METUCHEN — Two new police officers have joined the borough’s ranks.
Officers Richard Lorfing and Justin Poblete, sworn in at the June 29 Borough Council meeting, are filling posts left open after the retirement of Sgt. David Liantonio and Officer Cynthia Velez.
Metuchen police Chief David Irizarry said the retirements were unexpected, and he thanked the council for their quick action in approving the new hires.
“We had over 100 resumes,” Irizarry said. “We interviewed … close to 60 candidates, and it’s funny, because when we interviewed Richard and Justin, we knew right away that they were going to be in the final room just based on their interviews, their attitudes and their appearances. And they just did a fantastic job, right through.”
Lorfing joins the Metuchen Police Department after working for the Point Pleasant Beach Police. Poblete was previously with the Bayhead Police Department. According to Irizarry, both officers’ superiors at their prior departments spoke highly of them.
“I’m proud that they’re here with us in Metuchen,” he said.
Mayor Thomas Vahalla said he is also pleased to have them on board.
“It’s always a great day when we get to have two stellar candidates become police officers and join the force that we have,” the mayor said.
“It is a very, very great force. They do … a great job for us, and it’s well appreciated by me and the council.”