Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 1
Table of Contents
1. A Message from Chief DeCesari
pages 3-4
2. Misson & Core Values
page 5
Franklin Township Police Department 1571 Delsea Drive Franklinville, NJ 08322
3. Command Staff
pages 6-7
4. Patrol Division
page 8
5. Department Statistics
pages 9-11
6. K9 Unit
pages 12-13
7. Detective Division
pages 14-15
8. Professional Standards Division
page 16
9. Officers of the Month
pages 17-18
10. Picture Pages
pages 19-21
11. 2024 Holiday with a Hero
page 22
CONTACT US: 856-694-1414
11. Officer of the Year
page 23
12. Supervisor of the Year
page 24
13. In Memory of Sgt. Gonzalez
page 25
QUICK FACTS:
FOUNDED:
1820
SWORN OFFICERS:
44 Sworn Officers
JURISDICTION SIZE:
65 Square Miles
POPULATIONS: Franklin Township, Buena Borough, & Newfield Borough 22,625
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 2
To Our Residents,
As we enter a New Year, I would like to take an opportunity to thank all residents for their continued support of the men and women of the Franklin Township Police Department.
Our department has never been more committed to serving the residents of Franklin Township, Buena Borough, and Newfield Borough. We demonstrated success in 2024 as we moved towards increasing visibility in many forms within our community. One of our goals for 2024 was to enhance visibility on our roads to ensure the safe travels of all residents and visitors to our community. An increased patrol division has enabled us to be more proactive in our enforcement efforts. As traffic fatalities have climbed all over the State of New Jersey, our trend has gone in the opposite direction. Our enforcement efforts have correlated to a 40% decrease in traffic fatalities within our community from the previous year. Any life that we can save by ensuring safety of our residents is worth its weight in gold and we will continue to lead the way in our state when it comes to traffic safety and enforcement. As I have stressed in my tenure, another driving factor in achieving our department’s mission includes enhancing our school security measures. In 2024 we worked tirelessly with our schools to increase security and communication to ensure the safest schools for our students and staff in the area. The relationship that we have formed with our school systems is second to none. This relationship has led us to increased visibility and presence in and around our schools as well. In 2024, we were able to add two additional school resource officers to our department. We currently are responsible for the safety and security of eight schools and we are proud to be able to provide school resource officers to six of those schools. The Township of Franklin Board of Education now has an SRO in all three of their schools and Edgarton Christian Academy in Newfield also has a full-time SRO stationed there every day. We also worked alongside the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office to provide a safety assessment for Delsea High School and Delsea Middle School which led to grant funding to be able to provide safety bollards in front of both schools. A safety assessment at Edgarton Christian Academy was recently completed and they are waiting for approval on an almost $250,000 grant for safety features to their school. Our department also purchased essential equipment needed to respond to an active shooter event, which was used during a full-scale active shooter drill at Delsea High School in November. Residents should feel assured that our preparation for these types of events is a main priority and we are already working on plans to increase training and drills in 2025. The department’s visibility has also increased through concerted efforts in the area of community policing. Our biggest effort towards enhancing our relationship with our community is our Holiday with a Hero event which is held every December. We are very grateful to partner with the Newfield
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 3
Terrace Community Center to provide a holiday shopping experience to children in our community that are in need. Working closely with our schools to identify those families that need some extra help around the holidays, we took 73 children from the community shopping this year. This created a memorable experience for everyone involved. To hear the stories of some of these children and how many don’t have the basic necessities of life make why we do this even more special. For a child to bypass the toy section and ask to buy warm socks or a jacket is something that our officers will never forget. We are committed to enhancing our community policing efforts in 2025 in order to build stronger bonds with those we serve. This would not be possible without the amazing staff that we have at the Franklin Township Police Department. These men and women of our department are dedicated, professional, community oriented, and truly care about the work they do. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work. Every department or agency is only as good as the people it employs and I can truly say that we have the best team around. I would also like to thank and recognize Mayor Jake Bruno & the Franklin Township Committee. They have invested big in public safety and it has definitely paid off. With their support we continue to grow, continue to lead, and continue to provide the best police services possible for the hard- working residents of our community. To the residents of Buena Borough and Newfield Borough, your team of Mayor Baruffi and his council and Mayor Grova and his council are outstanding partners and we remain committed to being part of both communities for decades to come. I want to end by saying how proud I am to lead this police department and serve this community that I have lived in for 45 years. This year marks the 30-year anniversary of the tragic passing of Sgt. Ippolito Gonzalez. As we always do and always will, throughout the year we will honor his legacy and celebrate the rich history of the Franklin Township Police Department and Franklin Township. In doing so, we remain committed to serving you and your family.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 4
Mission Statement
The Franklin Township Police Department is committed to maintaining positive relationships with residents in order to provide superior police service and improve the quality of life in Franklin Township, Newfield Borough, and Buena Borough.
