JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – An ordinance signed into law by Mayor Michael Reina in Jackson Township will preserve the highly esteemed title of police chaplain but will limit the honor to township residents only.
Rev. Dan Schafer has served as police chaplain for years, but the new ordinance codifies the position, which is a volunteer position and carries no police rank or authority. Schafer is the brother of Father Matthew Schafer, who led the St. Aloysius Parish for many years.
Father Scott is now the pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Toms River.
The measure came about after two Orthodox Jewish chaplains from Lakewood Township pressured town officials to codify the position and to expand the position to include chaplains of other faiths.
According to town officials Yankel Wenger and Yisroel Bursztyn, both Lakewood residents were jockeying for the spot but were angry when they learned the township elected officials added the residency requirement. The two men are also affiliated with the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch, an organization that has been trying to establish itself in Jackson for several years.
In an unexpected twist, the new ordinance received the ‘blessing’ of both Mayor Michael Reina and Chief Matthew Kunz, a rare occasion when the two men have publicly agreed with each other.
At this time, the township has not appointed any rabbis to the ceremonial position of police chaplain. There are several rabbis serving with leaders of other faith as township chaplains.
The decision to require residency reportedly also had the support of the local Jewish Community Council. The council did not respond to comment when contacted regarding this ordinance.