Sgt. James McConnell was promoted to lieutenant; Cpl. Charles Boyle and Cpl. Sean Carolan were named sergeants.
By: Purvi Desai
Three Hillsborough police officers who spent hundreds of hours studying for advancement tests when not investigating crimes or patrolling local roads were recently promoted.
During the March 12 Township Committee meeting, Sgt. James McConnell, 49, of Hillsborough, was promoted to lieutenant at an annual salary of $111,110, while Cpl. Charles Boyle, 41, of Somerset, and Cpl. Sean Carolan, 39, of Hillsborough, were promoted to sergeants at annual salaries of $91,856, all effective April 1.
Sgt. McConnell has been with the Hillsborough Police Department since 1985, while both corporals Boyle and Carolan have been here since 1994.
"I feel great about it," Cpl. Boyle said. "Myself and the other two fellows have always taken tests over the years trying to move up the ladder. It takes a while being in a small department like Hillsborough."
Cpl. Boyle said he spent 38 to 40 hours in the library weekly, reading books with titles "Police Field Operations," "Criminal Investigations" and "Local Government and Police Management" preparing for his sergeant’s exam.
"We do have to go through a rigorous testing process," Cpl. Boyle said, adding he read the latest edition books cover to cover each time he attempted a test.
Cpl. Boyle, who has been a corporal for five years, said the promotions are "great" for the three of them, as he said the Police Department would now have new set of people making decisions. "I’ll be in charge of a patrol squad," he said. "It’s great for me, great for my family."
He said he intends to keep doing a good job, and hopes to advance in rank in the years ahead.
Like Cpl. Boyle, Cpl. Carolan said it took a lot of studying and time away from his family for them to get this far.
"I’m very happy," said Cpl. Carolan. "It’s been a long time coming. It’s tough with all the competition. I’m looking forward to the supervisory position. I want to help the department make some changes. I work with a great bunch of guys."
Cpl. Carolan said he expects to learn of his new assignment in the department later this week.
Sgt. McConnell was unavailable for comment before press time Wednesday.