Core Values
We believe that law enforcement has its foundation in values. To fulfill our mission, we are committed to:
• Acknowledging our responsibility to the citizens of the Township of Franklin, our source of authority;
• Promoting mutual trust between the Department and the citizens and institutions of Franklin Township;
• Performing our duties within the spirit and the letter of our laws and constitution;
• Enhancing safety and a feeling of security for our residents;
• Remaining sensitive to human needs and treating each person with respect, compassion and dignity;
• Fostering a quality work environment that encourages open communications and affords trust, respect and support for each member.
• Approaching each situation as unique and responding creatively with empathy and prudent use of discretion;
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 5
Chief Matthew DeCesari #1144
Chief DeCesari enters his 21st year of Law Enforcement, all with Franklin Township. Chief DeCesari was born and raised in Franklin Township and is a 1998 graduate of Delsea Regional High School. After high school he went on to attend York College of Pennsylvania where he obtained a degree in Marketing and Management. Chief DeCesari was hired by the Franklin Township Police Department in May of 2004 as a Class II Special Officer and was later hired full time on October 1, 2004. Chief DeCesari was selected to serve as a detective for the Franklin Township Police Department in
2011 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013. Chief DeCesari was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016 and was tasked with heading the department’s Detective Division. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police in 2022 and later promoted to his current position in July of 2023. He also serves as the T ownship’s Coordinator of Emergency Management. Chief DeCesari resides in Franklin Township with his family and in his spare time coaches his son’s baseball teams. He is an active member of the Franklin Township Little League Board and is the current Secretary of the Gloucester County Chiefs of Police Association.
Captain Jeffrey McGuigan
Captain McGuigan was hired by the Franklin Township Police Department in April of 2004. Captain McGuigan is a 1998 graduate of Washington Township High School and a 2002 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania. Captain McGuigan is the senior executive officer in charge of daily operations of the police department and also oversees the Professional Standards Unit, which investigates all reports of officer misconduct. Prior to his current role, Captain McGuigan served as a patrol officer in the Patrol Division, Detective, Sergeant within the Patrol Division, and Lieutenant of the Professional Standards Unit. Captain Mcguigan is a 21-year veteran of the Franklin Township Police Department and graduated from the Camden County Police
Academy as an alternate route student in 2002.
Captain McGuigan resides in Washington Township with his family. In his spare time he enjoys attending Phillies games and spending time with his family.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 6
Lieutenant Anthony Rojas
Lieutenant Anthony Rojas enters his 14 th year of Law Enforcement. He was initially hired by the Deptford Township Police Department as a Class II Special Officer in 2010 and later hired full time by Franklin Township in September of 2012. He is a 2006 graduate of Washington Township High School and a 2010 graduate of Rowan University. Lieutenant Rojas oversees the daily operations of the Patrol Division, Firearms Unit, and Training Unit. Prior to his current role he was assigned to the Patrol Division as a patrol officer, Patrol Corporal, and later a Patrol Sergeant.
Lieutenant Rojas resides in Washington Township with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.
