Lacey Swears In 'Homegrown' Police Officer

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Police Department recently swore in a "new" officer, who's also a Lacey native and has experience in the department.

Christopher Triano comes to the force from the Ocean County Sheriff's Office, but before that he worked in Lacey as a class one officer.

Chief Christopher Kenny remembered being part of Triano's interviews "in the very beginning."

"He sat before us, did a lot of stuttering and lot of hemming and hawing," Kenny said. This time around, Kenny wasn't sure about it - but said that Triano did "amazing."

"He's really come a long way," Kenny said. "I'm proud of him."

Officials were pleased that a Lacey local would be serving the town.

"It's always a bonus when we have people that grew up here and went to the schools here," said Deputy Mayor Steven Kennis. "They know the roads, the hangout spots."

Committeewoman PeggySue Juliano said she remembered speaking with Triano with her late husband, former Mayor Nick Juliano, back on Triano's first night.

"He made it clear then this is where he wanted to be," Juliano said. "And so, I am thrilled to have you here."

Both committeemen Mark Dykoff and Peter Curatolo noted how the municipal building is packed with fellow officers whenever the police department hires a new officer or does promotions.

"You just don't see that in any other job, and we see it each and every time," Curatolo said.

Mayor Tim McDonald said with the new hires and Kenny's leadership, the department would only continue to get better.

Related: 4 New Officers Sworn In To Lacey Township Police Department