No ‘better time’

Four police officers were honored during the June 24 township council meeting, two who were promoted and two new to the ranks.

Sgt. Mark Allen was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and officer Kyle Welsh was promoted to sergeant. The new officers are Ryan Palmer and Trey Van De Silver.

“These promotions and hires come at a critical time for our agency,” said Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik. “Our officers answer almost 60,000 calls for service each year. Just last week, our officers made 10 arrests. Within the last month, they have taken multiple loaded firearms off the street of Washinton Township.

“We are busier than ever, and these additions to our agency and ranks could not come at a better time.”

Gurcsik introduced each officer to the crowd of roughly a few dozen at the meeting.

“Mark joined the Washington Township Police Department in 2009 as a graduate of Rowan University,” the chief said of the new lieutenant. “He was promoted to sergeant in 2022 and served our department with distinction, including as a K-9 handler. As a lieutenant, Mark now joins our command staff and will serve as a watch commander.”

“Both,” Gurcsik said of Palmer and Van De Silver, “are life-long Washington Township residents. Ryan is 22 years old and Trey is just 20 years old. They entered the police academy as special law-enforcement officers, and when two full-time positions were available, we immediately recognized their potential.”

Each officer honored and sworn in was accompanied by family members. Mayor Anthony Dellapia administered their oaths.

“I want to congratulate the policemen that got promotions today and were hires,” he remarked. “Our police department is the best in New Jersey. I don’t say that just because I’m the mayor. It’s true.”

Gurscik also announced during the meeting that the township is currently applying for a federal grant to bring on three new officers.

“If awarded,” he explained, “the grant will fund those positions for four years. And hopefully, we will be back early next year, welcoming even more officers to help strengthen our department and enhance public safety.”