OLD BRIDGE — Two police officers moved up the ranks within the Old Bridge Police Department (OBPD).
Brian Smalley was sworn in as lieutenant and Gary Bracht was sworn in as sergeant in front of family and friends at a Township Council meeting on July 9.
“These are longtime officers of the department now and they have been given the opportunity to become sergeant and lieutenant,” Mayor Owen Henry said.
Smalley began his career as a patrol officer with the OBPD in December 1993. He completed his basic training at the Middlesex County Police Academy. In February 2011, Smalley was promoted to sergeant.
“Throughout his career, he has been a recipient of many awards, unit citations, departmental citations and chiefs’ recognition awards,” Henry said. “Brian’s dedication and compassion extend to his participation in various fundraising events not only in our community, but outside agencies as well.”
Bracht began his career as a patrol officer with the OBPD in January 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Montclair State University and was fifth in his class at the Monmouth County Police Academy.
In 2012, Bracht was assigned to the detective bureau. On July 2, he was promoted to acting sergeant.
“Gary’s commitment to the department as well as the community has been demonstrated by numerous awards and numerous appreciations received throughout his career,” Henry said, adding Bracht has received unit citations and departmental citations. “Gary has also participated in presentations to the middle school students on the dangers of drugs.”
