Two Police Officers Sworn in Middle

COURT HOUSE – At the Jan. 21 meeting of the Middle Township Committee, two new officers were sworn, one of whom completed the program at the Cape May County Police Academy just a week prior. Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner called it a “big day” for the department.
The officers, Patrolman Michael Reardon and Patrolman Christopher Clifford, brought the total full-time officers in the department up to 48. This number is still below the high water mark of 52, which the department reached before the nationwide recession that had dramatic effects on the local economy.
For Leusner, this ability to get back to a full-time strength of 48 marked the culmination of years of work. He spoke of the multiyear plan and the gradual rebuilding of the department’s force level. He thanked Mayor Timothy Donohue and the other committee members for their support of the department. Leusner watched as the officers had their badges put on by family members.
Other Awards
It was a night for awards as Donohue honored Allan Cropper as the township’s Employee of the Month. Donohue speaks often of the efforts underway to try to create a better employment environment for municipal workers. “We want to have a set of career paths, advancement opportunities and recognition of good service,” he said. The recognition program places emphasis on better delivery of services to residents.
Cropper, a longtime resident of Court House and a veteran of the Coast Guard, started working for the township in 2003 with the Public Works Department.
Donohue spoke of Cropper’s “can-do attitude,” and referred to him as the kind of employee “who sees what needs to be done and just does it.”
The night also saw a “year of service” ceremony honoring seven employees, only four of whom were able to be present for the awards. Each received a small mantle clock and a cup imprinted with “I work with rock stars.”
Additional Class II Officers
Township Committee approved positions for two additional Class II police officers. By amendment of its ordinance on special law enforcement officers, the township increased the limit from five to seven. Class II officers are not members of the police union.
They are paid on an hourly basis and receive no benefits. However, the township looks to those officers when openings occur in the full-time force. Using a sport’s metaphor, Donohue referred to the officers as “our minor leagues,” since they work, gain experience, and are ready to go to the academy should the openings occur.
Part of the need for new officers is the township’s desire to add patrols to Route 47 and in Rio Grande. Route 47, a very heavily used roadway during the summer season, has become one of the area’s most dangerous roads. It is committee’s hope that added police presence will lead to safer driving.
Rio Grande is one of the biggest shopping districts in Cape May County. The amount of commercial activity is also an attraction for crimes such as shoplifting.
Class II officers typically do not work full-time except in the summer season, which is exactly when the heightened attention to these two areas of concern is most required. Additionally, Class II officers are permitted to carry a weapon only while on duty.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.