Washington Twp. Eagle Scout Improves Police HQ's Storage Area

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Washington Township Police Department is recognizing Eagle Scout Gavin Smith for completing a community service project that expanded usable storage space at police headquarters.

Smith's Eagle Scout project transformed an underutilized area behind police headquarters into additional on-site storage space for essential department equipment.

Working alongside eight volunteers, Smith removed an old fence surrounding the department's dumpster, cleared grass from a corner of the parking lot, and prepared the area with gravel. The project required about 113 hours of planning and labor.

The idea for the project came after Smith met with Police Chief Almer and noticed an opportunity to improve the area where the department's training trailer had previously been stored. His goal was to help the police department keep more equipment at headquarters instead of storing it at offsite locations.

The project also carried personal significance for Smith. He has police officers in his family, and his older brother previously completed an Eagle Scout project benefiting the Washington Township Police Department. Smith said he wanted to give back because he appreciates the officers and staff who protect and serve the community.

The police department also recognized Smith's family, his Boy Scout troop, and Harrington Construction Companies for supporting the project. The department said Mike Roskie and Patrick Harrington helped secure a donation of materials from Harrington Construction Companies that made the project possible.

"Congratulations, Gavin, on an outstanding Eagle Scout project, and thank you for choosing to give back to the Washington Township Police Department and our community!" the department said in a statement.