Activities and awards for the Atlantic Highlands Police Department and the hiring of a highly qualified police officer were all on the agenda at this week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council. Patrolman
Patrolman Davi Cunha was recognized for the traffic enforcement award presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his traffic enforcement efforts in the 2025 calendar year where he stopped the most vehicles and made the most DWI arrests for the department for that year. The officer also received MADD’s highest honor in 2023. He was also cited for the Recognition of Excellence Award Certificate from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at their annual NJ Law Enforcement Recognition Event.
John DeSeno of Belmar was sworn in as a probationary officer for one year, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Sergeant Elmer earlier this year. DeSteno, was sworn in by Council President Brian Dougherty while his finance Amanda held the Bible and his father, Robert DeSteno stood by.
The officer was born in Ridgewood, raised in Rutherford where he attended Rutherford High School before earning an undergraduate degree in law and justice studies from Rowan University. He then attended Drexel University and earned a master’s degree in legal studies from its Thomas R. Kline School of Law. He served on the Englishtown Police Department in 2025 after serving as a Class II Special Officer with both the Deal and Fir Haven fire departments. Patrolman DeSteno has completed full police academy training and holds a Class A Police Training Commission certification.
Council representative Jon Crowley also reported every officer in the department worked on the Fourth of July fireworks and Sail 250 events which brought crowds and increased traffic to the borough, Several of the officers had attended the OEM meeting which preceded the events, to ensure a complete review of operations for the activities. Crowley also noted that officers from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s office, Highlands, Keansburg and Middletown also attended the OEM meeting continuing the police procedures of cooperative efforts.
Class II Special Officers Ian Porter and Michael Alvator, both worked every night of the fireman’s fair and also assisted with Harbor Traffic on July 3rd due to the Sail 250 Event, Crowley said, in praising the officers for their dedication and excellence in their duties.
MADD is a nationwide volunteer group whose mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, as well as prevent underage drinking and other drug use. Towards this end, they are working towards a collective change by sharing the responsibility of protecting one another from harm. MADD praises anti-drunk driving technology, and leads prevention efforts across all communities across the country supporting advocates for stricter laws. Since their founding, they’ve served as a lifeline for thousands of victims and survivors, and drunk driving fatalities have been cut in half.
Crowley’s report also showed there were 19 accidents during June requiring police attention.
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Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
