2 Hazlet Police Officers Promoted At Special Committee Meeting

HAZLET, NJ - A special meeting of the Hazlet Township Committee honored several local police officers Tuesday, according to a municipal announcement.

During an outdoor ceremony in front of town hall on May 11, the five-member governing body promoted Joseph Forgione to Police Lieutenant and Tara Theis to Police Sergeant, effective immediately.

"Lt. Forgione will continue to work as the school security liaison while he is assigned to the patrol division," the Hazlet Township Police Department wrote in a statement. "Sgt Theis is the first female officer in the department history to be promoted to the supervisory ranks and she will be assigned to the patrol division as well."

Pastor Barry Mulligan, a senior pastor at Hazlet Bible Church, was also appointed to Hazlet Police Department Chaplain. The position aims to support local police officers in times of crisis, support officers struggling with issues such as burnout, stress, and trauma, according to the statement. Mulligan is also expected to assist the police and community with death notifications and crime victim support.

Mayor Tara Clark read a proclamation declaring May 11, 2021 as Vincent Quinn Day, honoring Det. Lieutenant Quinn during his 23 years of employment with the township.

Quinn began serving Hazlet in 1997 as a Patrolman, eventually moving up the ranks to a Sergeant and Detective Lieutenant.

“[We] extend to him on behalf of the Township Committee and the citizens of Hazlet Township sincere gratitude and appreciation for his untiring and devoted service, and wish him continued good health and happiness in the future,” the proclamation reads.

You can view the full agenda from the special meeting here.