• CHAIRMAN

  Lieutenant James Hill Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Lodge 222 Bio

  Lieutenant James Hill

  Jim was elected to the Labor Council in 2021 and currently serves on several committees at the direction of the Chairwoman. Jim has been an executive board member of Jersey Shore FOP Lodge 222 since its inception in 2019 and currently holds the position of State Trustee. He previously served as the Treasurer of the Sergeants Association from 2014 to 2019.

   

  Jim began his law enforcement career in 2005 as a patrol officer with Bradley Beach Police Department, transferring to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in 2007. Due to his previous career as a Computer Network Engineer, he was assigned to the High-Tech Crime Unit. In 2014 he was promoted to Sergeant of that unit and oversaw the team that build out the digital forensics’ laboratory. In 2016, under his supervision, the laboratory became the first non-federally funded digital forensic-focused laboratory in the history of New Jersey to achieve accreditation. In 2019 the laboratory became the second digital forensic-focused laboratory in the country to meet the updated international accreditation standards. Jim was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021 where he continues to have the High-Tech Crime, Gangs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence Units under his command.

   

  During his career, Jim has had the unique opportunity to assist in every type of investigation due to his role in the High-Tech Crime Unit. He has been qualified as an expert in New Jersey Superior Court as an expert in computer forensics. He has received numerous awards for investigative work over his career and was recognized by Congressman Tom McArthur in 2017 with a Certificate of Commendation. Jim holds a BA from Thomas Edison University in Criminal Justice.

• CO-CHAIRMAN

  Lieutenant Nevin J. Mattessich Franklin Borough Police Lodge 57 Bio

  Lieutenant Nevin J. Mattessich

  Nevin began his law enforcement career in 2000, after graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy. As a patrolman in Franklin Nevin has earned numerous awards and achievements including recognition by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his efforts in enforcing our drunk driving laws and ensuring the safety of our citizens. In 2003 Nevin was chosen in competitive testing for the position of Detective. As a Detective Nevin and his fellow officers conducted numerous investigations and enforcement actions making hundreds of narcotic arrests, forfeitures and seizures ensuring the safety of the residents of Franklin Borough. Nevin has also conducted countless investigations into other areas of criminality including firearms violations, assaults, robberies and domestic violence. Nevin has also been instrumental in evidence retention and served as the public information officer. He has additionally served as the background investigator for firearms applications and police recruit candidates.

  In 2016 Nevin was promoted to Detective Sergeant where he oversaw the entire Detective Unit. Nevin was recently promoted to Detective Lieutenant in December 2018. Currently Nevin serves as the Lieutenant in charge of the Administrative Division.

  Nevin has received various awards and accolades for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Franklin Borough. He is a member of the NJ Honor Legion, a graduate of the Top Gun training course and certified School Resource Officer.

  As a union leader, Nevin has served in various capacities in his local Lodge-Franklin Lodge 57. In 2013, Nevin was elected as President of Lodge 57 where he has been a staunch defender of his members rights and benefits, helping to successfully negotiate numerous contract successor agreements and resolving numerous labor issues. In 2014, Nevin was elected to the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey Labor Council Executive Board where he served as Board Secretary. In 2016 Nevin was elected to Vice Chairman and became the Chairman in September 2018, currently Nevin serves as Co-Chair of the Labor Council. Nevin serves on several State committees within the FOP, including the Labor, Compliance and Expansion/Retention Committees.

• SECRETARY

  Lieutenant Leo Tolosa Rutgers University Police Department Lodge 164 Bio

  Lieutenant Leo Tolosa

  Leo Tolosa served as a United States Marine from 1999-2003. After enrolling in Rutgers University, he attained his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy/Criminal Justice in 2008. After graduation, Leo was offered a job with Rutgers University Police, where he has worked in both the Patrol and Community Policing Units. Leo was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and more recently to Lieutenant in 2022. Leo has continued to educate himself and in 2016 he earned a master’s degree in labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University.

  As a union member, Leo has held positions in FOP Lodges 62 and 164 since 2014 and currently serves as the President of Lodge 164. Leo was elected to the Executive Board of the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey Labor Council in 2016, where he currently serves as the Board Secretary.

Board Members

• Lieutenant Amy L. Frenzel NJ Transit Police Lodge 37 Bio

  Lieutenant Amy L. Frenzel

  Amy Frenzel is currently a Lieutenant with NJ Transit Police Department and assigned to the Detective Bureau. Amy was elected to the FOPNJLC Board in March 2015 and has served as Secretary Co-Chair and as Chairwoman of the Board.  Amy is the first female Board member in the Labor Council history and her leadership and guidance has been instrumental in this organization’s success.

