Township celebrates four police promotions and honors officers for DWI and major investigation

The Township of Washington on July 13 promoted four members of its police department and publicly honored several officers for recent investigative work.

At the meeting Mayor and council recited brief biographical notes before administering oaths for the promoted officers. Jason Guger was sworn in as lieutenant and was described as a lifelong township resident with prior service at the Bergen County Police Academy, detective-bureau experience and multiple commendations. Clayton Kenny was sworn as sergeant; presenters noted his start with the department as a dispatcher in 2014, his attendance at the Bergen County Police Academy and his role on a Bergen County arson task force. Corporal Alyssa Bobadilla was promoted and sworn in; officials said she serves as a juvenile officer and has participated in a federal narcotics task force. Andrew Eckhart was sworn as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO 2) and is scheduled for academy training in February.

Council also recognized Officers Bridal and O'Hanlon and Sergeant Ferrerini for DWI enforcement work that the chief said accounted for a substantial share of the department’s DUI enforcement last year. Detective Lascaux was singled out for a December home-invasion investigation that reportedly required more than 600 man-hours over several months and resulted in four arrests and cross-jurisdiction assistance to neighboring municipalities.

The mayor and council praised the officers’ work and emphasized public safety benefits. No policy actions were taken in the promotions and commendation segment beyond the swearing-in and ceremonial recognitions.

The council adjourned that portion of the meeting to resume regular business and later returned to votes and other agenda items.