OCPO SERGEANT AWARDED FOR PROACTIVE MENTAL HEALTH EFFORTS

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato is proud to announce Sergeant John (Jack) Steinhauer was recognized by the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County for demonstrating a tireless commitment to mental health issues and stigma reduction in our community.  Sergeant Steinhauer received his certificate of acknowledgement at the “Celebrating Wellness” Award and Proclamation Ceremony held May 2nd at the Ocean County Library.

Steinhauer was selected for the acknowledgement based on OCPO Senior Assistant Prosecutor Renee T. White’s award submission to the committee.  SAP White cited the role Sgt. Steinhauer played in implementing the Office of the Attorney General’s NJ CLEAR requirements for law enforcement in 2017.  As a part of the Attorney Generals mandate, every sworn Law Enforcement person in the county was required to attend an eight (8) hour “Special Needs for Law Enforcement Training”.  In Ocean County that would require approximately 1,300 officers be trained.  Without hesitation, Jack stepped up to see that the mandate was met.  He often worked after his regularly scheduled work hours to complete this task, never with a complaint or hesitation.  He has trained hundreds of officers over the past year.  Additionally, Jack did a presentation recently to Great Adventure security staff when he was advised that they were hosting an Autism Awareness Day.  Park officials requested their security staff be well trained before the event.  Sgt. Steinhauer made sure that happened by revising the Office of Attorney General training to meet the needs and concerns of the park staff.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Jack’s work ethic and commitment to those he serves helps not only the mental health community, but has added to the safety of all in our community.  He is a selfless advocate and a skilled presenter dedicated to public safety and a credit to the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor.”