On Tuesday, the Lakewood Community Coalition (LCC) held its quarterly community gathering at the historic Strand Theater in Downtown Lakewood.

True to the LCC’s mission, the event united State, County and municipal law enforcement leaders; diverse faith leaders; elected officials; community organizations; and residents; to collaborate on behalf of Lakewood residents.

Coalition Co-Chairs Lakewood Police Captain Steve Allaire; and Cori Scotti of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish; welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships throughout local communities.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer introduced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, who spoke on the importance of public trust, proactive partnerships, and community collaboration in strengthening public safety. Other dignitaries in attendance included Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy; Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen; Chief Casey Long of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; and Yolanda Melville, Director of Civil Rights at the NJ Attorney General’s Office.

Presentations were given by Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent at the New Jersey State Police; Thomas Hauck, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP); and Jonathan Edwards of the NJOHSP’s Intelligence Management Bureau.

Edwards delved into current and emerging threats related to the 764 Nihilistic Violent Extremism movement; and other homegrown and foreign terrorist entities; and offered pertinent guidance on how communities and law enforcement agencies can most effectively collaborate to protect against these threats. Michele Shreffler-Perez, Director of Operation RISE at the New Jersey State Police, shared statistics highlighting the downward trend of the State’s drug related death rate. She delivered a powerful presentation highlighting the most effective methods that law enforcement, as well as grassroots communities and families, can utilize to combat substance abuse.

A highlight of the evening was the Humanitarian Service Award ceremony, which recognized the dedicated efforts of local Code Blue Centers and volunteers who provide warm shelter, meals and support to vulnerable individuals during severe winter weather. Honorees included St. Anthony Claret Roman Catholic Church, led by Father Guilherme Andrino and operated by Pastor Lenwood Frazer and Erica Frazer; as well as St. John’s AME Zion Church, led by Pastor Grady Littles and operated by Ashley Dew and Diane Dew.

“The LCC is invaluable in that it serves as an interface between diverse governmental and communal entities on behalf of the common good,” says Lakewood Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein. “I would like to thank the Coalition’s leaders and members for working together so effectively – and continually enhancing Lakewood’s public safety, quality of life and communal unity. I would also like to thank all the special guests that attended; and lent their encouragement and support to this vital endeavor.”

The LCC acknowledges the dedicated contributions of the Lakewood Police Department Community Resource Unit and K9 Unit — Sgt. Michael Conrad, Patrolman Jason Yahr, Kevin Bell, Jeffrey Emmons, Joseph Soriano, Nicholas Meyer, and Alexander Lopez — along with D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, Director Daniel Brower, Police Social Worker Caitlin Ciaccio-Soto, Patrick Sample, Kelly Pierce, and James Powell from Traffic Safety; for their ongoing commitment to community safety, outreach, engagement, and the collaborative support that helps ensure the success of Coalition initiatives and events.

Special appreciation to Bacoli Pizza Pasta & Grill; Viva La Dough Bakery Café; and Out to Lunch Café; for generously donating food for the event.