METUCHEN — An additional officer will soon join the ranks of the borough’s Police Department.
The Borough Council voted on Oct. 5 to authorize the hiring of a 28th police officer, along with the funding required for that officer to attend the police academy.
“In order for the Police Department to operate efficiently and effectively and to maintain a traffic safety officer, we need to have a minimum of 28 officers on staff,” police Chief David Irizarry said. “I applaud the council for allowing the Police Department to return to 28 officers, and in assisting me with our commitment to pedestrian safety.”
In a Sept. 21 presentation before the mayor and council, Irizarry outlined the numerous reasons an additional officer is needed. One major issue was that officer absences for a variety of reasons force Cpl. Ken Bauer, Metuchen’s designated traffic safety officer, to be pulled away from his duties and fill in elsewhere.
At that meeting, Council President Ron Grayzel asked for a commitment from Irizarry, that if the council approved the new hire, Bauer could remain dedicated to his post. Irizarry agreed.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Mayor Thomas Vahalla said after the council’s unanimous approval.
He added that greater pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety is important in the borough, and said he is “very pleased” with the decision.
Councilman Jay Muldoon agreed.
“I think the key thing is that the 28th officer will ensure that we have that dedicated traffic and pedestrian safety officer,” he said.
According to Administrative Sgt. Arthur Flaherty, the department has begun the interview process for its new officer.