fortunate individuals. He graduated high school with academic honors, numerous awards of achievement and was offered numerous athletic scholarships,” the chief said.
Chief Kunz added, “CJ chose to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he was awarded a student athlete scholarship as an offensive lineman for the Rutgers football team. While attending Rutgers, CJ achieved the accomplishment of academic all-American three times and the distinction of being a big 10 distinguished scholar.”
“He graduated with honors in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice and two minors – one in sociology and a second in psychology. He joined the Ocean County Police Academy in 2023 and will be graduating in June. He will be the third-generation police officer following the footsteps of his grandfather and father,” the chief added.
“From one Scarlet Knight to another, I expect great things from you. You are going to make this work out well because we had to give up three round picks and a lot of cash to get you here,” the chief joked regarding a NFL draft and the large height and build of Hanson who retained his grid iron stature.
Chief Kunz thanked the mayor and the council for their support of the police department and approving new hires when needed.
In other business, Councilman Nino Borrelli noted the upcoming Township Memorial Day Parade on May 29 that will assemble at the Holman Elementary School. It will start at 10 a.m. and proceed down Manhattan Street heading toward Johnson Park where other activities including a memorial service will take place.
For more information contact Jackson Police officer Mike Basso by calling 609-994-6468 or e-mailing him at mbasso@jacksontwpnj.net.
“This is where we honor veterans and those who were lost in their service. We had beautiful weather last year and we hope it is a good weather day this year,” he added.
Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn reported on the Jake’s Got This softball fundraiser held recently at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws stadium in Lakewood that involved members of the township police and fire departments swinging it out on the ball field. “It was a great, great afternoon of fun with the kids and for a great cause.”
She also noted a video by township firefighters concerning fire safety with bonfires.
“Prayers go out to all the family members from the shooting in Texas. It is unbelievable. It takes a coward to do that and I hope justice will be served,” Councilman Scott Sargent said.
Council President Martin Flemming was questioned about the sale of his home by a resident and if he intended to stay in Jackson and continue his term.
Flemming said that while he did sell his family home, “we still own properties in town. I’m going to stay as long as I can, yes.”
