TINTON FALLS – Five new officers have joined the ranks of the Tinton Falls Police Department.
During a Borough Council meeting on June 14, Michael Ballas, Anthony Costanza, Joseph Mendez, Anthony Puleo and Lynelle Scanlon were sworn in as the police department’s newest officers.
The ceremony was conducted by Police Chief Michael Delucia, who took command of the police department in February.
The five new officers were hired following the promotion of several officers in May. The newly promoted individuals are now serving as the new command staff under Delucia.
“When I was appointed chief, I knew going in we had a lot of promotions to do and then after the promotions, the hiring,” Delucia said. “Right now, I am so happy with the state of our police department.
“I am going to say (these five officers are) assets because they are assets in the Borough of Tinton Falls. This is the best of the best police department. This is the best police department here in Monmouth County,” he said.
According to the police chief, more than 80 resumes were submitted by individuals who wanted to work in the Tinton Falls Police Department. The initial group of resumes was eventually reduced to 12 candidates and finally to the five candidates who were hired.
Delucia thanked the members of his command staff for their assistance in the interview process that resulted in the hiring of the new police officers.
“A lot of you know me out there, I am very big in the community. I love this community and (the new officers are) going to fit in our community. I am excited for that,” he said.
Delucia said the new officers would spend 12 weeks with their field training officers before they are assigned to join a patrol squad.
In other business, the council members authorized the purchase of a 10-ton Falcon RME asphalt hot patcher mounted on a hook lift frame. The asphalt hot patcher was purchased from McGrath Municipal Equipment, LLC, in the amount of $114,273, according to a resolution.
Council members also authorized the purchase of a 2024 HV507 SFA hook lift truck with a plow and leaf vacuum and an optional dump body. According to a resolution, the hook lift truck was purchased in the amount of $345,841 from Allegiance Trucks, Linden.
Finally, council members authorized the purchase of a 2023 926M wheel loader. According to a resolution, the was purchased from Foley, Piscataway, in the amount of $237,226.
