Mark Besser fills vacancy
left by retired officer
By:Roger Alvarado
In his eight years on the Hillsborough Police Department, Mark Besser has seen his stock continually rise.
Cpl. Besser, 31, whose father, Robert, is a retired police lieutenant from North Plainfield, was promoted to the rank of sergeant earlier this month. The Township Committee passed a resolution for the promotion based upon the recommendation of Chief Robert Gazaway.
His predecessor in the position, Sgt. Peter Shulack retired in January after 25 years.
"It feels good," said Sgt. Besser, who began his career in 1995 as a patrol officer. "It’s everybody’s desire when their career begins to want to advance."
Capt. Robert Roscoe said that since the process of written tests and evaluations to fill the position commenced in December, Cpl. Besser had distinguished himself well and proven the old adage that the "cream usually rises to the top."
After beginning his career as a patrol officer, Sgt. Besser was assigned to the Services Division, Traffic Bureau, in September of 1997 where he served until January of 2001.
He was then reassigned to the patrol division and was appointed corporal on Feb. 1, 2001.
Sgt. Besser’s promotion will allow him remain in the Patrol Division where he will assume the duties of shift commander.