by Capt. Steven Laskiewicz, JPD
JACKSON-On July 23, 2018, Jackson Police Officers along with friends and family members of Sgt. Mary Nelson were on hand at town hall as she was promoted to the position of police lieutenant.
Lt. Nelson began her law enforcement career with the Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Department as a dispatcher in 2001 and then became a Class 2 Special Law Enforcement Officer in August 2002. She attended the Burlington County Police Academy where she won the Top Gun firearms award. In August 2003 she became a fully sworn police officer in Ocean Township until she was hired by the Jackson Police Department in August 2004. She has earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration and has also completed the Certified Public Manager course through Rutgers.
Lt. Nelson served as a police officer in the patrol division until her promotion to sergeant in November 2011. She then served as a squad supervisor and during this time was also an instructor in arrest, search and seizure and use of force for the department and at the Ocean County Police Academy. She has also served as a coordinator for the holiday toy drive. She has been awarded the Lifesaving Award, a Unit Citation for her role in a stabbing investigation and has also been recognized as Officer of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.