NJ attorney general honors law enforcement agencies, officers with Excellence in Policing awards
TRENTON, N.J. — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Policing Awards, recognizing law enforcement officers, agencies and community partners across New Jersey for service, leadership and innovation.
Davenport also announced recipients of the 2026 Law Enforcement Wellness and Resiliency Grant Program, which awarded $500,000 to support officer wellness and mental health initiatives statewide.
“These award recipients represent the highest standards of professionalism, service, and integrity in law enforcement,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Their work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the public while strengthening trust within the communities they serve. At the same time, our continued investment in officer wellness ensures that those who serve are supported with the resources they need to remain healthy, resilient, and effective.”
Among the award recipients were New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station troopers, who received the Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award for intervening in a 2025 suicide crisis in Cumberland County and connecting the individual with continued support services.
Lt. Joseph Waters of the Division of Criminal Justice’s Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor received the Detective Pablo Santiago Resiliency Award for his work supporting law enforcement personnel and resiliency programs throughout New Jersey.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope Hub Program received the Outstanding Community Partnership Award. The multidisciplinary initiative, coordinated by Corporal Chelsea Whiting, brings together law enforcement, healthcare and mental health professionals to support families considered at elevated risk.
Community Leader of the Year honors went to Perry Mays of the Coalition for a Safe Community, a South Jersey organization focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents through outreach programs, youth initiatives and community services.
The Pastor John R. Taylor Chaplaincy Award was presented to Rev. Lyddale Akins of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for his work expanding chaplaincy programs and fostering collaboration between faith leaders and law enforcement agencies.
North Wildwood Police Department Officer James Bright received the Outstanding Youth Engagement Award for creating the department’s first Police Youth Camp in 2025.
North Wildwood Police Chief Katherine Madden was also recognized for launching the department’s first LeadHERship Conference, a mentorship and leadership initiative for young women.
In addition to the awards, Davenport announced that 15 agencies would receive wellness and resiliency grant funding after the program received 155 applications.
Funded initiatives include wellness spaces, mental health services, peer support programs, wellness technology and family support resources for officers.
The Town of Dover was awarded $6,400 for the deployment of a wellness mobile application providing 24/7 behavioral health resources.
“Officer wellness is not an add-on, it’s a necessity,” said OPSI Executive Director Isa Abbassi. “These grants represent meaningful investments in the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of law enforcement professionals across New Jersey. When we support our officers and their families, we strengthen the entire public safety system.”
Among the agencies receiving grant funding were the City of Hackensack, Camden County Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Montgomery Township, South Hackensack Township and West Milford Township.
“These grants represent a critical investment in the well-being of New Jersey’s law enforcement community,” said Attorney General Davenport. “By prioritizing wellness and resiliency, we are ensuring that officer and their families, who give so much to New Jersey, get the support they need to cope with the challenges they face on a daily basis.”
