METUCHEN – As one career ends, another career pushes forward, and a new one begins.
The Metuchen Police Department (MPD) celebrated the retirement of Police Sgt. Jim Burns after nearly 30 years, the promotion of James “Bo” Keane IV to sergeant, and the swearing in of Aurel Louis during a Borough Council meeting on Feb. 7.
Mayor Jonathan Busch presented a proclamation to Burns, who retired on Feb. 1. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1982-86 and joined the MPD on Aug. 14, 1992.
Burns’ career began in the patrol division, and he became the first bicycle officer in May 1997.
He was assigned as corporal in March 2004 and was promoted to sergeant in September 2012. He was assigned to administrative sergeant in October 2017.
Police Chief David Irizarry congratulated Burns on a tremendous career, noting the two began their careers together. He called Burns a great friend and said he appreciated his work with the department.
Keane was promoted to sergeant in front of his family before the council meeting. In his new role, he will be assigned to the Patrol Division.
“[Keane] started years ago and eventually became a detective,” Irizarry said. “It was special because his father (James Keane) was a police officer here and his career ended as chief of police. It was nice to see his son become sergeant.”
Louis comes to the department after serving with the East Orange Police Department. Irizarry said Louis “wowed” and “dazzled” during his interviews for a position with the department.
“There was no question … he was head and shoulders above the competition,” Irizarry said.