South Brunswick Police Adds To Command Staff With 6 Promotions

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Six officers from South Brunswick Police Department were promoted recently to fill in vacancies from retirement and increase command supervision.

Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced the promotions over the weekend. “These additional supervisors add to the enhanced level of supervision I am committed to,” 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.” The officers promoted were;

Jeffrey Russo is a 23-year veteran of the department was promoted to Captain. Russo previously served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, firearms instructor, detective, detective sergeant and investigations lieutenant, the department said. As a detective, Russo was detailed to the Middlesex County Narcotics Task Force and to a DEA Tactical Diversion Task Force combating the opioid epidemic. He worked with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to dismantle the largest dark web narcotics operation in 2019, the police department said. Russo has six Excellent Service Medals and over 24 Letters of Commendation. He holds a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University.

Eric Buraszeski and John Penney were promoted to Lieutenants. Buraszeski, a 17-year veteran, served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, Support Services sergeant, a member of the Emergency Response Team, an instructor for defensive tactics and supervising firearms instructor. He was an instructor for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office ABLE initiative.

Ahead of his promotion, Penney is a 21-year veteran of the department, served as a detective sergeant, patrol sergeant, school resource officer, and evidence custodian. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Farleigh Dickenson University and a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University.

Brady Shelcusky, George Morgan and Peter Santa were promoted to the rank of Sergeants. Shelcusky is a 12 year veteran of the department and has served as a detective, field training officer, firearms instructor, crime scene evidence technician and Taser operator. He served as the PBA Local 166 State Delegate for the past 8 years.

Before his promotion, Morgan served patrol officer, a member of the Middlesex County Rapid Deployment Team, South Brunswick Department Honor Guard, Juvenile Justice Committee, and a volunteer coach with the Police Athletic League.

Santa is a 15-year veteran of the department. He served as a patrol officer, field training officer and a member of the rifle team. He has received numerous awards and citations including the Medal of Valor. Has served as PBA Local 166 President and been a member of the Executive Board for 8 years. He is a military veteran serving five and half years in the United States Navy prior to becoming an officer.

“These officers went through a challenging process to achieve these 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.”

Hayducka credited the Township Manager, Mayor and Council for supporting the enhanced supervision plan.

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