Gloucester Twp. Police Protecting Community Amid Outbreak: Chief

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police are adjusting to the circumstances surrounding the new coronavirus and are prepared to continue helping the community as spring arrives, Police Chief David Harkins said in a letter to the community on Wednesday.

“I am sure that no one expected to celebrate spring with a “No Travel Order” but these are unprecedented times,” Harkins said. “I am proud to say that our officers, dispatchers, and staff have stepped up to the challenge. We have taken on the challenge and are fiercely determined to come out on top by serving our community.”

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Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer has been working with national, state, county and local governments on ways to combat the pandemic, Harkins said. On Tuesday, county officials announced two more cases of the virus in the township, bringing the total to four.

“We want you to know that we are doing everything we can do to mitigate this crisis, and to maintain a state of operational readiness to be able to respond to any emergency,” Harkins said. “Our officers are employing social distancing, are limiting contact with people whenever possible, and wearing additional Personal Protective Equipment, so as to limit our risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are still 100 percent capable of responding to and handling emergencies, so call us if you need us. We are asking our residents to be patient and help us by following the New Jersey Governor’s Executive Orders.”

As part of their Personal Protective Equipment, Gloucester Township police officers have begun wearing eye protection, N95 respirators and gloves.

Harkins thanked the following people who have been helping in the fight:

• Health Care Workers
• Emergency Medical Service Workers
• Firefighters
• OEM and Public Safety and Security Workers
• Food service Workers
• Truck Drivers
• Government and Public Works Workers
• School Teachers and Administrators
• All those Essential to Keeping our Community Operating

“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women of the Gloucester Township Police Department,” Harkins said. “We are a family that has been called to serve. We will continue to do that. We will be here when you need us. Thank you to all who have expressed support to us. This will be over soon, and we will get through this together.”