Barnegat Police Hired, Promoted, Including 1st Female Sergeant

The Barnegat Police Department hired and promoted several officers Wednesday, including one historic moment. Detective MaryAnn Cirulli was promoted to sergeant, becoming the first woman in BTPD to earn the rank.

The BTPD promoted two officers to sergeant, as Patrolman Nicholas Venuto also received the rank. Venuto joined the agency in 2007 and has served in the uniformed operations division, SWAT team and the elite Crime Reduction Unit.

Cirulli joined the BTPD in 2003. She has served in the uniformed operations division, the narcotics unit and in the investigative division, where she "established herself as a skilled detective and arson investigator," the BTPD wrote on Facebook.

The BTPD also hired three patrolmen: Patrick Moran, Brandon Bloodgood and Keither Falkowski.

Moran is the second Barnegat High School graduate to join the agency. He was a standout high-school football player before attending William Paterson and earning a degree in history.

Falkowski attented Southern Regional High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in visual communication and graphic design at Stockton. Bloodguard went to Toms River High School East before earning a bachelor's degree in accounting at Florida Atlantic.

Among other special occasions for the BTPD this week, Patrolman Kristopher Burke also graduated Wednesday from the Ocean County Academy. Burke earned the High Academic Award and an award for a perfect score on the pistol qualification course.

Burke has worked for the BTPD for 11 years as a civilian employee before taking the latest entrance test and earning the No. 1 ranking.

The Rotary Club of Barnegat also presented the BTPD on Tuesday with a $3,000 check to supply officers with Narcan doses.

"Big thanks to our longtime friends and supporters at the Rotary Club of Barnegat," the BTPD said. "The risk of officers being accidentally exposed to potentially lethal doses of fentanyl is real and every increasing."

"Our historically low crime rate and ranking as one of the safest towns in Ocean County is not an accident," said Chief Keith Germain. "It is the result of an engaged community, the dedicated and committed effort of our officers, and the support of a committee that recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve."