Unique Cadet Graduates From Marlboro Police Dept.

MARLBORO, NJ — Marlboro Twp. police participated in a first-of-its-kind program in the state: Where young people with special needs spent sixteen weeks as cadet interns with members of law enforcement.

The five young men all hail from Monmouth County, and they were placed with police departments in Marlboro Twp., Red Bank, Eatontown, Holmdel and the office of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni. The young men, all in their early 20s, have a range of special needs, from autism to cerebral palsy.

Cadet Matthew Zehl was placed with Marlboro police, where he spent the past sixteen weeks being mentored by police and helping them with patrol duties, clerical work and community relations.

Monmouth County held a moving ceremony for the cadet graduates Wednesday morning. Out of all five cadets, Zehl was chosen to address the crowd.

"Thank you, everybody," he said. "I'm so grateful."

Many in the audience — including Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal — had tears in their eyes.

"When we heard about this, we said we wanted in," said Marlboro Police Chief Peter Pezzullo. "He has changed our lives, every single officer in the police department."

He then addressed the cadets:

"When I look at the five young men who sit before me, three words come to mind: Courage, commitment and character. I can tell you many police officers would be nervous to take on the challenges you did. In the past sixteen weeks, we've watched you change. And we as a police department have changed. You've brought so many good things to our police department and we can't thank you enough."

"Matt is always asking if we will call him and stay in touch with him," added Chief Pezzullo. "Of course we will, we're brothers now."

The cadet internship was unpaid. But all the young men who completed it will receive up to five letters of recommendation from local judges, police chiefs and the county prosecutor.

The program was coordinated by the Arc of New Jersey, a leading advocate for the developmentally disabled. It was Arc that approached Gramiccioni, and asked if Monmouth County police departments would like to get involved. He said yes.

But state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who attended the ceremony today, said he hopes other police departments in New Jersey follow.

"In the words of the great Robert Hensel, we need to not focus on disabilities but rather capabilities," said Gramiccioni as the ceremony concluded Wednesday. "That is a great lesson that your sons have taught us. I can tell you our agencies are better off for having your sons for the past sixteen weeks. To serve something greater than yourself is the definition of public service."