John (Jack) Oakley Jr. is the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator for Lawrence Township and has been in that position since January of 2008. He is responsible for the supervision of all plans associated with natural and man-made disasters that may affect Lawrence Township and the supervision of all career and volunteer fire and EMS employees. Mr. Oakley works with the police department and assists them with fire and medical incident responses. He has been a volunteer firefighter in Lawrence at the Slackwood Fire Company for 44 years, holding many officer ranks in the organization including Chief in 1995 and 1996.

Prior to being employed by Lawrence Township, he was a New Jersey State Trooper for 28 years, having assignments as general road duty trooper in North and Central regions and on the NJ Turnpike., a detective in the Sports Complex Unit, Arson/Bomb Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Cargo Theft and Robbery Unit, Intelligence/Organized Crime Bureaus and Internal Affairs Bureau. He was the Unit Supervisor and Bomb Squad Commander from 2000 through 2003, being trained as a fire investigator, hazardous devices technician and a hazardous materials technician. Mr. Oakley worked many special assignments while with the Division of State Police, most notable was the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and the 911 Terrorist Attack in New York City. He was promoted to Captain and assigned as the Bureau Chief of the Technical Response Bureau and at the time of his retirement he was the Executive Officer of the Special Operations Section of the Homeland Security Branch.

Mr. Oakley was born in Trenton, and moved to Lawrence in 1970. He is a Lawrence High Class of 1976 graduate, holds an associates degree in Law Enforcement from Mercer County Community College and is also an alumnus of the F.B.I. National Academy, Class 201. He resides with his wife Samantha in Lawrence.

2024 Budget Presentation

The Emergency Management (Fire/EMT) budget was presented at the council meeting on March 5, 2024 and can be viewed here.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

For the past few months, the Township has been working on updating the Township’s Hazard Mitigation Plan along with every jurisdiction in the County/State. The following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Mercer_Citizen enables residents of Lawrence to provide input. It is a survey to help update our hazard mitigation plan so we can apply for FEMA mitigation funding when needed. This plan is a countywide project identifying hazards such as flood zones, dams, roadway problems, disease, insect infestation – ALL Hazards. Information supplied by the public helps the planners address issues throughout the County and attach funding to mitigate the problem(s). For the past few months, we have been working on updating the Township’s Hazard Mitigation Plan along with every jurisdiction in the County/State.

Be Prepared

The National Weather Service has prepared 'Online Weather Resources" with valuable tips on planned weather events and weather safety messages.

For resources on making a plan, creating an emergency kit and staying informed, please visit www.ready.gov and www.state.nj.us/health/er.
We also suggest that you register for the Mercer County emergency notification system by visiting www.mercercounty.org and clicking on "ALERT MERCER" at the top of the home page.
For all power outages, please visit the PSE&G Storm Center.

Carbon Monoxide Alert: Several New Jersey residents found themselves hospitalized this past weekend for carbon monoxide exposure. The culprit: their gas generators. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and deadly threat during severe weather. DO NOT under any circumstances bring gas generators indoors or leave them near open windows, doors, garages, etc. The New Jersey Poison Control experts urge the public to heed this warning for the next storm heading our way. Click here for additional information.

Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps in Mercer County welcomes medical and community volunteers to register and be ready to volunteer when there is a local emergency and/or public health need. Volunteers can register online.
Many MRC volunteers were called to help with the hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Mercer County MRC members will receive training, assistance and an opportunity to network with other persons and organizations focused on emergency preparedness. Plan, prepare and protect your community by joining the Mercer County MRC.

EMS Agencies

Mercer County Emergency Services Communication Center

NJ Office of Emergency Medical Services

F.E.M.A. (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control)

Red Cross

NJ Emergency Planning for Pets