Cranford Welcomes New Cops To The Force

CRANFORD, NJ - The Cranford Police are about to get an influx of support as four new members were sworn in as new officers during the Township Committee meeting on Dec. 18.

Chris Folinusz, Mike Gamba, Ryan Drew, and Courtney Holder all sworn in and after remarks were made by Cranford Chief of Police Ryan Greco.

According to Greco, Gamba is a 2015 graduate of Cranford High School, and a lifelong resident of Cranford.

"While in high school, Michael was a four-year student athlete and recipient of the United States Marine Core Distinguished Athlete Award, all while maintaining high academic standards. Upon graduating from high school, Michael attended Monmouth University, where coincidentally, today, he finished his final exam where he is going to graduate with a degree in Homeland Security," Greco said. "While at Monmouth, Michael completed a project applying geographic information systems to analyze and organize various assets throughout the state of New Jersey. During his entrance interview, Michael expressed to us how important it was to finish his college degree a semester early in order to lighten the financial burden on his parents. We're excited for Michael to join the ranks of our organization because we believe that his hard work, focus, education, and his dedication will be a positive asset to the community."

Greco said Holder was a 2012 graduate of Raritan High School and currently resides in Hazlet.

"Upon graduating from high school, Courtney attended Montclair State University where she attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Studies. While in college, Courtney worked as a competitive gymnastics coach where she developed strong communication and organizational skills while preparing athletes for intense competitions. Courtney has volunteered her time with the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry where she helped feed and clothe the underprivileged," Greco said. "Most recently, Courtney has been employed by the Juvenile Justice Commission as a correctional officer. While conducting her background investigation, a supervisor at the J.C.C. described Courtney as a highly-intelligent, well-motivated individual, who has professional demeanor and highly-ethical standards. Law enforcement runs in Officer Holder's family as her mother is a special agent in the F.B.I."

Greco noted that Folinusz is another Cranford native son and a 2013 graduate of Cranford High School.

"During high school, Christopher was not only a star on the athletic field but also in the classroom. Chris excelled as a student leader on a championship football and baseball team, all while maintaining a high academic standard. Upon graduating high school, Christopher attended Rutgers University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Labor Studies. While at Rutgers, he was the captain of the baseball team and was named four times to the All Big Ten Academic Team," Greco said. "Chris was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at Rutgers University. Christopher has volunteered hundreds of hours raising money for the VS. Cancer Foundation where collegiate athletic teams around the country raise money for the research of childhood cancer. Leadership runs deep in the Folinusz family as Chris' older brother, Bill, has served this country as a captain with the U.S. Army Calvary. Officer Folinusz's leadership abilities and work ethic will be an asset to the Cranford Police Department and the Township of Cranford over the course of his duties."

Greco said that Drew is another product of the Cranford School system, having graduated Cranford High School in 2014.

"Upon graduating from high school, Ryan attended Seton Hall University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 2018. Ryan is currently enrolled in a Masters Degree Program at New Jersey City University. Ryan has dedicated his academic studies to obtaining a career in law enforcement. He has completed internships with the United States Secret Service and the New Jersey State Police. These internships concentrated on issues that face our country, state, and township, and include U.S. foreign policy, violent crimes, international terrorism, and emergency management and preparedness, only to name a few," Greco said. "Ryan too comes from a law enforcement family as his father, Christopher, is a retired Lieutenant with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During the hiring process, Ryan displayed leadership characteristics and communication skills that will be an asset to the Cranford Police Department."

All four will start the John H. Stamler Police Academy on Friday.

(Photo courtesy of the Cranford Police Department)

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.