Brick Mayor To Police: We Honor Your Service

(Brick Township Police Chief Nils R. “Rick” Bergquist delivers remarks as he presents the 2014 Police Explorer class at a Township Council meeting in December. Credit: Karen Wall)

Next week, the Brick Township Municipal Building will be decked out in blue, a show of support as the township honors its police force.

Mayor John G. Ducey has proclaimed Feb. 15-21 as Brick Police Appreciation Week, a week to recognize and show appreciation for the service of the men and women of the Brick Township Police Department, according to a news release.

“Brick Township is fortunate to have one of the finest and most hard working law enforcement agencies in New Jersey working every day to keep us safe,” Ducey said in the release. “It is important that we recognize the service of our police officers and show appreciation for their efforts. That is why I decided to set aside a week to do that specifically for the Brick Township Police Department.”

Ducey has ordered the municipal building to be decorated with blue ribbons and illuminated with blue lights for the duration of the week.

“The blue ribbon has become a symbol of support for the men and women who serve as police officers and put their lives on the line day in and day out to protect us,” he said. “I ask all residents and businesses in Brick Township that support our police to join us in displaying blue ribbons and using blue lights during the week.”

The Brick Township Police Department was founded in 1972 and today has 129 sworn officers, the release said. Chief Rick Bergquist also oversees the EMS Unit, civilian dispatchers, special police, CERT Team and the Police Explorers.

Ducey and the Township Council will honor the department with a proclamation and a resolution at Tuesday’s council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. All citizens are welcome to attend the meeting.