JACKSON – While Township Council meetings serve as a time for the governing body to address taxes, resident complaints and other topics, it is also a time to celebrate the good things in town.
Police Officers Sworn In
During the council meeting, eight township police officers took their oath of office administered by the mayor. Police Chief Mary Nelson introduced each of the new officers and provided some background on them.
They include Kaden LeTual, William Bradley, James Spampanato, Antonio Meulendyke, Michael Chmura, Dylan Rapp, Liam Flanigan and Joseph Reynoso. Several of them were raised in Jackson Township and graduated from the former Jackson Liberty High School.
Council President Mordechai Burnstein said “this would not have been possible without the federal grant that we received last year.”
Chief Nelson said, “We now stand at 120 strong. This achievement is exciting for us as it has been years in the making. I thank the mayor and council for helping us get to where we need to be to serve the residents of Jackson.”
She also thanked the department’s police dispatchers noting National Public Safety Telecommunicators week which ran from April 12-15. “The dispatcher is our first, first responder. They are the calm before the chaos as they bring calm to the chaos.”
Mayor Kuhn said, “today I was at the training facility of our Jackson police and I was completely amazed, proud that we are building this team together with council and the administration. Under our chief’s leadership I know you guys are in great hands.”
Vice Council President Giuseppe Palmeri congratulated the new officers. “Thank you for your service and your dedication to our town.”
“Keep our newly sworn in officers in your thoughts and prayers as they go about keeping our town safe and secure 24/7. We are very thankful for you gentlemen,” Councilman Nino Borrelli said.
Councilman Ken Bressi said, “It is a great night tonight with the hiring of eight new officers. We are at the highest number we have ever had. I look forward to your service. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, guys, for your service. Thank you for taking this step in your career and serving Jackson. It is appreciated,” Councilman Pollak added.
Cheerleaders Recognized
Members of the Jackson Youth Cheerleading D14 were recognized by the mayor and council for winning a national championship. Team members each received a certificate of achievement from Mayor Kuhn who noted that she was a former cheerleader.
Jackson Youth Football and Cheer include multiple divisions (D10, D12, D14) that have participated in major tournaments. Jackson teams, including D12 and D14, have been noted for their performances in recent competitions, such as the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship.
“My daughter was a cheerleader all the way from the Mighty Mites to D14, she is high school varsity cheerleader now so I know how hard you work you dedicate hours of work, the days, the weeks, the months you put in for 2 ½ minutes on that mat. Every member is equally as important. Every single member has to hit the mark to be a champion and you are champions,” Palmeri said. He also recognized the coaches and parents of the team.
“Congratulations to the ladies in the front here,” Borrelli noted as the cheer team members and family members gathered in the audience. “Our town is very proud of you and your accomplishments. Keep up the great work.”
“I want to congratulate the cheerleaders on their national championship and the dedication and support of the parents. Not enough can be said about the coaches,” Bressi added.
“Congratulations to the youth cheerleading. That is something you will carry with you your entire life. That is also a mindset to keep with you throughout your entire life and everything you do,” Pollak said.
