By Jennifer Amato
Staff Writer
NORTH BRUNSWICK – In the largest round of hirings in years, the North Brunswick Police Department has added five officers to its ranks, most of whom are graduates of North Brunswick Township High School (NBTHS).
Administered the oath of office during the April 18 Township Council meeting, the officers were all hired on Nov. 23, 2015, and graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy on April 22.
“We’ve been very, very fortunate in North Brunswick over the last many years to be at a level of professionalism displayed day in and day out, 24/7, by members of our police department,” Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack said. “Today, it’s a very special occasion for us when we are able to bring new officers into our family.”
Rene P. Gordon, 32, was born in Brooklyn. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Everest University in Tampa, Fla. He previously worked as a youth counselor for children having various disabilities at Youth Consultation Service.
Nicholas Sidotti, 20, was born in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of NBTHS. He worked as a landscape maintenance worker while attending Wagner College in Staten Island, where he played as a receiver for the football team.
Cagney Smith, 25, was born in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of NBTHS. He attended Middlesex County College (MCC) to pursue an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He is a Cavalry Scout with the New Jersey Army National Guard with Troop 102. He previously worked as a security officer for Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters through Allied Barton Security.
Ashley Bryan, 24, was born in Neptune. She is a graduate of NBTHS and earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from MCC. She had previously worked as an agent for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The hirings are in response to recent retirements throughout the department. The current total number of sworn police officers is now 81.
“The mayor and council are aware of the needs of our community in terms of public safety, an increasing population and greater demands in services,” Police Director Kenneth McCormick said.
“In hard budget times the last several years, it’s important to keep up the force and proper number of police officers and maintain at all times the right level of professionalism,” Womack said.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@gmnews.com.