Sergeant Andrew Myers
Sergeant Andrew Myers enters his 15 th year of Law Enforcement. He is a 2008 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Academy where he graduated as an alternate route recruit. Sergeant Myers previously worked in Gibbsboro before being hired by Franklin Township in 2012. Sergeant Myers assists with overseeing daily operations of the Patrol Division. He also oversees the Chaplain Program, School Crossing Guard, Radar Training, & serves as the Highway Traffic Coordinator. Prior to his current role he has served as a Patrolman, Patrol Corporal, & Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Myers resides in Franklin Township with his wife. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth baseball and
spending time with his family.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 7
Squad A
Squad B
Squad C
Squad D
Sgt. Josh Fennimore
Cpl. Mike Guzman
Sgt. Joe Murray
Cpl. Louis Davey
Cpl. Alex Fragoso
Cpl. Scott Krauss
Cpl. Nick Locilento
Cpl. Dave Gallo
Ofc. Greg Halikman
Ofc. Michael Rocco Ofc. Austin Theuret Ofc. Joe Branco Ofc. Cody Elliott Ofc. David Polistina Ofc. Brett Holdcraft
Ofc. Michael Neher Ofc. Garrett Moretti Ofc. A. Colofranson Ofc. Zachary Pharo Ofc. T. Kiszelewski
Ofc. Tom Rambone
Ofc. Nate Tabler
Ofc. Matt Flynn
Ofc. Larry Holdcraft Ofc. Blake Riebel Ofc. Mason Tessier Ofc. Luke Lachowicz
Ofc. Chuck Heimerl
Ofc. Jesse Miller Ofc. Omar Alam
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 8
Calls for Service
In 2024 our Patrol Division answered 53,329 calls for service . Calls for service consist of all 9-1-1 calls, non-emergency calls to police dispatch, along with self-generated calls such as motor vehicle stops and property checks.
As highlighted earlier in this report, increased visibility in our patrol division was a main priority in 2024. That increased visibility led to major reductions in several key categories which resulted in a safer community. The first major reduction due to our increased visibility was in the area of motor vehicle fatalities. In 2024, there was a reduction of traffic fatalities by 40%. Any reduction in this number is a positive, but to nearly reduce those numbers in half is a direct correlation on how visibility and enforcement aid in those reductions. The second large reduction was in the area of property crimes and non-violent offenses. Residential burglaries were down 28%, theft was down 12%, and shoplifting offenses remained the same. Robbery cases were also down over 50%. These statistics demonstrate the departments concerted interest in public safety and that our high visibility enforcement efforts are making our community a safer place to live
Type of Call
2023
2024
Percentage Change
Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations
806
901
+11%
Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
5
3
-40%
Domestic Violence Incidents
356
365
+3%
Burglar/Fire Alarms
1391 3343
1309 3486
-6%
Medical Assists
+4%
Missing Person Investigations
104 203
74
-29%
Psychiatric Emergencies
215
+6%
Robbery Burglary
6
3
-50%
73 20 47
53 23 47
-28%
Sex Offenses
+13%
Shoplifting
0%
Theft
348 615 550 623
306 703 550 577
-12%
Disputes
+13%
Motor Vehicle Complaints
0%
Animal Complaints
-7%
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 9
UCR Data
The Uniform Crime Report (UCR) provides a reliable set of criminal justice statistics to law enforcement administration and operations in order to gauge the types of crimes that are occurring across America in every jurisdiction. The 2024 Uniform Crime Report indicates that there were 551 offenses reported which is a reduction of 19% from 2023. Of those offenses, 218 resulted in an arrest . The following chart depicts the percentage change in crimes reported to the UCR from 2023 to 2024:
2023
2024
Percentage (+/-)
Crimes Against Property
374
276
-26%
Crimes Against Person
161
136
-14%
Crimes Against Society
148
139
-6%
Motor Vehicle Enforcement
In 2024 the Franklin Township Police Department conducted 21,078 motor vehicle stops and issued 16,692 motor vehicle tickets . The department made 101 DWI arrests and made 963 criminal and warrant arrests . The following chart depicts the change in motor vehicle enforcement from 2023 to 2024:
2023
2024
Percentage (+/-)
Motor Vehicle Stops
21,078
19,636
-7%
Motor Vehicle Tickets
16,726
16,692
0%
DWI Arrests
76
101
+25%
Criminal/Warrant Arrests
1,016
963
-5%
Investigation Reports
1,929
1,919
0%
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 10
2024 Buena & Newfield Borough Statistics
Type of Call
Buena Borough
Newfield Borough
Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations
122
15
Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
-
-
Domestic Violence Incidents
