Two significant milestones were celebrated in council chambers during the last meeting of the year.
Mayor Anthony DellaPia swore in three new police officers – James Bennett, Sam Ray and Dante Moore, graduates of Class 67 of the Gloucester County Police Academy – and the promotion of Detective Matt Barnett to sergeant on Dec. 17.
“For our new officers,” Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik began, “tonight marks the beginning of a career filled with responsibility, integrity, and services to others.
“The oath you take is not just a ceremonial oath, it’s a promise to protect this community, uphold the values of this profession.”
Gurcsik told the parents and loved ones of the new officers that they are in good hands.
“Our agency places highest priority on training, supervision, and officer safety,” he emphasized, “and we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure they return home safely at the end of every shift.”
Gurcsik noted that Barnett’s promotion to sergeant signifies “a position among the most important in our agency.
“Sergeants are the backbone of any police agency,” he said. “They are the first line of leadership, [the line] between command staff and officers on the street and the ones that set the tone of professionalism, accountability, and officer safety on every single shift.
“This promotion not only reflects Detective Barnett’s experience, and performance, but also trust placed in him to lead, mentor, protect those under his supervision and command.”
In other police news:
Members of Policemen Benevolent Association (PBA) 318 donated $750 to Mother’s Cupboard, a food pantry, that serves free groceries to township residents every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon in council chambers.
The PBA raised funds through Movember, an annual men’s health awareness fundraiser in November. Officers voluntarily grew out their beards with a purpose — supporting their neighbors in the township who may be facing food insecurity.
Members of PBA 318 raised funds for Mother’s Cupboard through Movember fundraiser.