  Locally, Amy has been a board member for Lodge 37 – NJ Transit Police Superior Officers Association since 2009.  She has previously held the lodge officer positions of Secretary, Vice-President, and President.  Amy is currently the State Trustee for Lodge 37 and the Labor Committee Chair for the State Lodge.

• Officer George Mottola Salem County Sheriff’s Office Lodge 6 Bio

  Officer George Mottola

  George started his law enforcement career at the Salem County Correctional Facility in 2001 where he completed the Camden County Corrections Academy.  In 2004 he came to the Salem County Sheriff’s Office and graduated from the Camden County Police Academy in 2005.  I am currently assigned to the Administration Unit as the Assistant Accreditation Manager.  I also take on other administrative duties including managing department case files and overseeing maintenance, operation of Body Worn Camera program and pre-employment background investigations to name a few.

  George has previously served in the Warrants/ Home Detention Squad as well as worked as a K9 Officer with a patrol/ bomb dog, served on the County HAZMAT team along with CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team).  From 2009 to 2011 George was part of a joint narcotics task force that comprised of Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, NJSP, US Marshals and the DEA and worked with multi-jurisdictional municipalities in various counties. George has received 3 Meritorious Officer awards throughout his career.

• Officer Nigel Davis Lawrence Township Police Lodge 209 Bio

  Officer Nigel Davis

  Nigel began his law enforcement career in 2019 and graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy in January 2020. Since graduation Nigel has distinguished himself as a reliable, hardworking and excellent police officer with the Lawrence Township Police Department. Nigel is currently assigned to the patrol unit as a motorcycle officer.

   

  Nigel graduated from Rider University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Since joining FOP Lodge 209, Nigel’s work ethic and commitment have been recognized by his peers and resulted in his election to the position of Lodge Treasurer. Nigel has since completed his term of office and is now the Lodge Trustee to the State Lodge.

  Nigel was elected to the Labor Council Board in March of 2021 and serves on various committees at the direction of the Chairwoman.

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  Sgt. Sean C. Lavin (ret.) Mercer County Police & Sheriff's Association FOP Lodge 140 Bio

  Sgt. Sean C. Lavin (ret.)

  Sean began his law enforcement career in juvenile and adult corrections. In 2000, Sean was hired by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and attended the 87th basic recruit class at the Trenton Police Academy. Sean was assigned to various units as a Sheriff’s Officer including patrol, courts, detective and the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. In 2001 Sean and his co-workers, Mike Vasil and Christina Kalm, founded the non-profit organization, “Officer Down” in response to the death of co-worker Kevin McManimon. In 2005 Sean was recognized as Sheriff’s Officer of the Year by his co-workers. He served in New Orleans as part of Operation LEAD during Hurricane Katrina. In 2006 Sean was promoted to Sergeant and served in the Operations, Courts, OEM and the Airport Units. Sean also served as the Health Department liaison constructing security planning for mass epidemic/bio terror response and on Chief Justice Rabner’s Court Security Committee helping to restructure the court security protocols in the NJ Superior Courts. Sean retired in 2015 due to several severe knee injuries received in the line of duty.

  As a union leader Sean has held positions in Lodge 140 continuously since 2006, including Secretary, Vice President, Trustee and is currently the President of Lodge 140. As a union member and leader, Sean and his brothers and sisters successfully advocated and settled or won forty-eight (48) grievances and four (4) unfair practice charges, as well as, negotiating successor contracts.

  In 2013 Sean was elected to the Executive Board of the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey Labor Council and served as the Co- Chairman until 2014. In 2015 Sean was hired as a staff representative and in 2016 was promoted to Executive Director.

  Sean has an associate degree in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice from Mercer County Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Individual Studies/Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

  In 2016 Sean completed the Public Sector Labor Relations Certificate Program from Rutgers University and in 2018 he attended and completed the Negotiations and Leadership certificate program at Harvard University Law School. Sean is currently enrolled in the Certified Public Manager Program at Rutgers University and expects to complete his certificate in January 2024.

• DEPUTY DIRECTOR

  Captain James L. Sepp (ret.) Bogota Police Department Lodge 161 Bio

  Captain James L. Sepp (ret.)

