Avalon Swears In Two New Police Officers

Posted August 30th 2021

Daniel Featherer (left) and Joseph Stoltenberg (right) were sworn in as Avalon police officers by Mayor Martin Pagliughi at the July 14

Borough Council meeting. After they were sworn in, they received their badges from Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher.

Featherer began his career as a special officer in Sea Isle City, and recently completed the police academy in January with the highest overall score in his class. He also scored at the top of his class in the physical fitness test.

Stoltenberg got his start in 2017 as a special officer for the Avalon Police Department. He graduated from the police academy in April, ranking first in his class for the highest overall combined average in firearms, physical fitness, academics, and vehicle operations.

“I take great pride ensuring the most qualified applicants are selected to serve the citizens of Avalon and represent the Avalon Police Department,” Christopher said. “Dan Featherer and Joe Stoltenberg are both outstanding individuals with stellar character who will make Avalon proud.”

In other police news, both the Avalon and Stone Harbor departments announced a recent upgrade in the body camera system officers wear, featuring updated technology. Both departments began using body-worn cameras (BWCs) in 2017. In November 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy enacted legislation mandating all sworn uniformed state, county and municipal patrol law enforcement to be equipped with BWCs. To aid with the purchase, the state attorney general’s office announced the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The Avalon Police Department will now utilize COPTRAX Body Worn Camera System, and Stone Harbor will be using WatchGuard V300.

“BWCs have served as an invaluable tool to document evidence, take statements, and investigate internal affairs complaints,” said Stone Harbor Police Chief Thomas Schutta.

“Upgrading to a newer technology will further enhance the service provided by our department.”