Toms
River –First Assistant Attorney General
John M. Vazquez and State Police Superintendent
Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes today presented
40 badges to New Jersey’s newest state
troopers during graduation ceremonies at
the Rittacco Center.
“I
congratulate today’s graduates on
completing the tough training regimen which
has prepared them to respond to the challenges
of police work in New Jersey,’’
said First Assistant Attorney General Vazquez.
“The troopers graduating today have
learned policing practices that balance
a commitment to fighting crime with an equal
commitment to accountability, fairness,
and even-handed treatment of all people.
They will be patrolling our highways and
waterways, fighting gangs, guns, and violence,
and they will play a vital role as well
in addressing our homeland security needs.’’
“Today,
the troopers of the 146th New Jersey State
Police class have completed a very long
journey,” Col. Fuentes said. "It
is truly an honor to congratulate each trooper
and to wish the newest members of the New
Jersey State Police success as they report
to their duty assignments. Today’s
troopers face a more complex world and have
fewer margins for error. They must think
and act independently and possess the self-confidence
and focus to perform their job constitutionally
and with compassion,” he added.
“The
troopers graduating today will witness three
of our troopers receive awards for their
heroic actions,” stated Colonel Fuentes.
“These honored troopers exemplify
the actions taken by all members of the
State Police, everyday,” he added.
According
to Lieutenant Thomas Souchek, Commandant
of the State Police Training Academy, the
training program has undergone significant
changes during the past several years. Among
the changes, the Recruits are exposed to
a high level of scenario based experiential
training and the integration of Intelligence
Led Policing. Upon completion of the program
the newly graduated troopers are prepared
to further the Division’s “All
Crimes, All Hazards, All Threats”
policing model.
To
further ensure the needs of our diverse
citizenry are met, the members of the 146th
New Jersey State Police Class took part
in classroom lecture and scenario based
training in the areas of constitutional
law, domestic violence, traffic enforcement,
accident reduction, community service, cultural
awareness, ethical decision making and leadership.
Today’s
trooper is responsible for hometown and
homeland protection and the New Jersey State
Police Academy has provided a training experience
for these men and women that is rooted in
best practices and will serve them with
a foundation for a positive and productive
future.
In
commenting on the overall selection process
for State Police recruit training classes,
Colonel Fuentes reported that each applicant
applying to the State Police is required
to have a bachelor’s degree, or, an
associate’s degree or have completed
60 college credits, plus at least two years
of satisfactory employment or, have completed
30 college credits from an accredited college
or university plus at least two years of
active duty military service with an honorable
discharge
Colonel
Fuentes said that the probationary troopers
will be assigned to stations throughout
the state and over the next 11 weeks, the
new troopers will begin their careers under
the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches
and supervisors.
Here
are some interesting facts about some of
the recruits of the 146th classes: Of the
following 40 new troopers, five of them
had prior law enforcement experience, and
eight had prior military experience.
The
following three troopers were honored today
for their actions while on and off duty:
Certificate
of Commendation
Trooper John Widovic # 5019
While
off duty Trooper John Widovic #5019 apprehend
three individuals that had just robbed
a store. Trooper Widovic observed a storeowner
chasing one the suspects through the parking
lot into a car. Tpr Widovic immediately
identified himself to the storeowner,
and began to pursue the fleeing vehicle
in his personal vehicle. A short distance
later the vehicle pulled off the roadway.
Tpr Widovic was able to secure two of
the four occupants of the vehicle while
the other two fled. After a field search
with the assistance of other law enforcement
agencies the third suspect was apprehended.
Certificate
of Commendation
Detective David Alston # 4132
While
off duty Detective Sergeant Alston #4132
was dining at the Pomodoro Restaurant
in New York City when another patron began
to choke on his food. After the maitre
d’ unsuccessfully attempted to perform
the Heimlich maneuver the patron turned
blue and lost consciousness. Realizing
the seriousness of the situation, Detective
Sergeant Alston identified himself as
a New Jersey State Trooper and then performed
the Heimlich maneuver and successfully
dislodged the obstruction.
The New York City Emergency Medical Service
transported the victim to a local hospital
for treatment.
Certificate
of Meritorious Service
Trooper Christopher Brozyna #6713
On
March 31, 2006 Trooper Christopher Brozyna
#6713 was detailed to a suspicious person
complaint at the Cream Ridge Country Market,
located on CR 537, Cream Ridge, New Jersey.
Trooper Brozyna received a description
of the suspect and responded to the scene.
Upon his arrival at the scene, Trooper
Brozyna observed a subject matching the
description entering the store with a
sack over his head. Trooper Brozyna drew
his weapon and immediately entered the
store behind the subject. Trooper Brozyna
then observed the suspect brandish a knife
at the store clerk, Trooper Brozyna then
trained his weapon on the suspect and
ordered him several times to drop the
knife. The suspect turned and began advancing
toward Trooper Brozyna, the suspect was
again ordered to drop the knife, but did
not comply. Trooper Brozyna without regard
for his own safety grabbed the suspect’s
right arm, disarming the suspect of the
knife and after a violent struggle, subduing
and handcuffing the suspect.
A list of the graduates follows below.
Graduating
Troopers
- ALARCON,
William J,
Brielle
- AXELROD,
Jason A,
Colts Neck
- BATISTA,
Steven,
Pennsauken
- BOSTON,
Paul G, Florence
- BOWMAN,
Jeffrey R, Westampton
- CRAWFORD,
Damon R,
Newark
- DANIELS,
David B, Galloway
- DIAZ,
Oscar,
Hamilton Square
- FREELAND,
Patrick W,
Vernon
- GRAY,
Lindsay,
Kearny
- HART,
Amber A,
Colts Neck
- HAMIL,
James
- HAYDUK,
Timothy R, Toms
River
- HIDER,
Joshua P, Millville
- HILLMAN,
William W, Marlton
- KARLOWSKI,
Pawel A, Spotswood
- KIM,
Tony, Saddle
Brook
- KORPI,
Richard L,
Bayonne
- MARCHATERRE,
Mark B, Florham
Park
- MAZZONI,
Jeffrey H, Vineland
- MRUZ,
Jonathan S,
Marmora
- NALLY,
Sean B,
Jersey City
- OLIVER,
Brian P, Brick
- PASTOR,
Christopher E.,
Burlington Township
- PASTORE,
Patrick W, Brick
- PATIMETHA,
Pakorn,
Roselle
- PETELICKI,
Peter,
Wanaque
- PETERS,
Frederick C, South
River
- RENNA,
Nicholas R,
Bordentown
- RIEFLER,
Steven E, Hacketstown
- RODRIGUEZ,
Cory, Bound
Brook
- SAVNIK,
Michael V,
Cranford
- SERRANO,
Jason M, Prospect
Park
- SERRECCHIA,
Joseph P,
Parsippany
- SHARPLESS,
David L,
Millville
- STONE,
Steven F,
Freehold
- SOUHOCKI,
Martin J, Freehold
- TATJE,
John D,
Englewood
- THOMAS,
David S,
Lafayette
- THOMPSON,
Meridith R, Manasquan
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