MANALAPAN — At its reorganization meeting tonight, Jan. 5, the Manalapan Township Committee is expected to name Capt. Louis Moreto the acting chief of the Manalapan Police Department.
Stuart Brown retired as Manalapan’s police chief on Dec. 31 following a 30-year career with the department, including the final seven years as chief.
Moreto, who joined the Manalapan Police Department in May 1985, will lead the department until a new chief is named by the township’s governing body.
The captain has previously commanded all three divisions in the police department: Operations, Services and Administration.
Moreto said, “I am honored and thankful in the committee’s faith and confidence in me and I look forward to taking on the added responsibility. It is truly a privilege to lead the finest men and women in law enforcement.”
Township Committeeman Andrew Lucas, who served as Manalapan’s mayor in 2010, said, “Capt. Moreto has served Manalapan with honor and distinction for over 25 years. He was the driving force in delivering full accreditation to the department, making it one of the first in the state.
“In these tough economic times it is important to have a leader who understands the importance of the tough fiscal restraints required to keep our property taxes stable while maintaining the quality public safety we have become accustomed to and I am confident that Lou Moreto will accomplish both.”
Commenting on the committee’s upcoming search for a new police chief, Lucas said, “Our township ordinance and state statute that governs the chief selection process limits the field to captains or the deputy chief so this would preclude a search outside the department. The Township Committee is committed to concluding the chief selection process within the coming year.”
Manalapan does not have a deputy chief of police. The department’s captains are Moreto and Capt. Christopher Marsala.