Camden County Police Officer Honored by Anti-Bullying Group

Camden County Police Lt. Jeremy Merck has been recognized by Teach Anti Bullying, Inc. for his anti-bullying and violence prevention outreach in Camden City, county officials said on Wednesday.

Teach Anti Bullying is a 501 C3 non-profit organization that helps families and children who are victims of bullying. They encourage collaboration between children, educators, parents, community leaders, law enforcement and government officials to proactively stop bullying.

The Teach Anti Bullying Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals across the country that have made a positive impact in the world of anti-bullying and violence prevention in their communities.

"Lt. Merck exemplifies the vision and mission of promoting a non-violent and safe community. He has displayed the awareness needed to further help bring reduction and education to this ever-pervasive issue of bullying within the Camden City Community,” Dr. Claudio V. Cerullo of Teach Anti Bullying, Inc. said. “As a law enforcement leader, he clearly understands how to bridge the gap between our youth and our community, so that greater awareness is reached."

Merck joined the Camden County Police Department in 2013 after spending eight years with the Evesham Township Police. Prior to that, Merck spent four years serving our nation in the U.S. Marine Corps where he completed combat tours in Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2004. He is now assigned as commander of day-to-day police operations.

“Jeremy shows the positive impact that law enforcement can have in their community and is the reason community policing works in Camden County,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “There is no substitute for taking the time to make an impact on a child’s life.”

Merck volunteers at the J. Torres Tae Kwon Do academy in Fairview, where he helps teach children ranging in ages 4 to teens.

He has a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and he works closely with the students to help them improve their skills and techniques. He also attends weekend tournaments and recently served as the guest judge for the studio’s major tournament.

“Lt. Merck’s dedication to these students and to his art defines what it means to put Service Before Self and he sets an excellent example for other officers to follow,” Captain Gabriel Camacho said. “He’s been an asset to the department and to the community through is dedication and commitment to the city.”