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South Brunswick Police promoted 5 officers recently to new ranks. The capacity-filled Township Council meeting room saw the promotion of a new captain, lieutenant, and three sergeants. South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said, "Every police department in the State faces transition as more officers look to retire and fewer people want to become police officers. The key is to develop strong leaders to face the challenges ahead. All five officers have obtained a graduate degree on top of advanced training through the department. They underwent intense scrutiny and testing to earn the ranks they are now obtaining. I believe they are all prepared to take on the responsibility of their new positions. Their leadership will be key to our future."

Here are the 5 officers promoted - 

• Captain Gene Rickle is a 29-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department. He previously held various assignments and levels of responsibility within the department’s Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Bureau, Community Policing, and School Resource Bureau. He is a Deputy Coordinator for OEM and serves as a PIO. He has coordinated the Department’s National Night Out celebration for  20 years. He has received multiple awards and commendations throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, along with a Master’s Certificate in Global Leadership.

• Lieutenant William Merkler is a 15-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department. He previously held positions in the Patrol Division as an Officer and Sergeant. He worked in the Traffic Safety Division as an Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Domestic Violence Liaison, and a member of the Honor Guard. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

• Sergeant Jesse Blake is a 17-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division and past 9 years in the Traffic Safety Bureau as an Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist. He has served as an instructor in radar, work zone safety, and Traffic Incident Management. He was also a field training officer and evidence technician. He has also served as the Vice President of the Middlesex County Traffic Officers Association. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s Degree from Rider University in Community Counseling.

• Sergeant Salvatore Fama is a 15-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer First Class, field training officer, and evidence technician. He implemented the highly successful Pizza with Police program. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and letters of commendation, including multiple Lifesaving Medals, and the M.A.D.D. Award for arresting the most impaired drivers. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University.

• Sergeant Jarrid Harpster is a 9-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division as a patrol officer and evidence technician. In the Support Services Bureau, he led instruction on firearms, CPR, first aid, and the stop the bleed program. He was selected as one of only a handful of officers in the county to teach officers from throughout the county on de-escalation technique ICAT. He has received numerous awards and commendations, including 2 Medal of Valor Awards, Lifesaving Medals, and Exceptional Service Awards. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University.

These officers are all replacing recently retired officers.