It all started with a dream of ridding the streets of gun violence.
The Coalition for a Safe Community grew from a grass-roots movement in Pleasantville and Atlantic City in 2010, to now covering four counties with five coalitions.
The work of chairman Perry Mays has not gone unnoticed.
On Thursday, he was honored at the 2026 Excellence in Policing Awards as Community Partner Leader of the Year.
"It felt really good," Mays said of the award. "It makes it worthwhile to know people see some of the great work that is being done."
Mays was nominated by Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds "for his outstanding leadership in building and expanding the Coalition for Safe Communities throughout Atlantic County."
"Through his vision and commitment, Chairman Mays has helped develop impactful youth-focused programs centered on education, nutrition, mentorship, violence prevention and public safety initiatives that continue to strengthen neighborhoods and improve lives," Reynolds said. "His work has created meaningful opportunities for young people while fostering stronger trust and collaboration between residents, law enforcement, educators, faith leaders and community stakeholders."
Mays said he was surprise the coalition has been able to grow as quickly as it has, to expand to Cape May, Salem and Gloucester counties, along with Greater Egg Harbor Regional.
"I knew we had the opportunity, because I knew we did some good work," he said. "Each coalition is different. It’s not a cookie-cutter."
That is something Mays talked about early on, when the coalition first started expanding throughout Atlantic County. Different areas have different public safety issues.
Whether gun violence, at-risk youth or community needs, the coalition fits itself to the need.
Perry Mays, second from right, was nominated by Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds, right, who attended with Chief of Staff Mike Kane and First Assistant Prosecutor Erik Bergman."It's well-deserved," Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said of the award. "Perry has been about the community forever. Kudos to him and the Mays family."
The Excellence in Policing Awards were presented by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport in Trenton, where Reynolds, First Assistant Prosecutor Erik Bergman and Chief of Staff Mike Kane were in attendance.
“Chairman Perry Mays represents exactly what true community leadership looks like,” Reynolds said. “Public safety is strongest when law enforcement and the community stand together — not as separate entities, but as one united force committed to protecting our families, guiding our youth, and building safer neighborhoods. Relationships matter. Trust matters.
"When we invest in people and work together with shared purpose, we create lasting change," he continued. "Chairman Mays has done exactly that, and Atlantic County is stronger because of his leadership.”
The attorney general praised all those who were honored.
“These award recipients represent the highest standards of professionalism, service and integrity in law enforcement,” Davenport said. “Their work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the public while strengthening trust within the communities they serve. At the same time, our continued investment in officer wellness ensures that those who serve are supported with the resources they need to remain healthy, resilient and effective.”
