Police Department Recognizes Officers

STAFFORD – Each year, the Stafford Township Police Department holds an Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing officers for exhibiting excellence during their course of duty.

Congratulations to Detective Erik Smithman and Patrolman Anthony Vincent for being the 2022 award recipients for two of the highest accolades our officers can receive.

Det. Smithman was voted as the 2022 Police Officer of the Year. This award is voted on by an officers’ peers, based on the criteria of “one who demonstrates a quality work ethic; exhibits a high degree of professionalism, motivation, dedication and integrity, and enhances the police image as well as distinguishes themselves within the

– Photos courtesy Stafford Police law enforcement community.”

Officer Vincent was voted as the 2022 recipient of the Rick Drappi Award. This award was named after Stafford Township Police Officer Henry “Rick” Drappi, who died in an accident in 1978. The award is voted on each year by all police department personnel for the officer whose conduct and character most emulate that of Officer Drappi. The criteria for the award is a “Police officer who has shown unselfish dedication, pride, and concern for others as Officer Drappi did.”

Both of these officers truly represent the Stafford Township Police Department proudly and live by our motto “Supra Ultra Que”, above & beyond. Congratulations, Officers!

NJ Lottery Players: See ‘Where The Money Goes’

STAFFORD – New Jersey Lottery winners get a moment in the spotlight, but countless residents statewide benefit from the revenue of each drawing. Find out “Where The Money Goes,” a Friends Adventure at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10 a.m. March 2.

New Jersey Lottery Public Information Officer Mary Ann Rivell and Jerry Guarino, Special Assistant to New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Jim Carey, will spin some amusing anecdotes about Lottery games, winners, and retailers during their presentation.

They’ll illustrate how lottery-generated revenue supports the State’s obligations to education and institutions, eligible pensions for New Jersey teachers, police, and fi re personnel, and the workers who keep New Jersey’s state agencies and departments running. A question-and-answer session will follow the PowerPoint presentation.

Mary Ann Rivell manages the Lottery’s Responsible Play Program and occupies a seat on the Board of Directors of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Stafford Library. For more information, visit the Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call 609-597-3381.