86
26 41
Burglar/Fire Alarms
348
Medical Assists
1,036
166
Missing Person Investigations
24 18
1 9
Psychiatric Emergencies
Robbery Burglary
1
-
15
3
Sex Offenses
5 4
- -
Shoplifting
Theft
36 49 77
6
Disputes
12 22 26
Motor Vehicle Complaints
Animal Complaints Motor Vehicle Stops
112
3,612
812
Motor Vehicle Tickets DWI Arrests Criminal/Warrant Arrests
15
2
137
40
Firearms Investigations & Discovery Requests
2023
2024
Percentage (+/-)
Firearms Applications
1,041
1,121
7%
Permit to Carry Applications
154
144
-6%
Discovery Requests
877
870
-1%
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 11
K9 Teli
K9 Rozo
K9 Sader
K9 Zeus
The Franklin Township Police Department is comprised of four handlers and their partners. Corporal Michael Guzman is teamed up with K9 Rozo who is a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois, Corporal Nicholas Locilento is teamed up with K9 Teli who is a six-year old Dutch Shepard, and Corporal Gallo is teamed up with K9 Zeus who is a four-year-old German Shepard. The newest member of the K9 Unit includes Officer Greg Halikman and his K9 partner Sader. Officer Halikman and Sader recently graduated after 14 weeks of intense training at the Philadelphia Police Department K9 Academy. The partners are now certified in Patrol and will attend additional training in 2025 to be certified in narcotics detection. After being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December; K9 Officer Josh Fennimore retired his partner, Lee. K9 Lee was responsible for over 170 deployments in his career ranging from narcotics investigations to locating wanted and missing persons. K9 Lee will be missed by the Franklin Township Police Department and will be known as a hard-working partner to Sgt. Fennimore.
2024 K9 Highlights
• Seizure of over $23,000 in U.S. Currency during 2024 • Seizure of multiple ounces of methamphetamine • Seizure of over three ounces of crack cocaine • Seizure of nearly 100 ecstasy pills • Seizure of over two pounds of marijuana • Numerous community policing events
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 12
Congratulations to Officer Greg Halikman & K9 Sader
Happy Retirement to K9 Lee
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 13
Detective Division
Det. Allison Schnapp
DSG. Nicholas Pasculli #1150
D/Cpl. Joseph Biener
The Franklin Township Police Department Detective Division is comprised of four officers to include a Detective Sergeant and Detective Corporal. The unit is led by Detective Sergeant Nick Pasculli. Detectives are responsible for investigating all major crimes that occur in Franklin Township, Newfield Borough, and Buena Borough. The Detectives assigned to this unit work closely with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure cases are properly presented for prosecution. Examples of the types of crimes that our detectives investigate are homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, thefts, sexual offenses, and white-collar crimes. In 2024 the Franklin Township Detective Division was responsible for completing 276 investigations. Along with investigations the Detective Division is responsible for the evidence function within the department, firearms background investigations, OPRA requests, and assisting our clerical staff with discovery requests. Detectives also act as court liaisons to our municipal court. In 2024 the unit was responsible for 29 arrests, serving 16 search warrants, 19 communications data warrants, and issuing 45 subpoenas for records. Detectives rotate a 24 hour on-call schedule and were called in after hours on 25 occasions in 2024 to assist with investigations.
Det. Dylan Colclough
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 14
2024 Detective Division Significant Arrests
➢ Seven suspects charged during a fight at a bar in Buena Borough where one victim was stabbed.
➢ Suspect arrested for a burglary in the Malaga section of the township that resulted in $50,000 in proceeds.
➢ Suspect arrested for attempted murder after firing a handgun during a domestic dispute.
➢ Closure of a dirt bike theft ring that resulted in charges in Franklin Township and 11 additional jurisdictions.
➢ Suspects arrested for residential burglary in Newfield Borough that resulted in weapons and narcotics charges.
➢ Suspect charged with Robbery at a local convenience store.
➢ Suspect arrested for burglary of Family Dollar and HWY 40 Gas Stop.
➢ Suspect arrested for burglary to Wright’s Liquor Store.
➢ Suspected arrested for a road rage shooting that occurred on Main Road.
➢ Suspect arrested for Assault by Auto stemming from an incident where a student and grandmother were crossing in front of a school bus and the suspect vehicle disregarded the stop lights.
