Mark Wolfe (front right) is sworn in as a Monroe police officer by Mayor Greg Wolfe (left) at a Feb. 11 council meeting.
The Monroe Township Council meeting on Feb. 11 saw the swearing in of three new officers, the promotion of another and recognition of both officer of the year and police supervisor of the year.
The newcomers are Mark Wolfe, Bryce Monahan and Tristan Hofstrom. The three all have experience in other area communities, and joining the township means they will police their hometown, according to Police Chief John McBride.
“They’re joining a department built on courage, integrity and service,” he said to the meeting crowd. “Values that are not just written in our policies, but lived out every day by the men and women of our agency. Today marks the beginning of our journey together and we’re proud to have you.”
Officer Roy Pierson was also promoted to the rank of sergeant. He began his law-enforcement career in 2008, according to McBride, and has served in the military police, where he also achieved the rank of sergeant. Pierson earned 19 awards and citations and completed a two-year combat deployment to Afghanistan. He transitioned to civilian policing in 2014, at the Wildwood Crest Police Department.
“Officer Roy Pierson’s career is defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to others,” McBride noted. “He graduated from the Cape May Police Academy as part of class number 45, where he was elected president by his peers. Later that year (2014), officer Pierson joined the Monroe Township Police Department and graduated from the Atlantic County Police Academy with the academic achievement award, earning a 95.94% average.”
In Mount Laurel, Pierson worked narcotics, where he made more than 200 arrests as a patrol officer.
The 2025 township officer of the year is Matthew Gordon, who trains new cops.
“Tonight, we proudly commend our officer of the year, Matthew Gordon,” said McBride, “whose dedication, professionalism and consistent commitment to service has set a powerful example for all of us. His work has made a real impact, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
The department ‘s supervisor of the year is Dan Marino, whom McBride praised for his leadership and guidance of fellow officers.
“Great leadership is not about authority,” McBride explained. “It’s about influence, mentorship and the ability to bring out the best in others. This year’s recipient has done exactly that.”
Both Gordon and Marino were awarded with a trophy and a township proclamation.
