3 Officers Promoted To New Rank In South Brunswick Police Department

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Three officers were promoted Tuesday, to fill the vacancies left from retirement in the South Brunswick Police Department.

Frank Lombardo, Gary Holsten and Michael Leung were promoted in a ceremony held Tuesday.

“These supervisors bring decades of service, experience, and knowledge to their positions,” Police Chief Chief Hayducka said. “Policing has changed over the last decade with increased accountability and transparency. These supervisors will ensure we maintain the highest level of service to our community.”

Cpt. Frank Lombardo is a 28-year veteran of the police department. He previously served as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, team leader on the Emergency Response Team, patrol sergeant, and lieutenant of the Community Services, Traffic Safety, and Patrol Divisions. He is a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 283. Lombardo has received seven exceptional service awards, five valor awards, two senate resolutions for bravery, and the Medal of Honor.

He holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a master’s certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership from the University of Virginia, and will soon be finishing doctoral studies at the George Washington University, where he is researching how police departments build trust and legitimacy with the community.

Lt. Gary Holsten has been an officer for 23 years. He has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, and evidence technician, a member of the Emergency Response Team, an expandable baton instructor, radar instructor, patrol sergeant, and Traffic Bureau sergeant. He is an instructor for the Practical Traffic Engineering for Police Officers course at Rutgers University as well as the vice president of the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation.

Sgt. Michael Leung is a 17 year veteran of the Department, serving his last nine years in the Traffic Safety Division as an accident reconstructionist. He is one of the Department's certified police motorcycle operators. Leung served in Patrol Division as a field training officer as well as a rifle team operator. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and commendations, including the lifesaving medal, exceptional service award, pistol expert, and the Department's "Top Gun" award.

Hayducka said the three officers went through a "challenging process” to achieve the promotions. “They had to study for months, perform well on tests, and have an exhaustive file review to determine their eligibility for these positions,” Hayducka said. “They now have the challenge and responsibility of leading our officers on a daily basis.”

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