EAST BRUNSWICK – Mayor Brad Cohen has sworn in the East Brunswick Police Department’s newest member, Patrolman Gabriel Gausachs, and promoted two officers.
Gausachs, 28, grew up in Harrison. He graduated from Harrison High School in 2008 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and criminal justice from Rutgers University in 2012, according to police.
Following graduation, Gausachs enrolled in the Monmouth County Police Academy and graduated in May 2014. After graduation, he worked for Rutgers University Police Department before being hired by the East Brunswick Police Department. After completing field training, Gausachs will be assigned to the Patrol Division, according to police.
Cohen swore in Gausachs on Sept. 4.
On the same day, Thomas Kienle was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and Jason Rios was promoted from patrolman to sergeant.
Kienle will be assigned to the Patrol Division to serve as station commander.
Kienle graduated from Saint Joseph Regional High School, Metuchen, in 1996. He graduated from Rutgers University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in administration of justice. He graduated from Seton Hall University’s College of Education in 2012, earning a Master’s degree in human resources training and development.
In May of 2000, Kienle began his law enforcement career as a Class II special officer with the East Brunswick Police Department. In July 2000, he was hired as a patrolman with the Rutgers University Police Department. In December 2002, he was hired as a patrolman with the East Brunswick Police Department.
In January of 2008, Kienle was transferred to the Special Operations Division. While serving in the Special Operations Division, Kienle was responsible for traffic-related functions and received advanced training in accident investigation and reconstruction. In May 2014, he was promoted to sergeant and was reassigned to the Patrol Division to serve as a road supervisor.
During his career, Kienle has been the recipient of several unit citations, a letter of commendation and a lifesaving award.
Police said Rios will be assigned to the Patrol Division and serve as a shift supervisor.
Rios is a 15-year veteran of the East Brunswick Police Department. Upon graduating from the John H. Stamler Police Academy in 2001, he was assigned to the Patrol Division of the Roselle Park Police Department.
In 2003, Rios was hired by East Brunswick and was assigned to the Patrol Division where he continued to serve as a patrolman until his promotion to sergeant.
While serving as a patrolman, Rios was selected and trained as a field training officer to provide training to new hires. He has been a member of the East Brunswick SWAT team for seven years. At times during his career, Rios was assigned to the Administrative Division to conduct background investigations on applicants.
During his career, Rios has received several commendations, including two Meritorious Service Awards and a Middlesex County 200 Club Meritorious Service Award. He holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from Centenary College and a graduate degree in human resources training and development from Seton Hall University.