FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The police department is likely to get a new top cop tonight.
The Township Committee is expected to name Capt. Ernest Schriefer the department’s new chief of police when it meets at the municipal building. Schriefer will replace Chief William Alexander, who is retiring.
Schriefer will climb another rung on the ladder and will reach the top after 20 years of service to the township. He will become the department’s new chief of police on Dec. 1.
Schriefer joined the Freehold Township police department in September 1980 and moved up the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 1988, a lieutenant in 1995 and a captain in 1998.
He has been second in command, overseeing all divisions and bureaus, for the past two years. Schriefer has received six commendations during his career, according to information provided by the township.
Also tonight, Lt. George Etlinger is expected to be promoted to the rank of captain, effective Dec. 1.
Etlinger has been on the force since 1977, working on patrol before being assigned to the traffic division. He was promoted to sergeant in 1989 and was put in charge of the traffic bureau. He was a patrol sergeant and then was assigned as a traffic sergeant.
In 1993, Etlinger was promoted to lieutenant and he has been in charge of records, services and the communications division of the police department. In December, Etlinger will assume the responsibilities of patrol division commander, according to information provi-ded by the township.