➢ Ex-employee arrested for theft at Puff & Pipes.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 15
The Professional Standards Division of the Franklin Township Police Department investigates all complaints of officer misconduct that arises from citizen complaints, anonymous complaints, or agency complaints. The Professional Standards Division is led by Captain Jeffrey McGuigan and is also responsible for body worn camera reviews, random drug testing, and early warning system compliance. The Professional Standards Unit works closely with the Gloucester and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure c ompliance with all guidelines of the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines for Internal Affairs. In 2024 the Professional Standards Unit investigated 13 complaints of officer misconduct in the following categories: Differential Treatment, Other Rule Violation, Excessive Force, Improper Arrest, Harassment, Improper Search & Demeanor. After thorough investigation those complaints have been categorized as the following dispositions: Sustained, Not-sustained, Exonerated, Administratively Closed, or Pending.
2024 Internal Affairs Investigations & Dispositions
Type of Complaint
Disposition
County
Other Rule Violation
Sustained Exonerated
Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester
Demeanor
Differential Treatment
Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained Not Sustained
Improper Arrest Improper Arrest Improper Search Excessive Force
Other Rule Violation Other Rule Violation
Demeanor
Excessive Force
Atlantic Atlantic
Other Rule Violation
Excessive Force
Not Sustained
Atlantic
The Professional Standards Unit will publish all Internal Affairs Appendix information on the township website in early 2025. There was one investigation that resulted in major discipline which will also be posted on our website.
The Franklin Township Police Department is proud of the constant professionalism that guides the way we operate and we are committed to being transparent in all internal investigations.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 16
Our Officer of the Month Program allows or officers to strive for recognition in various categories. Each month an officer is voted on by our command staff based on productivity, positive attitude, teamwork, significant arrests, or community policing involvement. The Officers of the Month for 2024 are as follows:
J
April 2024 Ofc. Nate Tabler
January 2024 Sgt. Josh Fennimore
February 2024 Ofc. Jesse Miller
March 2024 Ofc. Zach Pharo
July 2024 Ofc. Austin Theuret
July 2024 Ofc. Michael Rocco
May 2024 Ofc. Dave Polistina
June 2024 Det. Dylan Colclough
Continued…
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 17
August 2024 Ofc. Mason Tessier
September 2024 Ofc. Cody Elliott
November 2024 Cpl. Lou Davey
October 2024 Ofc. Omar Alam
Officer of the Month
Thank you for your Service!
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 18
2024 Promotions
GC Women in LE Breakfast
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 19
SRO Appreciation Day
Danny’s Pizza Donates to K9 Unit
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 20
Retirement of Captain Muller
MADD Awards
Cone with a Cop-Buena
Ofc. Branco is awarded the Compassion Award
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 21
2024 Holiday with a Hero
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 22
2024 Franklin Township Police Officer of the Year
Officer Larry Holdcraft #11103
The recipient of the Officer of the Year Award goes to Officer Larry Holdcraft of the Patrol Division. Officer Holdcraft was selected as this year’s recipient by his peers in a secret ballot. He was also awarded the VFW Post 2071 Officer of the Year after being nominated by the command staff. Officer Holdcraft has worked for the Franklin Township Police Department since July of 2022 and is a graduate of Delsea High School and a life-long resident of Franklin Township. In 2024, Officer Holdcraft made 48 criminal/warrant arrests, 8 DWI arrests, conducted 1,022 motor vehicle stops and issued 672 motor vehicle summonses. He also completed 75 investigation reports in 2024.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 23
2024 Franklin Township Police Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Josh Fennimore #1160
The recipient of the Supervisor of the Year Award goes to Sergeant Josh Fennimore of the Patrol Division. Sergeant Josh Fennimore has served with the Franklin Township Police Department since June of 2015. In 2023 he went through a very competitive promotion process and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He finished as the number one overall candidate and was also promoted to Sergeant in 2024. Sergeant Fennimore recently retired his K9 partner Lee when he was promoted. The duo was responsible for over 170 deployments in their career. Sergeant Fenimore also assists with Police Youth Week and National Night Out. Sergeant Fennimore is a United States Marine Corp Veteran and is a resident of Franklin Township. He is currently assigned as the supervisor to Patrol Squad A.
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 24
Sgt. Gonzalez #1107
Sgt. Gonzalez Memorial Cleanup
A Tribute to Sgt. Gonzalez
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 25
Franklin Township Police Department |Pg 26
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