Congressman Tom Kean Jr. held his second annual Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes event on October 6, 2025, at the Clark Township Municipal Chambers. The ceremony recognized 20 law enforcement officers from police departments across all six counties in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
Thirteen of the honorees attended the event in person, accompanied by their families, friends, and supervisors. Clark Township Mayor Angel Albanese also participated in the ceremony.
Officers were nominated by their department leadership for outstanding service in their communities. Since May, Congressman Kean has featured one honoree each week on his social media and newsletter to highlight their contributions.
“It is my distinct honor to recognize these outstanding members of law enforcement from across New Jersey’s Seventh District,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Every day, our men and women in blue face extraordinary challenges and risks, yet they selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities. From saving lives and leading investigations to spearheading successful initiatives, these 20 officers exemplify the highest ideals of public service and heroism. Their unwavering commitment to justice, community engagement, and protection is an inspiration, and I am proud to stand with them in support and gratitude.”
Clark Township Mayor Angel Albanese commented on the event: “It was an honor for Clark to host 7th District Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.’s 2025 Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes award ceremony. It was great to meet all of those being awarded and those who nominated them. In speaking with the officers, I noted that many of them were trained by our Police Director, Pat Grady. However, what highlighted the event was the fact that one of our own officers, Giovannina Prisco, nominated by Officer-in-Charge Miguel Acabou, was being honored. Officer Prisco exemplifies the dedication, integrity, and compassion that defines our officers and our community as a whole. This recognition reminds us of how fortunate we are to have officers like Prisco serving the Clark community.”
Lieutenant William Stolting of the Mountainside Police Department expressed appreciation: “I am sincerely grateful to be recognized for my service to the community and deeply honored to be mentioned alongside such dedicated officers,” he said. “I would like to thank Congressman Kean for this formal recognition and for his continued support of law enforcement, especially at a time when it is not always popular to do so.”
Officer Brandon Hull from Phillipsburg Police Department added: “The positivity shown to law enforcement through this event is amazing. To be one of the officers being honored today is huge for me and for the Phillipsburg Police Department. It shows the good work we are doing in town. Along with all the officers being honored, we are very grateful for Congressman Kean and appreciate this event. It’s great for local law enforcement, and it’s good to be recognized for our actions.”
The following officers were recognized during the ceremony: Officer Noah Allatt (Bridgewater Police Department), Officer Adam Bergman (Warren Township Police Department), Detective Adam Caruso (Peapack & Gladstone Police Department), Officer Michael DiBella (Westfield Police Department), Officer Alex DiCairano (Hackettstown Police Department), Corporal Bradley Ellmann (Chester Police Department), Officer Brandon Hull (Phillipsburg Police Department), Officer Hector Lopez (Branchburg Police Department), Detective Donald Maxwell (Berkeley Heights Police Department), Detective William Musacchio (Clinton Township Police Department), Officer Giovannina Prisco (Clark Police Department), Lieutenant William Stolting (Mountainside Police Department), Corporal Gregory Wester (Readington Police Department).
Additional honorees included Detective Sergeant Justin Alt (Bernardsville Police Department), Sergeant Kyle Bruno (New Jersey State Police Hope Station), Detective Andrew Chuisano (Watchung Police Department), Detective Nicholas Ortiz (Peapack & Gladstone Police Department), Detective Walter Sliwa (Far Hills Police Department), Detective Brian Smith (Bedminster Police Department), Sergeant Kevin Stomber (Fanwood Police Department).
Congressman Thomas Kean Jr., who has represented New Jersey’s 7th district in Congress since 2023 after succeeding Tom Malinowski [source], previously served in both houses of New Jersey’s legislature [source]. He was born in Livingston in 1968 and currently resides in Westfield.
