Upon becoming the chief law enforcement officer of Atlantic County in June 2022, our office created a community outreach unit. As part of that mission, I have had the opportunity to work with almost every municipality in the county, leading and participating in more than 250 events at schools, community centers, housing complexes and more.
Something special is happening in Egg Harbor City.
My experiences in Egg Harbor City have been plentiful, rewarding and eye-opening. I am authoring this piece to share an experience I had just the other day in Egg Harbor City.
On a cold rainy morning in late February, more than 25 volunteers from the community and law enforcement gathered in the park in the center of EHC. The event was spearheaded by ACPO and N.J. State Police Chaplain Lou Strugala, Mayor Lisa Jiampetti and Police Chief Marcella Aylwin.
At this event, people came together to provide support and resources to the community.
Everything was free. All items were donated. All labor was volunteer.
We were joined by students from Cedar Creek High School, New Jersey State Troopers, members of the EHC Police Department, the Community Outreach Unit and Detectives from ACPO, community leaders, faith-based leaders and volunteers.
Since I have been in this position, Egg Harbor City has shown on a consistent basis to be committed to improving the quality of life for everyone. At the forefront of this commitment stands Chief Aylwin, EHC Community School Principal Dr. Gina Forester and Perry Mays, chairman of the Coalition for Safe Communities, alongside a host of dedicated individuals who tirelessly work toward a common goal: to uplift and empower every member of our community.
In Egg Harbor City, leadership isn't just a title – it's a responsibility embraced with passion, empathy and a deep sense of duty.
Chief Aylwin embodies dedication and compassion, working hand-in-hand with her team and ACPO to ensure the safety and security of our streets while fostering trust and collaboration with the community. I have personally attended events with the chief of police where we handed out food, clothes, shoes, had a playground built, established sports programs for the youth, and community engagement with law enforcement wherein the Judiciary provided expungement services.
Chief Aylwin has also partnered with ACPO for in-service training for their officers and collaborative investigations to uphold the rule of law and make the community safe.
I have had similar experiences interacting with the schools in Egg Harbor City. Under the guidance
of Principal Forester, the community school is not just a center of learning but a pillar of support and opportunity for our youth.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Community school have created innovative mentoring programs, athletic programs and civics programs which now have become models across the state. Through partnerships with the community and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Dr. Forester empowers students to make good decisions, reach their full potential and become leaders of tomorrow.
When it comes to the community and its health and wellness, the Coalition for a Safe Community,
led by its visionary Chairman Mays, serves as a catalyst for positive change, bringing together law enforcement, community leaders, and volunteers to address pressing issues and implement solutions.
From the creation of garden beds, farm-to-fork programs and establishment of playgrounds to the distribution of essential resources, mentoring programs and school assemblies, their collective efforts touch every aspect of the community's well-being.
What sets Egg Harbor City apart is the seamless partnership between law enforcement, community members, and leadership. It's a model of collaboration and unity. By working together, we have created a ripple effect of positivity and progress that continues to transform lives and strengthen the fabric of our community.
To be frank, Egg Harbor City has its challenges on many fronts, but leadership is not one of them.
Leadership matters. The presence of Leadership matters. As the leader of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, it's humbling to witness the incredible dedication and hard work of those around me. Each day, I'm reminded of the power of unity and the difference we can make when we come together with a shared purpose.
Together, we are building not just a community, but a legacy of compassion, resilience and hope.
(William Reynolds was sworn in as Atlantic County prosecutor June 6, 2022. Before that, he was a municipal prosecutor for several towns, including Galloway and Egg Harbor townships, Ventnor and his hometown of Brigantine.)
