BORDENTOWN CITY Three veteran officers on the city police force were promoted to the rank of sergeant on Monday night during a City Commission meeting.
By:Vanessa S. Holt
A crowd of 100 filled the court room at the municipal building to witness the ceremony as Cpl. Steven Maines, Patrolman Douglas Corrello and Detective Cpl. Matthew Simmons changed their titles to that of sergeant.
As sergeants, the officers will be in charge of their shifts and will take on additional responsibilities in the department.
Sgt. Mains, 47, who has been with the department for 20 years, is firearms officer for the department, emergency technician, fatal accident investigator and he is also a mentor at Clara Barton Elementary School.
Sgt. Mains lives in the city with his wife, Wendy, and four daughters, Stephanie, Candance, and twins Robin and Kim.
Sgt. Corrello, 37, who was promoted from the position of patrolman after 11 years with the department, operates as the department’s computer system analyst and fatal accident investigator.
Sgt. Corrello resides in Hamilton Township with his wife, Tami, and four children, Taylor, Dakota, and twins Parker and Morgan.
A 12-year veteran of the city Police Department, Matthew Simmons, 45, handles narcotic and internal affairs investigations.
As sergeant he will remain in the Detective Bureau and will supervise the day shift.
Sgt. Simmons resides in Allentown with his wife, Rose, and five children, Matthew Jr., Mark, Megan, Thomas and Krystal.
"These are veteran officers who care about Bordentown City; they go above and beyond the call of duty," said Commissioner James Lynch before the ceremony.
In an emotional speech, Sgt. Simmons thanked his aunt, Celia Rajeski, who "raised him as a son," in addition to thanking the city, Police Department and community groups for their help in "making Bordentown a safe place to live and raise a family."
Sgt. Simmons said the change in the city over the past few years had been "miraculous," in part because of the efforts of community organizations that help the police, including the Neighborhood Crime Watch and youths in the Police Explorer program.
"They have made our town what it should be," he said. "You can walk down the street without any fear of being in danger."
Sgt. Corrello said preparing for the civil service examination required for the promotion required six months of hard studying and the support of his family.
"I’m very proud," said Ms. Corrello. "I know how hard he studied. He put in a lot of overtime, and still managed to fit in reading."
Police Chief Philip Castagna said the three sergeants will join current Sgt. Fred Brown as the supervisory staff to oversee each of the four daily shifts.
Patrolmen Ken Mortez and William Cranmer also passed the state examination, added Chief Castagna.
"Each one is very dedicated," said Chief Castagna. "They go above and beyond the call of duty. This is a nice reward for the service they have put in."