New Police Chief To Be Appointed In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A new police chief will be appointed on Monday during the Bridgewater Township Council meeting.

Mayor Matthew Moench announced that he had recommended Captain John Mitzak to the Council as his selection for the next Chief of the Bridgewater Police Department.

Mitzak has been serving as Acting Chief since the retirement of former Chief Paul Payne in late August. Read More: Bridgewater Police Chief Paul Payne To Retire

During the Sept. 8 meeting, the township council approved spending $10,000 to hire a professional consultant to help in the search for a new police chief.Read More: Police Chief Search: Bridgewater To Hire Consultant

"Captain Mitzak has performed exceptionally in his role as Acting Chief," said Moench. "I have every confidence that John is ready to serve in the capacity of Chief, he has my full faith and support."

Mitzak joined the Bridgewater Police Department as an officer in 1997 and has steadily moved up through the ranks until being promoted to Captain in 2020.

Over his 25-year tenure with the department, he has served in leadership positions in Patrol, Investigations, Traffic Safety, Emergency Management, Internal Affairs and Operations. He has also received the Bridgewater Police Department Exceptional Service Medal and multiple Life Saving Medals.

"John Mitzak is a man of great character, and will be a great addition to the legacy of Bridgewater Police Chiefs," said Moench. "I am confident that the Council sees the same characteristics I see in the Acting Chief."

The Bridgewater Council's next meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 17 where the new police chief will be voted on.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a closed session to discuss Public Safety- Police before opening up to the public at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom located at the Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater. The meeting is held in-person with a live stream.

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