Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer and other top Department brass hosted a Menorah lighting ceremony at Lakewood Police Department (LPD) headquarters on Monday morning, in what has become a special annual Chanuka tradition.
Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller; Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein; Committeeman Isaac Akerman; Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes; and other municipal government officials were in attendance, flanked by a diverse group of volunteers and first responders, from agencies including Hatzolah, Lakewood First Aid, Lakewood EMS, Lakewood Fire Department, Shomrim, Chaveirim, Misaskim, Bikur Cholim; among other community leaders.
Chief Meyer noted that the LPD is unique in its close working relationship with various other public service agencies in town – both governmental and nonprofit. “We have the largest police department in Ocean County,” explains Chief Meyer, “and we work especially closely with our partners who are dedicated to the people of Lakewood. It is an honor to work together and this greatly benefits the safety and quality-of-life in our Town.”
Committeeman Lichtenstein, who serves as Lakewood’s Emergency Services Liaison, pointed out that the small flames of a Menorah have the power to overcome lots of darkness. “I’ve worked with our Police and other first responders during many occasions that would be considered ‘dark’ and challenging, for Lakewood as a whole and individual families,” he exclaimed. “But these dedicated men and women shined their light upon them, making a true difference. The citizens of Lakewood are fortunate to have them.”