LAKEWOOD, NJ - The Lakewood Community Coalition held its quarterly community gathering Tuesday at the historic Strand Theater in downtown Lakewood, drawing law enforcement leaders, elected officials, faith leaders and community organizations for presentations on public safety threats and a ceremony honoring local humanitarian service.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer addressed attendees on the importance of public trust and proactive community partnerships in strengthening public safety. Also present were Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Chief Casey Long and Yolanda Melville, director of civil rights at the NJ Attorney General's Office.
The most pointed presentation of the evening came from Jonathan Edwards of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, who briefed attendees on the 764 Nihilistic Violent Extremism movement — a growing online extremist network — along with other homegrown and foreign terrorist threats, and offered guidance on how communities and law enforcement can collaborate to protect against them. Thomas Hauck, director of NJOHSP, and Acting NJ State Police Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle also presented.
Michele Shreffler-Perez, director of Operation RISE at the New Jersey State Police, presented data showing a downward trend in drug-related deaths statewide and outlined approaches for law enforcement and communities to combat substance abuse.
A highlight of the evening was the Humanitarian Service Award ceremony, which recognized local Code Blue Centers and volunteers who provide warm shelter, meals and support to vulnerable residents during severe winter weather. Two Lakewood congregations were honored: St. Anthony Claret Roman Catholic Church, led by Father Guilherme Andrino and operated by Pastor Lenwood Frazer and Erica Frazer, and 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," said Lakewood Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein.
The coalition was co-chaired by Lakewood Police Captain Steve Allaire and Cori Scotti of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
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