Sheriff's Office replenishes staffing with 11 new officers

Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler, center, swore-in 11 new officers on April 20.

MAYS LANDING - Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler Tuesday, April 20 administered the oath of office to 11 new sheriff's officers.

Due to COVID-19 in 2020, the Sheriff's Office dramatically scaled back day-to-day operations, Scheffler said.

The need to bring on additional personnel at that time could not be justified he said.

Now that the courts are back in session, Scheffler said it is necessary to replenish staff and get the law enforcement organization back to nearly full staff.  All new hires are filling open vacancies of officers who either retired or left the agency.

Scheffler said the new recruits passed a vigorous background investigation along with successful completion of physical and psychological evaluations.

"As a result of this process, I believe we got the cream of the crop, and look forward to having the new recruits on board," Scheffler said.

The new recruits are (from left in photo):

• Amanda Mazza, 25, of Atlantic City


• Nicholas Campellone 32 from Egg Harbor City


• Harry Valentine, 28, of Hammonton


• Kathleen Guenther, 25, of Brigantine


• Decarlo Perez, 30, of Pleasantville


• Rasheed Grandy, 28, of Mays Landing


• Timmy Hoang, 31, of Atlantic City


• Tony Ayala, 31, of Hammonton


• John Gerner, 25, of Egg Harbor Township


• Edward Ruiz, 26, of  Mays Landing


• Natanael Alicea, 28, of Egg Harbor Township