Brick Salutes Retiring Police Chief, Welcomes New Leader

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township has a new chief of police, as the department saw just its fourth change of leadership in its 50 years of existence.

On Tuesday, James Riccio finished his final day as chief being honored with a walkout attended by about 200 people, including members of the township's police department, but also joined by all four Brick Township fire companies and law enforcement from around Ocean County and New Jersey.

In the crowd were FBI agents, honoring of his service on the FBI task force that investigated allegations of official corruption in the investigation known as Operation Bid Rig.

Manchester Police Chief Robert Dolan, who leads the Ocean County Chiefs of Police organization, and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy also were on hand to congratulate Riccio.

Riccio spoke briefly, thanking everyone present for their support, then gave his final radio sign-off to end his career after 36-1/2 years, including seven years as chief.

Riccio also presented 25-year service plaques to Patrolman Vinnie Rosa, Detective Tim McCarthy and Patrolman Joe Farnkopf, who also retired on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, David Forrester was sworn in as chief of police, serving as just the fourth police chief in the department's history.

Forrester was hired as by the department in February 1996 and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Academy in Class 193. He has served in the operations division, investigation division, internal affairs, on the Professional Standards Units and on the Special Emergency Response Team, and as a school resource officer.

He was promoted to sergeant in July 2004 and to lieutenant in December 2012, and to captain in December 2017.

Forrester has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also served in the New Jersey Air National Guard, retiring as a major after serving 24 years.

In addition to Forrester, three other officers were promoted: Capt. Henry Drew, Lt. Lawrence Petrola, and Sgt. Kenneth Steinberg.

Have a comment, a question or a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com