JACKSON – It was a big night for the township’s men and women in blue as interim Police Chief Mary Nelson was sworn in during a recent Township Council meeting.
This session was relocated from Town Hall to the Jackson Township Middle School Fine Arts Auditorium to accommodate the crowd as the historic swearing-in ceremony conducted by Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, recognized the appointment of the community’s first female police chief.
The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Police Captain Richard Bosely, Interim Police Captain John Rodriguez, police lieutenants Edward Travisano, Michael Goelz, Stephen Cilento and Andrea Falzarano.
Also sworn in were police sergeants Cassiopeia Elbaum, Kale Mabey, James Reynolds III and Edward Howe. Police Officer Ryan T. Higgins also took his oath of office during the meeting.
Mayor Kuhn noted, “it is truly a historic moment for Jackson Township Police Department and our entire community. It is my privilege to preside over the swearing in of Mary Nelson, the first female police chief in the history of Jackson Township, who will lead a new chapter of our department, one filled with promise, professionalism and unwavering commitment to keeping our residents safe.”
“Under her guidance, I have every confidence that the department will grow, evolve, and set the standards for excellence,” the mayor added.
Council President Mordechai Burnstein said he, Mayor Kuhn and Business Administrator Charles Terefenkowere part of the committee interviewing police chief candidates. “In interviewing Captain Nelson she came across as educated, accomplished and a true leader. No one had anything but positive to say about Captain Nelson who started working in Jackson over 20 years ago and has continued to rise through the ranks continuously breaking glass ceilings.”
He said that Nelson “clearly understands Jackson’s unique issues and is a problem solver.”
Burnstein noted the presence of Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, and the 12th District state representatives Senator Owen Henry, Assemblyman Robert Clifton and Assemblyman Alex Sauickie. Plumsted Township Deputy Mayor Thomas Potter was also present.
Sauickie, a former Jackson councilman, presented Nelson a proclamation from the state while Arace presented a proclamation on behalf of the Board of Ocean County Commissioners.
Vice Council President Giuseppe Palmeri thanked the dignitaries “and all the residents who came out as well. We have a full agenda tonight and many important issues to be discussed. Tonight, we are swearing in our chief of police and recognizing the promotions of our police department. These promotions reflect dedication, professionalism and a continued commitment to serving our community.”
Councilman Nino Borrelli also provided congratulations to “our township’s new police chief Mary Nelson. I first met Chief Nelson in my first year serving on the Township Council while serving on the Jackson Day Planning Committee and witnessed her leadership qualities and steady demeanor back then which she will no doubt bring to Jackson as police chief. Congratulations also to the other officers moving up in the ranks being sworn in tonight.” He also commended Jackson Fire Departments for putting out a recent fire “over at Mantoloking Drive and evacuating residents in the area. Thank God no injuries were reported.”
Councilman Kenneth Bressi congratulated “all the people getting promoted tonight. You all earned it and worked your way up.” He noted that Nelson “started as a dispatcher in the police department and a family member noted how good she was and how dedicated she is. I want to congratulate you. You earned it. God bless the police department.”
Councilman Christopher Pollak remarked, “congratulations to our new chief, to our officers being promoted and a big thank you to our fire departments and first responders who responded to the recent fire in Jackson and all those who put their life on the line to protect and serve our community.”
“I think we have a very good agenda going on tonight. Unfortunately, Jackson isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I could get into a whole lot of things tonight but I will save that for another time and focus on all our police officers, the men and women who serve our community,” he added.
Nelson was surrounded by numerous family members on stage when she took her oath of office. “I want to thank the mayor, the business administrator and all the council members who strongly support our police department. I am honored to serve as your chief of police. We are looking at new horizons here in Jackson and I know through your courage, perseverance and the dedication that I see from each and every one of you every day that we are going to make Jackson Township one of the best police departments in the nation.”
She thanked “the unwavering support of my family and my friends.” She addressed her husband, retired Sergeant First Class James Kinlan (who served with the Township of Ocean-Waretown Police Department). “Thank you for being my rock throughout this 25-year career of both of us in law enforcement. To my two wonderful boys – your integrity and your character make me proud to be called your mom, now called Chief Mom.”
Nelson thanked several of the many people who made a difference in her career, such as her first field training officer members of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Police Academy and recently retired Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz whose spot she is taking over.
“Being your chief means a lot to me. I don’t hold the responsibility lightly. I will lead with strength, perseverance, resiliency and work to get you the resources you need. With the commitment of our Town Council and our mayor and I will ensure that we are the best police department in the nation.”
