By DON STINE
Three police sergeants were promoted to the rank of lieutenant and three other police officers promoted to the position of sergeant at Monday’s Neptune Township Committee meeting. Four new police officers were also hired.
Promoted to the rank of police lieutenant were Sergeants Jose Arce, Robert Baldwin, Jr. and Kevin O’Donnell
“The officers spent over 15 years with the department and have continued to excel while serving in an array of specialized roles including the Detective Bureau, Street Crimes Unit, Internal Affairs Unit, Community Outreach, Youth Services, and as School Resource Officers. We are proud to have them continue to serve our community and look forward to many years of continued success and excellence,” Police Chief James M. Hunt Jr. said.
Police Officers Mysonn Ledet, Frank Maletto and Jason Rademacher were also promoted to the position of sergeant.
“Our new sergeants have demonstrated their experience and professionalism with an array of assignments over their careers including with the Detective Bureau, Street Crimes Unit, Traffic Bureau, Community Service, and assignments with various County and Federal agencies. We are proud to have them represent the Neptune Township Police Department as supervisors, and wish them continued success and health,” Hunt said.
Noah DeFazio, Bryan Jones, Cadell Kennedy and Brooke Tartis were hired as new police officers.
“All four officers should be familiar faces as they are currently serving our community as SLEO II officers. Our Special Law Enforcement Officer program has always been a stepping stone where many of our current Police Officers began their careers. SLEO II officers carry full police powers while they are on duty and the program allows them to gain valuable experience and familiarity with our community on a part-time basis before beginning their careers. It also allows our supervisors and command staff to evaluate potential candidates for full-time positions as they become available. Thank you and congratulations to these officers for continuing to serve our community. We have the utmost faith and confidence in the abilities of our newly hired officers and wish them long and healthy careers in law enforcement,” Hunt said.
Due to the Covis-19 restrictions on public gatherings, the newly-promoted and hired officers, who will assume their new positions on Jan. 1, will be formally recognized in a future ceremony.
