About LEAP

In the Spring of 2021, a group of Egg Harbor Township Police officers and a panel of citizen supporters banded together to promote a positive relationship between the community and police officers. The group became a non-profit corporation in the State of NJ and settled on the name, Egg Harbor Township Law Enforcement Activities Program (EHT LEAP). EHT LEAP aims to support the Egg Harbor Township Police Department's existing community policing programs and to establish new activities where police officers can interact with the community. This will help solidify trust and forge relationships to promote public safety.

The original nine members on the Board of Directors, were comprised of five police officers and four civilians: Patrolman Edward Bertino (President), Lieutenant Stephen Slusarski (Vice President), April Stafford (Treasurer), Josh Brown (Secretary), Sergeant Joe Griffiths, Patrolman Jeremiah Simmons, Tinysia Rassmann, Dante Moore, and former Egg Harbor Township Chief of Police Michael Steinman. The Corporation's Bylaws are written so there will always be at least two members of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department on the Board of Directors.

Unfortunately, EHT LEAP does not have a physical address at this time. Hopefully in the near future, our goal of gaining use of a vacant EHT owned building will come to fruition!

President- Edward “Eddie” Bertino is a lifetime resident of Egg Harbor Township. He and his wife, Jane, have three children. A graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School in 1995, Eddie was active in several clubs, activities, and sports during his time there, including football, wrestling, baseball, and student council. Between 1995 and 1998, he attended Fairleigh Dickenson University and Richard Stockton College of New Jersey where he studied business management. In the fall of 1998, Eddie began an apprenticeship as an Inside Wireman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In September of 2003, after finishing his apprenticeship, he was hired by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department where he is currently employed as the agency’s Community Policing Officer. Eddie has held the positions of Patrol Officer, Juvenile Diversion Officer, Egg Harbor Township High School Resource Officer, and he was on the Atlantic County Regional SWAT Team for 10 years. He frequently volunteers his time mentoring youth in various sports, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. He currently sits on the Egg Harbor Township Planning Board and Municipal Alliance.

Vice President- Stephen “Steve” Slusarski is a lifetime resident of Egg Harbor Township. He and his wife, Susan, have one son. He graduated from the Egg Harbor Township High School in 1993 where he was active in several activities and sports. Between 1993 and 1995, Steve attended Gloucester County College where he studied Biology and continued his baseball career. In January 1996, Steve transferred to Richard Stockton College, and in 1998, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. In November of 1999, Steve was hired by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department where he is currently employed as the agency’s Lieutenant in the Office of Professional Responsibility. Steve attained his Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2005. He has held the positions of Patrol Officer, Middle School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. He also served as the Commander/Coordinator of the Hostage Crisis Negotiation Team, Field Training Unit, Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and Physical Fitness Unit. Steve currently serves as a member on the Egg Harbor Township Municipal Alliance and he frequently volunteers his time mentoring youth in various sports and activities.

Treasurer- April Stafford has been a township resident since 2004. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian, and has three children. April received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Accounting from Stockton University in 1997. She has served as a substitute teacher and held positions on the various Parent Club Executive Boards at the Swift Elementary School, Joyanne Miller Elementary School and Fernwood Middle Schools. In 2012, April was awarded the Egg Harbor Township Community Person of the Year. She currently serves as the Egg Harbor Township High School Band Booster President. In 2014, April was hired as the Police and Community Services Clerk of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. She plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the Police Department. One of her favorite responsibilities is helping facilitate various community events such as: National Night Out, EHT Employee Health & Wellness Fairs, Child ID, and D.A.R.E. Day. April was recognized as the Egg Harbor Township Employee of the Year in 2015 and finished as a finalist in 2017.

Secretary- Joshua “Josh” Brown is a lifetime resident of Egg Harbor Township. He and his wife, Jennifer Brown, have two daughters. Josh graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School in 1997. From 1997-2001, he attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, where he majored in English. Upon returning to South Jersey, Josh pursued a degree in education and began his teaching career in 2002. In 2010, he earned his Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from Rowan University and served as a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant at C.J. Davenport School from 2010-2013. Over the past 20 years, Josh has served as a special and general educator across numerous grade levels ranging from kindergarten to seniors in high school. Since 2015, he has been teaching 11th and 12th grade English at EHT High School. Josh volunteers many hours mentoring youth in various sports including basketball and soccer.

Director- Joseph “Joe” Griffiths was raised in Egg Harbor Township and graduated from EHT High School in 2007. Joe has Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Atlantic Cape Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Thomas Edison State University. He became interested in a career in law enforcement in 2004 when he was a sophomore in high school. It was then Joe joined the Egg Harbor Township Police Department’s Law Enforcement Explorer Post #94. Joe attended his first Explorer meeting and it solidified his desire to become a Police Officer. He has been involved with the Explorer Post ever since. Joe was an Explorer for 6 years, an Assistant Advisor for 5 years, and he has been serving as the Explorer Post Director for the past 5 years. He enjoys mentoring the youth in our community and preparing the Explorers to be successful in their future endeavors. Joe currently serves the community as a Patrol Sergeant with the EHT Police Department. He takes great pride in being a Police Officer for his hometown and giving back to the community that gave him so much.

Director- Danté Moore is a lifelong resident of Egg Harbor Township. He progressed through the EHT school system from 3rd grade until his graduation from EHT High School in 2016. Danté played youth football in EHT starting at age 6. He continued his football career at the EHT High School and University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 2020. At the University of Pennsylvania, he majored in Electrical Engineering. Danté is currently employed as an electrical engineer at the William J. Hughes Technical Center. He is also the Chief Technology Officer of a local mentoring organization called Friday is Tie Day. Danté has always believed to whom much is given, much is required. One of his desires is to empower the youth to expand their dreams and assist them in to achieving those dreams.

Director- Tinysia Rassmann was born and raised in Egg Harbor Township where she graduated from EHT High School in 2007. While at the EHT High School, Tinysia played basketball and participated in other clubs and activities. After high school, she attended Kean University. Tinysia is a licensed realtor in NJ & PA, an accomplished business owner, and philanthropist. Driven by being an example of the change she wants to see in the world, she takes pride in providing positive experiences to all she comes in contact with. As a realtor and business owner, her goal is to provide a superior experience to her customers and enhance their standard of living in a manner that is financially viable. Tinysia enjoys helping others in the community and she is an example to her peers that you can do good work for others, while doing well for yourself. Tinysia is going to continue her work building bridges and breaking barriers to promote growth and unity in the community.

Director- Jeremiah “Jay” Simmons moved to Egg Harbor Township in 2003. He graduated from EHT High School in 2005 where he was an active student participating in football and track. Not only was Jay skilled on the field, he was also part of the band and choir. After graduating high school, he attended Wesley College. Jay furthered his education graduating from Rowan University with a degree in Economics. After College, Jay obtained his personal trainer certification. In early 2016, Jay was hired by the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. In 2017, he accepted an offer from the Egg Harbor Township Police Department where he continues his career in the Patrol Division. Jay is heavily involved in various community policing programs, coaching football and basketball, and mentoring the youth. He has high hopes of establishing a variety of programs where all children feel included!