Jeffrey Almer, 46, of Mansfield was sworn in as the new police chief of the Washington Township, Morris County Police Department on Sept. 21.
Washington Township, Morris County Police Officer Jeffrey Almer didn't waste time when he heard from a downstairs tenant that three people were trapped upstairs in a building engulfed in flames.
Jeffrey Almer on Sept. 21, 2015 was sworn in as the new police chief of the Washington Township, Morris County Police Department. Almer, 46, of Mansfield stands center with his mother, Nancy Almer, left, and father, Charles Almer, right. Almer, 46, of Mansfield, has 20 years on the force. (Courtesy Photo)
Almer, a Mansfield Township native who's become Washington Township's new police chief, in December 1998 was the first at the scene when a grease fire broke out on West Mill Road. While people were running outside, Almer was running in and up the stairs.
He escorted a grandmother and mother out of a smoke-filled room and carried down a child to safety. The self-sacrificing heroic effort earned Almer the Scottish Rite Achievement award.
Every police officer, Almer said, needs to have that same courage when it comes to helping a community.
"Our department is very community oriented, so that is high on the priority list," he said. "I also like officers who are aggressive and enjoy going out and doing the job. Sometimes people become officers just to have a job, but it needs to be so much more."
Almer said he will continue to instill those traits in a force of 28 officers as the township's new police chief.
Almer, 46, became chief after 20 years serving the department, on Sept. 21. He replaces former Chief Michael Bailey, who retired on July 31.
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Expanding department
As chief, one of Almer's main goals will be to expand the department, as well as its roles and functions.
The department went from 34 officers in 2005 to 28 officers -- following retirements and resignations -- in recent years. He wants to beef up manpower in coming years.
Almer in the short-term wants to see another officer in the schools and someone to handle community policing, noting many community programs were lost during the downsizing. He also wants to assign various officers to different community groups, which he hopes will open up better communication between law enforcement and residents.
"I want to start more programs and get back in touch," Almer said. "A lot of this involves simply getting out of the patrol car and back into the businesses, schools and communities. If officers see people out -- to not just drive by, but stop and ask how things are."
Performance standards will have to deal with accountability more than ever before, Almer said.
"While officers have a lot to do regarding handling calls, reports and other incidents which arise during their tour, they will have standards that range from enforcement to community policing functions, to fill the rest of their time," he said. "This is a work in progress and will allow the officer to focus on areas they are interested in and are good at in hopes of increased efficiency."
For the most part, Almer said township officers already do all of this. But a new system will allow officers to receive credit for the work they do.
"Accreditation is a lengthy process which takes years, but it will ensure that we have everything covered and are operating at peak efficiency," he said. "It is a good thing for the department, the township and the community."
Decades of experience
A career in law enforcement was in Almer's blood. His father, Charles Almer, is a retired sergeant with the Mansfield Township Police Department.
A 1987 Warren Hills Regional High School graduate, Almer went on to receive a bachelor's degree in economics and a secondary degree in mathematics from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He has a master's degree in administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison.
Almer went on to train at the Morris County Police and Firefighters Training Academy, 46th Basic Class, finishing first in his class, he said.
"I have always wanted to go into law enforcement, based upon my background, family, friends, and knew that being able to have a career where you can help people while taking care of the problems that surround us, was where I wanted to be," he said.
Most of Almer's career has been spent as a road sergeant, in the trenches with other officers. He had stints within the department as a detective and detective sergeant. He also worked with the Morris County Narcotics Task Force for several months before becoming a sergeant in 2002 and lieutenant in June.
Almer's biggest learning experience, he said, was on the Narcotics Task Force, in which he participated in everything from vice investigations to tactical operations.
"As with any officer anywhere, I have seen my share of good things down to the worst life can throw at you," he said.
Although Washington Township, Morris County has been ranked one of the safest municipalities in New Jersey, the township has its share of crime. Domestic violence and drug arrests are always predominant and there is strong DWI enforcement, Almer said.
The coverage area includes Califon, Hunterdon County.
In his spare time, Almer enjoys physical fitness, automobile restoration, racing and spending time with his wife, Sheri and their two high-school aged sons.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
