Pennington has promoted two officers to the rank of sergeant and hired a new officer to join the borough police department.
Novin Thomas and Daryl Burroughs were appointed to sergeant at a Pennington Council meeting on Nov. 1.
In addition to their promotions and being administered the oath of office, the council authorized the hiring of Mark Caruso, who also received his oath of office at the meeting.
Thomas, a senior patrol officer, was hired in 1997.
“He is a veteran of our police department for 24 years. He has a positive and friendly attitude and it is the positive and friendly attitude that has earned him the title of ‘Mayor of Pennington,’ ” Mayor James Davy said. “Throughout his tenure, Officer Thomas has earned the respect and gratitude of residents and has received letters of appreciation from the public for his service.”
The borough is grateful for his commitment and proud to support Thomas to his promotion to sergeant, Davy added.
Council President Catherine Chandler also praised Thomas and said that she was excited for Thomas as it was a long time coming.
“I just want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for this promotion,” Thomas said. “It is kind of overwhelming at this point in time. I want to say to Chief Pinelli, I got your back.”
Burroughs, also a senior officer, was hired by the borough in 2008.
“He is a longterm veteran of the police department as well. Officer Burroughs has received letters of support and gratitude for his work in 2013,” Davy said. “He received a shield award from the Knights of Columbus and also a lifesaving award from Pennington Borough. He was recognized in 2013 as Officer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. In 2018, he received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award for the most DUIs issued in 2018.”
Davy added that Burroughs is a valued member of the police department and he is proud to support him in his promotion.
“Also a huge asset to our community and we are very lucky,” Councilwoman Deborah Gnatt said.
The council authorized the hiring of Caruso as a probationary police officer within the police department.
“I am just starting out in my career. So far meeting everyone in Pennington it seems like a great place to start my career and I’m very excited to meet all of you,” Caruso said.