Matawan announces police promotions

BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

MATAWAN – Three members of the borough Police Department were promoted and a probationary officer was hired at the June 17 Borough Council meeting.

Each resolution promoting the officers was passed unanimously and an ordinance amending the current composition of the police department was introduced.

The ordinance amending the department makeup allows the borough to promote department members to the positions of captain and lieutenant.

The promotions will be formalized July 1 at the next Borough Council meeting when Capt. James Alston is sworn in to his new position as chief.

At that time, Detective Sgt. Ben Smith’s promotion to lieutenant will become effective. According to the resolution authorizing his promotion, Smith was appointed sergeant in 2002 and has been with the Matawan Borough Police Department since April 1988.

Also at the meeting, Jeremiah E. Hourihan III was promoted to the position of sergeant effective July 1. According to the resolution authorizing his promotion, Hourihan will be compensated at the current Policemen’s Benevolent Association contract in an amount not to exceed $93,056 per annum.

Patrick Walker was also promoted to the position of sergeant. Walker’s promotion will also take effect July 1 at a perannum rate of $93,056.

Michael Pascone was hired as a probationary officer effective July 2. Pascone is currently a Special Class II officer for the borough and according to the resolution authorizing his employment, the borough will pay for Pascone to attend the Monmouth County Police Academy.

Pascone will be on a probationary basis for one year and will have the duties of a patrol officer.