6 Police Promotions, New Animal Control And Patrol Officer Approved In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A new patrol officer, a new animal control officer, and six police department promotions were approved by the Bernards Township Committee on Tuesday.

"I'm going to join my colleagues in welcoming our new hire, Thomas Burke for animal control officer, and Justin Gladen, our new officer," said Committeeman Andrew McNally.

A promotional ceremony will be held in July to swear in all of the promotions in front of their families and department.

"The resolutions are being passed this evening to allow individuals to step into their new roles as soon as the positions are available," said McNally at the Tuesday Township Committee meeting.

The personnel resolutions cite vacancies, promotions, a retirement, and a resignation as the reasons the township is filling the positions.

Under the approved resolutions, Justin Gladden was appointed as a full-time patrol officer in the police department. His start date was Wednesday, May 13, and his annual salary is $55,992, according to the resolution.

Thomas Burke was appointed full-time animal control officer in the Bernards Township Health Department. His start date is May 18, at an hourly rate of $28 for a 40-hour work week.

The committee also approved several police promotions.

Christopher Albanese was appointed full-time sergeant with a promotion date of May 15, at an annual salary of $149,789.18.

Anthony Severino was appointed to full-time sergeant with a promotion date of July 1, at an annual salary of $155,031.80.

Other approved promotions include Alec McCrea and James Moore to full-time corporal, both effective May 15, each at an annual salary of $142,923.97.

Kendall Kulik was appointed full-time corporal effective July 1, at an annual salary of $147,926.30. Mark Neri was appointed full-time lieutenant effective July 1, at an annual salary of $179,389.78.

The resolutions state the appointments were recommended by the chief of police, township administrator or township administrator/COO, and human resources officer for police positions, and by the health officer, chief financial officer and human resources officer for the animal control post.

A promotional ceremony is planned for July.

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