SOUTH BRUNSWICK – For only the fourth time in the history of the South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD), a new deputy police chief was appointed.
James Ryan, a 23-year veteran of the department, was promoted from captain during a ceremony on Jan. 12.
Ryan has worked in all aspects of the department from patrol to investigations to administration. He has served as the department crisis negotiator and public information officer for 17 years.
He has received 56 letters of commendation, awards and medals for his years of service. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and New Jersey Chief’s Association Command and Leadership School. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and is an adjunct professor at Middlesex County College, according to information provided by the SBPD.
“Jim has a wealth of experience and has worked hard to earn this position. He will be an asset to our department,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in the statement.
There were four others promoted in front of a crowd of about 140 people.
James Kinard, a 28-year veteran, was promoted to captain. He has served as a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant. He was promoted lieutenant in 2006. There he served as a patrol lieutenant and detective lieutenant. He was the department’s Internal Affairs commander. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is a graduate of the New Jersey Police Executive Institute, the College of Policing, Greater Manchester England and the New Jersey State Chiefs Command and Leadership Academy, where he now serves as an instructor, according to the statement.
Michael LaPoint, a 20-year veteran, was promoted to lieutenant. He held various assignments and levels of responsibility within the department’s Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Bureau and the Support Services Division. He has a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. He is a lieutenant colonel in the New Jersey Army National Guard and is a senior Army aviator. He is currently assigned as a Brigade-Level Operations Officer, according to the statement.
Frank Mongaleri, a 20-year veteran, was promoted to sergeant. He has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, on the Gang Intelligence Unit and most recently as a re-constructionist for the Traffic Safety Bureau. He was among the departments first two motor officers and has held that assignment since 2006. He is set to complete his bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
John Niper, a 15-year veteran, was promoted to sergeant. He has served as a member of the Police Department Honor Guard and as the department’s Domestic Violence liaison officer. He holds an associate’s degree from Middlesex County College.
Hayducka said the group of officers promoted represent years of experience and hard work.
“They will serve our department and community well,” he said in the statement.