By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
HOWELL – Three officers in the Howell Police Department were promoted during a ceremony on Jan. 3 as the Township Council held its 2017 reorganization meeting at the municipal building.
In addition to the promotions, officers who have recently joined the police department were introduced to the governing body and to members of the public in attendance.
Police Chief Andrew Kudrick addressed the gathering and said, “One of the greatest honors I have as chief is the advancement, promotion and hiring of police officers. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to strengthen our police department. I look forward to working with all of you over the next year and (continuing) our commitment to our community.”
The promotions announced were Thomas Rizzo, who was promoted to captain, John Yurgel, who was promoted to lieutenant, and Richard Conte, who was promoted to sergeant. Each officer was sworn in to his new position by Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.
Police department administrators said Rizzo will command the Administration and Investigation Division. Yurgel will serve under Rizzo in command of investigations and internal affairs. Conte will be assigned to the Operations Division and Patrol Division.
Kudrick introduced Patrolwoman Stephanie Regina, who was a trooper with the Maryland State Police before transferring to the Howell Police Department.
In other personnel moves, Patrol Sgt. Jack Headley was reassigned as a detective sergeant for the Crime Suppression Unit; Patrolmen Michael Pavlick, Terrence Hurley, Ryan Richards and David Gilliland were reassigned as detectives for the Crime Suppression Unit; and Patrolman Eric Encarnacion was reassigned as a detective in Investigations.
Finally, Scott Colton Bigelow, Andrew Barone, Cody Fobes and Matthew Niebling were introduced to the community as new Special Law Enforcement Class II officers. A Special Law Enforcement Class II officer has full police powers, including firearms, but only while on duty.