2 Officers Promoted, 2 Lieutenants Retire In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater recently celebrated the promotions of two police officers and held a walk-out ceremony for two retiring Lieutenants on Tuesday.

Promotions

Sergeant Todd Mele was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant along with Officer Kevin Florczak who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Mele grew up in Bridgewater and earned his bachelor's degree from Fairmont State College. he joined the Bridgewater Police Department in January 1999.

He is a 25-year member of the department. During his career, he served in the patrol division and the administration division as a School Resource Officer.

Mele was promoted to Sergeant in 2018.

"I am so proud Todd is being promoted to Lieutenant, He is one of our most senior sergeants and has been a true example of how to keep a positive attitude when times can look bleak," said Police Chief John Mitzak.

Florczak earned his bachelor's degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He started his law enforcement career with the Roselle Park Police Department in 2009. In December of 2012, he transferred to the Bridgewater Township Police Department.

During his career, he has been a Field Training Officer and a Radar Instructor. he also was selected to work for the Somerset County Prosecutor's Narcotics Task Force for 6 months. He also served as a Traffic Safety Officer.

"Kevin the training and the proactive patrol skills have helped shape your professional judgment and have prepared you to take on this new Sergeant role. It is apparent that you take pride in your work and I expect you to motivate, teach, and lead officers in this department," said Mitzak.

"These men have worked tirelessly to protect and serve the residents of Bridgewater, and we are honored to have them on this incredible team," wrote Bridgewater Township Government.

Retirements

Lieutenant Brian Blath and Lieutenant Kevin Lamey both retired on Tuesday.

"For the last 25 years, these two men have served Bridgewater faithfully, with true dedication and selflessness. We will be forever grateful for your service. Thank you," wrote Bridgewater Township Government.

Bath started his career with the Somerset County Sheriff's Office in August 1998. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University and his Master of Administrative Sciences from Farleigh Dickinson University.

He started his Bridgewater career as a police officer in December 1998. In 2001, he became a Technical Service Officer. In 2018 he was promoted to Sergeant and in January 2020 he was promoted to Lieutenant.

He was a Firearms Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, and trainer for anything that involved technology.

He earned numerous CPR/Defibrillator awards, the Exceptional Service Award, numerous Letters of Commendation, and the Unit Citation Award.

Lamey also started his career with the Bridgewater Police Department in December 1998. Lamey earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Studies in Organizational Leadership in 2016 from Southern New Hampshire University.

Lamey worked in the Patrol Unit until he was transferred to the Traffic Safety Unit in 2017. In 2018 he was promoted to Sergeant. In September 2020 he was promoted to Lieutenant in charge of a patrol squad.

In 2022, he was transferred to the Admin Division supervising both CIB and Traffic Safety.

He has earned the Medal of Merit, two Exceptional Service Awards, and three Lifesaving Awards.

"Both officers swore an oath three times during their career, once when they were hired, once while promoted to Sergeant, and finally when they were promoted to Lieutenant. Both officers upheld their oaths and fulfilled their responsibilities to the Bridgewater community, and to the men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department," said Mitzak. "My short speech does not due any officer justice having served as a police officer for 25 years. It is a credit to both of you that you have made it to your retirement for everything you had to endure during your careers."

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