Police Lieutenant, Sergeant Promoted In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township officials recognized two police promotions during a public meeting, including a new lieutenant assignment and a sergeant promotion approved by resolution.

At the meeting, Chief Paul Sullivan, Jr. said the promotions were not new positions but backfills for openings from November and December of last year. He said Lt. Michael Hine will take over the investigative division as its commander, while Officer Alan Albrecht was promoted to police sergeant.

Before the promotions, Sullivan thanked officers in the room after what he called “a interesting few weeks,” saying, “I appreciate all the work you put in the leadership you've shown through this township and your ability to continue to perform despite adverse conditions always.” He added, “It’s true testament to the professionalism of these officers.”

He also described the promotion process as lengthy, saying it began “two or three years ago” with preparation for the civil service exam, followed by an oral board interview. He said Hine had “separated himself from some of the other candidates” in what he described as a difficult decision.

Sullivan said Hine is a lifelong resident of Lacey Township and a 2005 graduate of Lacey Township High School. According to the biography, he later earned degrees in criminal justice, sociology and public administration, as well as graduate certificates in emergency management, homeland security, global security and terrorism studies. The biography said Hine joined the Lacey Township Police Department in April 2013 and has served in patrol and other roles including firearms instructor, field training officer, bicycle operator, honor guard member and grant coordinator.

A biography read aloud by Sullivan for Abrecht said he has served with the department for more than 20 years. It said he began in law enforcement with Seaside Heights police, was hired by Lacey Township while attending the Ocean County Police Academy and later served in patrol, then in the detective bureau, before returning to patrol in 2017. Sullivan also said Abrecht has served as PBA president and state delegate for more than a decade and as the department resiliency officer. Sullivan said he has received two life-saving awards and two meritorious service awards.

Township officials and committee members congratulated both men and their families.