Montgomery swears in probationary officer Piper Ford and promotes Jim Ward to sergeant; parks worker honored for life-saving response

The Montgomery Township Committee approved a resolution appointing probationary police officer Piper Ford and separately adopted a promotion for Patrol Officer James (Jim) Ward to sergeant.

Captain (identified in the record as Captain Bet) introduced Piper Ford, describing her as a Montgomery resident who earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Mercer County Community College (2021), completed U.S. Army basic training in 2019, serves in the New Jersey National Guard and was recruited through the Somerset County Police Academy Diversity Scholarship Program. Captain Bet told the committee Ford will attend Cape May Police Academy in August and then complete a four-month field training program in Montgomery. In the meeting record Captain Bet said of Ford, "I'm confident she will represent our organization and protect and serve our community with courtesy, professionalism, and respect." The committee administered the oath of office.

Captain Bet also introduced Jim Ward before his promotion vote, recounting Ward's hiring and training history, his tenure as a field training officer and his 13 months serving as acting sergeant of patrol squad B. The committee approved the promotion to sergeant by roll call.

Recognition: the committee read and approved a proclamation recognizing Michael (Magno) of the Department of Parks and Recreation for responding to a June 14, 2024 heat-exhaustion incident at Van Horn Park, calling 911 and remaining with the person until emergency medical services arrived; the proclamation credited his actions with saving a life.

Next steps: Officer Ford will attend the Cape May Police Academy in August; Ward's promotion takes effect per departmental procedures; the Parks & Rec proclamation will be added to committee records.