Colts Neck Police Induct New Officer

Thomas Ward, a Belmar resident, was inducted into the Colts Neck police department on Aug. 10 at the town council meeting.

Ward graduated Rutgers University with a bachelors in criminal justice, and from the Monmouth County Police Academy in December, earning honors in class marksmanship.

Mayor James Schatzle met with Ward before his induction, and said he was impressed with Wards ambition to be an officer.

“He said as a police officer, he feels as if he can protect those that cannot protect themselves,” Schatzle said.

Chief Kevin Sauter said the department began 2010 with 22 officers, but in the spring and summer of the year, a layoff, retirements and a resignation brought the force down to 18 officers, below the state-required manpower.

Ward was joined at the meeting by his parents and fiancé, and had his badge pinned by his mother.