Borough’s first female
full-time officer sworn in
Sherry Conohan West Long Branch Mayor Paul Zambrano, center, swears in Theresa Elizabeth Marino as the borough’s first full-time female police officer while her fiancé, Bernie Healy, holds the Bible.
WEST LONG BRANCH — The borough’s first full-time policewoman was sworn into office by Mayor Paul Zambrano at the May 1 council meeting.
Zambrano administered the oath to Theresa Elizabeth Marino as her fiancé, Bernie Healy, held the Bible on which she rested her hand.
"The borough is proud to have Theresa Marino," the mayor told the audience in Borough Hall. Turning to Marino, he said, "Welcome into the borough family."
Councilman William J. Boglioli, who oversees police matters, joined in welcoming Marino to the Police Department.
"I’m proud because Theresa is our first full-time female police officer," he said.
One of the borough’s three part-time special officers is a woman. She is Heidi Smith-Ash, a Class II special, who was hired in May 1998.
The council approved the hiring of Marino at its March 20 meeting.
Marino, a resident of Toms River, comes to the borough Police Department from the Monmouth University police force, on which she served for three years.
She already has attended the Monmouth County Police Academy.
Marino replaces Joseph Mellaci, who retired April 1 on disability. He had been out on disability since being struck by a car, while on foot, in December 2000.
Marino will begin as a probationary officer for a year. Borough Police Chief John Demaree is confident that she’ll be up to the job.
"She is a bright, confident young lady who, I think, will pick up quickly on what we do here," he said after the council approved her hiring in March.