It was a special evening for the North Brunswick Township Police Department at the February 3 Township Council Meeting as it recognized the service of retiring police officers, celebrated the promotion of dedicated members of the department and welcomed 2 new officers.

“We celebrate the legacy of those who have served, the bright future of those stepping into new leadership roles and the promise of the newest officers,” Police Chief Joseph Battaglia said.

The officers honored on their retirement are: Lieutenant Greg Gyumolcs, Sergeant David Incle, Officer Ashley Bryan and Sergeant Darren Carroll.

Officers for promotion are: Lieutenant Paul Pappas, Sergeant Jason Vallese and Sergeant Sean Egan

The department’s newest officers are Police Officer Thomas Kushnir and Police Officer Matthew Thibault

Police Officer Retirements

Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack said the retiring officers are names that “we hear time and time again associated with the best of our department. We are very sorry to lose them but they have given us immense pride over the years.”

Lt. Gyumolcs began his career with the department in January 1995, promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and Lieutenant in 2016. He served in the Patrol Division and Traffic Safety Bureau. He has received multiple letters and commendation and appreciation, 3 unit citations and 2 life saving awards.

Sgt. Incle began his career in January 2005 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2019. He served in the Patrol Division and Traffic Safety Bureau. He is the recipient of multiple letters of commendation and appreciation, 1 unit citation and 2 life saving awards.

Chief Battaglia said Lt. Gyumolcs and Sgt. Incle’s “leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty have left a lasting impact on their fellow officers and community they serve. Their experience and guidance will truly be missed.”

Officer Bryan began her career in November 2015. She has received multiple letters of commendation and 1 life saving award.

While serving the community, she was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a reckless driver traveling over 90 miles per hour and ran a red light.

“Ashley, your strength and resilience in the face of this tragedy is inspiring,” Chief Battaglia said. “Though your career was cut short, your impact on this department and the people you served will never be forgotten.”

Chief Battaglia recognized Sergeant Carroll, who began his career in January 2013. He retired in March 2024 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. He was seriously injured while pursuing a fleeing suspect. Sgt. Carroll was struck by an automobile as the suspect recklessly crossed 6 lanes of traffic on Route 1.

“Darren, your bravery and sacrifice exemplified the courage it takes to wear the badge and we honor your dedication to protecting our community,” Chief Battaglia said.

Police Officer Promotions

Lt. Pappas joined the police department in July 2006 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2020. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations, an exceptional service award and one life saving award.

Sgt. Vallese has been member of the department since 2006. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations, an exceptional service award and 2 life saving awards.

Sgt. Egan has been a member of the department since July 2015. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations and an exceptional service award.

New Police Officers

Newest police officers Kushnir and Thibault recently completed a rigorous 6 month Police Academy course, graduating on January 10.

Kushnir was born and raised in North Brunswick. He is a graduate of North Brunswick Township High School and went to Middlesex County College. His father is a retired North Brunswick police officer.

Thibault also is a North Brunswick Township High School graduate. He attended Alvernia University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Nadeem Waheed, a North Brunswick resident and owner of Daniels’ Leather in New York City, visited Livingston Park Elementary School on Tuesday, December 3 to donate 100 coats to the Township’s elementary schools.

Superintendent of Schools Janet Ciarrocca, John Adams Elementary School principal Ann Kingsley, Judd Elementary School principal Dr. Veronica Glover, Livingston Park Elementary School principal Sidney Dawson and North Brunswick Early Childhood Center principal Scott Passner were on hand for the coat donation.

Thank you Mr. Waheed for your generosity to the North Brunswick community!

At the December 2 Township Council Meeting, the North Brunswick Police Department received a certificate of Re-Accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).

“Achieving this accreditation through our third cycle is pretty remarkable,” Police Chief Joseph Battaglia said. “That just reaffirms the department’s dedication of upholding the highest standards in law enforcement. It reflects on the hard work and resilience and the teamwork of every member of this department as well as the trust and support of our community.”

He extended his gratitude to the NJSACOP for “providing the framework and guidance to ensure we remain the model agency” and Lieutenant Ryan Uzunis, who manages and oversees the department’s accreditation program.

Harry Delgado, NJSACOP’s Accreditation Program Director, said the police department’s second re-accreditation puts them in an “elite” group of law enforcement agencies, as less than 12 percent of all agencies in New Jersey have reached this status.

“They are really in an exclusive and remarkable group,” Delgado said.

He said the department has received this status “demonstrating Chief Battaglia’s firm commitment to remain on track with state and national standards and the continued expectations for quality, professional and ethical policing.”

During the in person assessment, Delgado said the assessors were so impressed with what they saw, based on the adverse circumstances the department had to overcome after police headquarters was flooded following Hurricane Ida in September 2021.

The department continued operations out of rented office space, borrowed police vehicles, portable trailers and certain refurbished areas of the building.

“The entire agency should be commended for their resiliency and ability to make it work during these difficult circumstances,” Delgado said. “Their ability to perform regular duties while retaining accreditation status is just simply exemplary.”

Battaglia said the department’s policies, training, preparation and leadership “were crucial in navigating this crisis.”

Several awards were distributed at the December 2 Township Council Meeting. Congratulations to the following award recipients!

Scholar / Athlete / Artist of the Month of December – Leah Boykins

Recognition of North Brunswick Township High School Lady Raiders Wrestler – Gabrielle Roberts

2024 Annual Young Adult Peer Advocate Award – presented by Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee – NBTHS student – Andrew Selover & NBTHS student – Joshua Wen

2024 Annual Youth Advocate Award – presentation by Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee – Steven Wen

2024 Mayor’s Wellness Awards – Joanne DeLuca, Ro Tucker, Chris Henning, Dominic Moccio, Alexis Krzewick, Laura Pelszynski, Steve Bloyed and Maureen Fisher

Scholar / Athlete / Artist of the Month of December – Leah Boykins

Recognition of North Brunswick Township High School Lady Raiders Wrestler – Gabrielle Roberts

2024 Annual Young Adult Peer Advocate Award – NBTHS student – Andrew Selover

2024 Annual Young Adult Peer Advocate Award – NBTHS student – Joshua Wen

2024 Annual Youth Advocate Award – Steven Wen

2024 Mayor’s Wellness Awards – Joanne DeLuca, Ro Tucker, Chris Henning, Dominic Moccio, Alexis Krzewick, Laura Pelszynski, Steve Bloyed and Maureen Fisher

North Brunswick Police Lt. Erik Jacobsen and Sgt. Jason Zier join the Boost to discuss the dangers of distracted driving and its impact on accidents in the Township.

Lt. Jacobsen also details the Department’s initiative to educate and enforce zero tolerance for aggressive and distracted driving.