The Middle Township Committee honored Police Cpl. James D’Alonzo as the July Employee of the Month Monday, Aug. 21, during the regular committee meeting.
D’Alanzo stood proud with the three members of Township Committee to accept the honor, while his daughter, Isabella, sat beaming in the second row of the gallery.
“Cpl. D’Alonzo was nominated as Employee of the Month by Sgt. Mark Higginbottom for his realistic training scenarios,” said Mayor Mike Clark.
Police Chief Christopher Leusner elaborated on the training D’Alonzo has initiated at the department, specifically noting the corporal’s skills in defusing and deescalating situations involving folks in crises or with mental illness.
D’Alonzo is also a firearms instructor as well as a instructor for necessary use of force for police both in Middle Township and other departments.
“James is always looking for training opportunities,” Leusner said. “And training is one of the most important things to a police department. James has done a terrific job.”
The Employee of the Month program was started by the committee to honor employees who exemplify the township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the township’s most beloved employees.
Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available inside Middle Township hall at three locations: Human Resources and Training Department, Administration Department, and on the bulletin board. Residents from the township can nominate employees by filling out a one-page form. Each month a township employee will be selected. The winning nominee receives a certificate at a future committee meeting along with a photograph posted on the bulletin board.
