4 Promoted In Stafford Township Police Department

STAFFORD, NJ — The Stafford Township Council celebrated recently as four police officers received promotions.

Two officers, John Morrin and Russel Griffin, were promoted to lieutenant. The other two, Erik Smithman and David McVey, were promoted to sergeant.

Police Chief Thomas Dellane had kind words to say about each of the four, noting that each were promoted after a "competitive testing process."

While most police departments use a written exam, Stafford adds another aspect through assessment center, Dellane said.

"We call it a day in the life of the officer," Dellane said, where officers apply their knowledge to certain circumstances and are measured by several different metrics.

Morrin, 46, previously served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was involved in an incident with a 15-year-old in town that video of is used in nationwide curriculum for "Active Bystander for Law Enforcement" that trains officers on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, Dellane said.

Morrin is also the recipient of many awards, including six life-saving awards, Dellane said.

Griffin, 45, has "served and excelled" in many assignments during his career, Dellane said. He too is the recipient of many awards, including the peer-voted "Officer of the Year" twice.

He also is an emergency medical technician, Dellane said.

Smithman, 33, was also selected as "Officer of the Year" twice in his ten-year career, Dellane said. He also received a police excellence award, multiple physical fitness awards and multiple firearms awards.

"He's good at a lot of things," Dellane said, noting his "incredible thirst for knowledge."

McVey, 41, has worked for the department for 20 years. He attained the rank of "master police officer" in 2017 after meeting certain qualifications to act as supervisor, Dellane said.

Aside from his many awards and work implementing the body-worn camera program, McVey is a "very intelligent person" and does an exceptional job mentoring the younger officers, Dellane said.

All four were sworn into their new roles at the most recent Township Council meeting.