With 25 years of experience under his belt, Frederick Thompson is chosen for police chief.
By: Joseph Harvie
Frederick Thompson said Tuesday that his transition to police chief was easy, and not just because he has been with the force for 25 years or because he has worked as deputy chief for the past three.
He said the transition was smooth because of the great work of his fellow officers.
"It has been real nice," Chief Thompson said. "I have received a lot of nice congratulatory calls and letters. It has been a really easy transition because the department was already in really good shape."
Chief Thompson was sworn in as chief of the South Brunswick Police Department at 3 p.m. March 31 by Township Clerk Barbara Nyitrai as his wife, Rose Mary, and sons, Peter and Patrick, held a Bible.
"It is really an honor, not just for this day, but it is an honor to be on this Police Department," Chief Thompson said that day. "We are known in South Brunswick for doing things in a quick fashion and today is a perfect example of that, and I personally want to thank all of you for being here today."
Chief Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University). He also has worked as an adjunct professor at Farleigh Dickenson University, New Jersey City University and Rutgers University.
During his time with the department, Chief Thompson has been a patrol officer, sergeant, captain and, most recently, deputy chief.
On Tuesday, Chief Thompson sat in his new office, which once belonged to former Chief Michael Paquette, whose last official day was March 31.
Chief Thompson did not waste time in redecorating. A picture of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other framers of the Declaration of Independence standing and waiting to sign the statement of freedom was hung behind his desk. The chief was 8 years old when his father gave him the painting.
"He passed away seven years ago and he was a cop his whole life before retirement," Chief Thompson said. "So I thought it would be nice to have a piece of him here in this office."
On the wall to the left of his desk hangs a frame containing two pictures of Marine-1 hovering near the White House. The pictures were given to the chief by Master Gunnery Sgt. Tom Heathcoat of the United States Marine Corps HMX-1 unit.
Chief Thompson said Master Gunnery Sgt. Heathcoat was his roommate when he attended a 12-week FBI Academy instruction program in 1996.
"The FBI has the most sought-after programs," Chief Thompson. "One of the greatest benefits is it allows you to meet and work side-by-side with officers not only from across the country but with officers all over the world."
Chief Thompson graduated from the West Point Academy Command and Leadership training program in 1996. During his time there, he learned group and individual leadership skills. He said he was taught by West Point instructors and used the same textbooks used at the military academy.
Chief Thompson said that in New Jersey, all command officers go through the West Point training.
Also in his office, sitting on a bookshelf, is a silver plate from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Chief Thompson went to Cuba to help create a Haitian National Police force in 1994.
"I lived in the refugee camp and from that experience I can appreciate the fact that as Americans we are a blessed nation and am aware that we have a lot of freedoms," Chief Thompson said.
He said that while he was there he taught the Haitians how to make a police force a democratic one and about community based police efforts.
Chief Thompson said his experiences have allowed him to make contacts with officers from municipal, state and federal systems throughout New Jersey and the United States.
"If there is ever an incident either natural or like the event of Sept. 11, it is nice to have those contacts in case the governor declares an emergency in the state," Chief Thompson said.
Chief Thompson said one of his goals as head of the department will be to fill open positions, including captain, lieutenant, sergeant and patrol officer, over the next four months.
Dealing with traffic issues also will be a top priority. He said he would like to see stricter enforcement of weight limits on certain roads such as Ridge Road. He also would like to see what can be done to make traveling in South Brunswick easier.
"Just traveling through the town you can see the congestion on our roads," Chief Thompson said. "Our road structure, built years ago, was not designed to accommodate this traffic. I already met with officers that command the patrol and traffic divisions to see what we can do to enhance what we’ve already been doing."
Chief Thompson said he also would like to see stronger relationships between the police and the township’s youth. He said the department has done this by implementing the School Resource Officers program. Those officers assigned to schools have been promoting driver education and safety, among other things.
"I want them to trust us and come to us as adult role models and leaders of the community," Chief Thompson said.
He also said he would like to continue working with township fire and EMS services, the Health Department and the Community Emergency Response team to ensure that the community is prepared for any event.
At Chief Thompson’s swearing in ceremony, Chief Paquette said it was a relief that a replacement was found before he left the department. Chief Paquette announced his retirement Jan. 4.
"It is nice to know the department is in good hands one hour prior to me leaving," Chief Paquette said.
Detective James Ryan, spokesman for the South Brunswick Police Department, said he found out about Chief Thompson’s promotion about two hours before the swearing in.
Chief Paquette said that under Chief Thompson’s guidance, the department will continue to be recognized as one of the best in the state.
Joe Monzo, the assistant township manager, said the next step for the township is finding a new deputy chief of police.
Mr. Monzo said the township decided to make the announcement the same day Chief Paquette retired to ensure there was a clean transition between the two chiefs.
Detective Ryan said the appointment of a deputy chief will be made by Township Manager Matt Watkins after a recommendation is made by the chief.