  James started his Law Enforcement career in December of 1989. He worked in patrol from 1989 through 1999. In 2000 he became a Detective. As a Detective James worked all facets of crimes from disorderly persons to homicide. In 2008 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant and served as the Detective Bureau Commander.

  James was on-loan with local, state and federal tasks forces. In 2005 James worked on-loan with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office working child sexual assaults and child pornography investigations.

  In 2009 James was back in patrol as a tour commander until September of 2010 when he was promoted to Acting Captain. In January of 2011 James was promoted to Captain. He became executive officer of his department. James was responsible for Internal Affairs, payroll, scheduling, pensions, benefits, budgeting, purchasing and the fleet and continued on loan with the BCPO.

  James holds an Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University; he holds a Master’s Degree in Administration from FDU along with Master’s Certificates in Law and Public Safety and Computer Forensics and Safety. James has completed the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations and certification courses in Public Sector Labor Relations. James also anticipates finishing the Certified Public Manager certification in January of 2024.

• EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

  Theresa Vernon Bio

  Theresa Vernon

  Theresa Vernon’s upbringing as number nine of ten children makes her feel right at home with the huge FOP family she has accumulated over the years. She has been married to Kevin Vernon for 27 years and would not trade it for anything. She began her career serving those that protect and serve on August 27. 2007 as a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey Labor Council staff.

  Personally, Theresa is the mother of two daughters, ages 31 and 25 and two grandchildren, ages 7 and 1. Together with her family Theresa enjoys camping, boating and fishing. She also enjoys reading and playing drinking games.

SENIOR STAFF REPRESENTATIVES

• Lieutenant Scott T. Cox (ret.) Neptune Township Police Lodge 19 Bio

  Lieutenant Scott T. Cox (ret.)

  Scott began his career in public service in 1990 by joining the US Army a day after Operation Desert Shield was announced. There he served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Ft. Campbell KY as support personnel. He was an Airborne soldier and the rank of E-4 (Specialist) when he left the Army with his Honorable discharge. His primary job in the Army was a purchasing agent, a position that introduced him to the art of negotiating. He also served as the Assistant Battalion Armorer.

  In 1996 Scott joined the Neptune Township Police Department and was the rank of Lieutenant upon his retirement. During his law enforcement career, he was assigned to the Township’s Emergency Response Team and Supervising Firearms Instructor, as well as being one of the first 3 officers assigned as a Field Training Officer when the department adopted the program.

  Scott has served in various leadership roles with his respective unions in the police department from Treasurer, Vice-President and President (having served the last 8 years in service as the President of NJ Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #19). While serving his unions Scott created several charitable events benefiting both elderly citizens and children. He also has chaired and co-chaired the Annual Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors’ Black and Blue Ball. He currently sits on the Legislative, Retention and Expansion, and Education Committee with the NJ State Fraternal Order of Police.

  In 2018 Scott was elected to the NJ FOP Labor Council Board of Directors, a position he held until his retirement from Law Enforcement. Shortly after retirement he began his employment with the Labor Council as a Staff Representative.

  A self-described autodidact, Scott has an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Brookdale Community College as well as certifications in Human Resource Management (American Management Association), Employment Law (Rutgers University), Negotiation, Arbitration and Conflict Resolution (Rutgers University), Leadership and Command (Penn State University), and Leadership and Supervision (Federal Bureau of Investigations).

• Lieutenant Eric Straub (ret.) Monroe Township Police Lodge 125 Bio

  Lieutenant Eric Straub (ret.)

  Eric was then hired by Monroe Township Police Department in Gloucester County in 1991 as a patrol officer. He graduated from Burlington County Police Academy class #60. While assigned to the patrol division he completed his bachelor of the arts degree in law justice graduating in 1995. Recognized for his work performance Eric was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Eric’s hard work and efforts were once again recognized as he was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and again promoted to Lieutenant in 2009. Eric had been assigned to the patrol division and was the domestic violence coordinator and the court liaison coordinator. Unfortunately, Eric was involved in an on-duty motor vehicle accident that caused him to retire with 23 years of honorable service.
  Eric has held numerous positions as an active member of the Monroe Twp FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) (Fraternal Order of Police) Lodge 125, including the negotiations committee, trustee, and past president.
  In 2019, after an exhaustive selection process, Eric was hired as a staff representative for the FOPNJLC, where he represents numerous southern New Jersey bargaining units. Eric has completed the Rutgers Labor Relations Certificate Program, holds an Associated Degree from Gloucester County College and a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Glassboro State College.