Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office honors law enforcement and community partners

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office honored members of its agency, public safety professionals and community partners during its second annual awards luncheon Friday, Oct. 2, in Galloway.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds hosted the event to thank law enforcement agencies, first responders, community partners and families whose support helps the office coordinate resources and protect residents through the detection, arrest, prosecution and conviction of criminal offenders.

Several individuals and organizations were recognized for exemplifying that mission.

The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Coalition for a Safe Community and Wellbeing & Equity Innovations received the Outstanding Community Partnership Award for their collaboration, community outreach and commitment to advancing the Prosecutor’s Office’s mission.

Amanda Harris of the Galloway Township Police Department was named Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year. The award recognizes a dispatcher whose professionalism, commitment to public safety and excellence in communications provide essential support to Atlantic County law enforcement.

Victim Witness Advocate Melody Kirby, Clerk Amanda Gibbons and Agent Christine Armitage-Cooker of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office received Exemplary Service Awards. The honor recognizes support staff members whose performance, reliability and commitment strengthen daily operations and contribute to case preparation, victim and witness support and interagency coordination.

Assistant Prosecutor Paige Jedlicka received the James W. Brown Assistant Prosecutor of the Year Award for performance, leadership and commitment to justice.

Detective Michael Santoro of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office was named Detective of the Year for his investigative work, handling of complex cases, interagency coordination and contributions to the agency.

Detective Jacob Hunter of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department received the Sgt. Eric D. Wise Memorial Narcotics Detective of the Year Award. The honor recognizes an officer who exemplifies teamwork, loyalty, humility, professionalism and integrity.

Sgt. Christian Ivanov of the Atlantic City Police Department received the Sgt. Eric D. Wise Memorial Award for Leadership. Named for a late Prosecutor’s Office employee whose legacy of service continues to inspire colleagues, the award recognizes a uniformed law enforcement officer who demonstrates leadership, teamwork and humility.

The Prosecutor’s Office sought nominations from throughout the law enforcement community. Winners were selected by consensus among nominees’ colleagues, supervisors and agency leadership.

Reynolds thanked staff members who advocated for and organized the luncheon and expressed appreciation to those in attendance for their dedication, leadership and collaboration in keeping Atlantic County safe.

Full list of nominees and awardees

Outstanding Community Partnership Award

Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office — awardee
Coalition for a Safe Community — awardee
Wellbeing & Equity Innovations — awardee

Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year

Helen Bell
Melissa Bennett
Amanda Harris — awardee
Nicole Ott
Gerald Schaffer

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Exemplary Service Award

Arisdelci Bermudez
Christine Armitage-Cooker — awardee
Amanda Gibbons — awardee
Melody Kirby — awardee

James W. Brown Assistant Prosecutor of the Year

Nicole Campellone
Paige Jedlicka — awardee
Deirdre Laws
Matthew Mills

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Detective of the Year

Kimberly McColligan
Joseph Procopio
Michael Santoro — awardee

Sgt. Eric D. Wise Memorial Narcotics Detective of the Year