14th Annual Public Safety Appreciation Dinner Celebrates Service, Partnership, and Community
Event photos can be viewed here -> Click Here – Google Drive
Peace Islands Institute proudly hosted its 14th Annual Public Safety Appreciation Dinner, an evening dedicated to honoring the professionals and community leaders who work every day to protect and serve our communities. The program brought together representatives from law enforcement, emergency services, government agencies, healthcare, faith leadership, and civic organizations, reflecting the broad network of individuals and institutions that contribute to public safety in New Jersey.
The evening emphasized a central message: public safety is built on partnership. Trust between agencies, collaboration across sectors, and strong relationships with the communities they serve remain essential to maintaining secure, resilient, and inclusive communities. Through this gathering, Peace Islands Institute reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among diverse stakeholders.
A highlight of the program was the keynote address delivered by Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. Her remarks underscored the wide scope of the Office of the Attorney General’s public safety responsibilities and the importance of coordinated efforts that connect state leadership with local and federal partners. She spoke about key priorities including reducing gun violence, combating human trafficking, protecting children’s safety and wellbeing including online harms, promoting affordability, and safeguarding residents’ rights and consumer protections. Her address reinforced the idea that modern public safety requires prevention, enforcement, accountability, and sustained community partnership.
The program also featured distinguished remarks from Thomas Hauck, Nominee Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; SAC Towanda Thorne-James of the DEA New Jersey Division; and Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. Each speaker highlighted the importance of preparedness, interagency collaboration, and service, while recognizing the evolving challenges facing public safety professionals and the value of strong community relationships in addressing them.
A central component of the evening was the recognition of this year’s honorees, whose careers and contributions represent excellence across multiple areas of public safety and community support. Honorees included Laurie R. Doran, John P. McDonald, Luis A. Guzman, Msgr. Geno Sylva, DSG Michael Gallant, Crissy Hamlett, and Ariel Neri. Their work spans prosecution, homeland security, law enforcement leadership, emergency response, healthcare service, and chaplaincy. Collectively, they embody courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
Peace Islands Institute extends its sincere gratitude to the advisory board, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and community supporters whose dedication made the evening possible. Their continued engagement reflects the spirit of service that defines this event.
Beyond recognition, the Public Safety Appreciation Dinner serves as a reminder of a broader principle. Public safety is strengthened not only through policy and enforcement, but also through relationships, shared purpose, and a culture of service. By convening leaders across sectors and honoring those who exemplify dedication to the public good, Peace Islands Institute continues to support the collective responsibility required to build secure and resilient communities.