BY BRYAN SABELLA
Staff Writer
EDISON — Brent N. Papi has deep roots in the police department.
A 34-year veteran and lifelong Edison resident, Papi is also the grandson of Michael Dudash, one of the township’s six original officers and the first to be killed in the line of duty in 1924.
Last week, the former commander of the patrol division was promoted to deputy chief.
"It’s a big responsibility," he said. "I’m honored to be working with Chief [Edward] Costello and the rest of the command staff."
Papi said his main function in his new role is to oversee operations of the 260 member (including civilian employees) department.
"It’s [mine and Costello’s] responsibility to see that everybody’s working together as a team. We’re trying to provide the highest level of law enforcement for our community," he said, adding that he has some goals he’d like the department to reach.
"I’d like to see continued implementation of technology," he said. Papi is hopeful that officers will soon have laptop computers in their patrol cars. He also said that every patrol car is not yet equipped with video cameras, and he wants to see that change.
Another goal is diversity. The department has made efforts to diversify its ranks recently, and Papi said he also wants to focus on "working with and involving the residents of our diverse community."
In fact, Papi began his career as the township’s only community crime prevention officer. Now the department has an entire division devoted to that purpose.
"I have a strong commitment to community policing," he said.
Papi said continued training for township officers is vital.
"Our society is ever changing, and officers have to adapt to these changes. Police officers can never have enough training," he said.
Papi is uniquely suited for the job. In his 34 years on the force, he’s seen just about everything, and those he commands can only benefit from that experience.
But he’s nothing if not modest.
"Demands on police officers are much harder today than when I came on," he said.