Ramsey honors students, police officer for mental‑health PSA adopted by schools and courts

The Borough of Ramsey on Thursday recognized students and police partners behind a short mental‑health public service announcement that local officials said is gaining traction beyond the town.

Officer Ben Stanniso, who identified himself as president of the Bergen County Student Officers Association and a licensed social worker, described how a PSA first produced last year focused on the Good Samaritan law and retention in recovery grew into a larger student-driven project. Stanniso said the film has been used by schools and behavioral‑health systems and that a superior court judge recently told him she plans to require it for some parents "because it's that good." He also said the project has been invited for formal submission to the American Public Health Association conference in Washington, D.C.

Council members presented plaques to students involved in the project, including Matt, Owen, Carla and Francesca, praising the project’s peer‑to‑peer approach. "Sometimes it has to come from a peer," Stanniso said, explaining why student narration and authentic voices helped the PSA resonate. Council speakers noted that judges, prosecutors and recovery providers have expressed interest in using the short films as educational tools.

The council encouraged the team to share materials and thanked Chief Dean Aker and Bergen County police leadership for permitting staff time and autonomy to produce the work. The council asked that a viewing link and supplemental materials be shared with the borough clerk for broader distribution to officials.

The presentation concluded with applause and a photo opportunity; the meeting then returned to regular business.