South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka announced the promotion of two officers on July 8.
“Today we promoted two officers who have distinguished themselves by their work efforts and commitment to our community. They have taken on numerous roles outside of their primary jobs to better our department. They underwent a rigorous testing process by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police during the pandemic to achieve their new ranks. I know that these officers will bring all their talents and skills to benefit our department,” Hayducka said in a prepared statement.
Dennis Yuhasz, a 15-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department, was promoted to lieutenant. He was previously a sergeant in the Patrol Division. Prior to that, he served as a detective in the Investigations Division, a member of South Brunswick Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Honor Guard, Firearms Unit, as a Field Training detective, and as public information officer, according to the statement.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. He has received 21 awards and letters of commendation including a Lifesaving Medal and a Medal of Valor Award for capturing an armed murder suspect, according to the statement.
William Merkler, a 10-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department, was promoted to sergeant. He previously assigned to the Traffic Safety Bureau as a crash investigator and traffic reconstructionist. Prior to that he served in the Patrol Division where he was the Domestic Violence liaison, a Field Training officer, and a member of the South Brunswick Police Rifle Team. He is also a member of the South Brunswick Police Honor Guard, according to the statement.
He holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has received 12 awards and letters of commendation including for his investigation into a fatal hit-and-run that led to the suspect’s capture and his apprehension of a burglary suspect, according to the statement.
The opening for these promotions came as a result of the retirement of Lt. Lazlo Nyitrai.