2005 JJC Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony
Recognizes Officers for Outstanding Service

EWING - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) held a Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony today at the College of New Jersey. Markus Green, Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General, and JJC Executive Director Howard L. Beyer recognized 33 correction officers, parole officers and investigators, who earned promotions or special awards. Officers who have recently returned from service in the various branches of the United States armed forces and retirees were also honored.

Markus Green, Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General, who attended the ceremony on behalf of Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, commented that, "It takes a special person to accept the responsibilities that come with the titles of juvenile correction officer, parole officer and investigator. It means that you are charged with the responsibility to not only protect public safety, but to provide the proper environment to rehabilitate our state's troubled youth. Your commitment and dedication demonstrate that you not only care about our youth, but that you also care deeply about the future of our state."

Seven officers were recognized as Officer of the Year from their individual facilities or areas of assignment. Promotions were awarded to ten officers. The JJC also recognized employees who recently returned from service in the various branches of the United States armed forces and presented special shields to 19 officers who recently retired from service to the JJC.

Captain Wendy Galloway, New Jersey State Police, and Sheriff Kevin Larkin, Mercer County presented special commendation awards. Captain Galloway presented awards to six officers who participated in the Essex County Anti-Crime Partnership in Irvington, NJ. Sheriff Larkin presented awards to six officers who participated in the Mercer County Fugitive Task Force.

"The Juvenile Justice Commission is proud of its highly trained law enforcement staff," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director. " The promotions and awards presented are a tribute to the dedication and commitment these men and women exercise every day to make a difference in the lives of youth. The JJC is committed to realizing the potential of the youth in its care, and thereby helping them change the direction of their futures. Our dedicated and experienced law enforcement officers play a critical role in fulfilling this mission."

The JJC is the single state agency responsible for providing juvenile correctional rehabilitation and parole services. The JJC cares for New Jersey's high risk and increasingly vulnerable youth. The agency has a unique and pivotal opportunity to redirect the lives of youth in its custody. The JJC operates 6 secure care facilities and 22 residential community homes and day treatment facilities. In addition, the JJC is responsible for parole and transitional services for youth when they return home from the JJC's custody. The JJC employs more than 500 law enforcement staff who oversee these functions. The JJC employs approximately 1700 staff including 466 Corrections Officers, 43 Parole Officers and 12 Investigators.

The Juvenile Justice Commission is responsible for more than 2,000 youth, comprised of approximately 1,000 committed youth, 300 probationers, and 800 juvenile parolees. JJC residents range in age from 12 to 23. The typical resident is 17 years old at the time of admission. More than 90 percent are male.

The following officers earned promotions:

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com