Moving On Up: 3 Officers Promoted In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Three Bernards Township Police Officers were promoted during Tuesday night's committee meeting.

Surrounded by their families Christopher Hurst, Alexander McKnight, and Christopher Baxter were sworn into their new positions during the July 23 Bernards Township Committee meeting.

"Choosing among the group of standouts in the department always proves difficult. Lt. Hurst, Sgt. McKnight and Cpl. Baxter have each distinguished themselves as hardworking and dedicated professionals who uphold the best of what the Bernards Township Police Department represents. I wish them much success in their new roles," Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky said.

The promotions became available following a retirement.

Christopher Hurst

Lifelong township resident Christopher Hurst was promoted to Lieutenant. Hurst has a long history of public service. He was a past fire chief at Liberty Corner Fire company and longtime member.

He worked himself up the ranks in the township police department by starting as a Dispatcher in 1995 followed by an Officer in 1999.

He had served as Patrol Sergeant and most recently Administrative Sergeant. He also served in the roles of Department Field Training Officer, Department Supervising Firearms Instructor and the township Emergency Management Coordinator.

Alexander McKnight

Alexander McKnight of Skillman was promoted to full-time Sergeant.

McKnight graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy and began working as a Patrolman in Montgomery Township before heading over to Bernards Township in 2003.

Has served in Traffic and Patrol Divisions and Department Field Training Officer. Most previously he served as Patrol Corporal.

Christopher Baxter

Christopher Baxter was promoted to full-time Corporal.

Baxter of Flemington is also a graduate of the Somerset County Police Academy. He started with Bernards Township in 2009 and served as Department Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor.

He also served in Patrol and Detective Divisions and was previously on loan with the New Jersey State Police Violent and Organized Crime Task Force.

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