Two Veteran South Brunswick Police Officers Promoted

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two longtime South Brunswick police officers were promoted on Thursday. The opening for these promotions came as a result of the retirement of Lieutenant Lazlo Nyitrai.

"Today we promoted two officers who have distinguished themselves by their work efforts and commitment to our community," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "They have taken on numerous roles outside of their primary jobs to better our department. They underwent a rigorous testing process by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police during the pandemic to achieve their new ranks."

Dennis Yuhasz, a 15-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was previously a Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Prior to that, he served as a Detective in the Investigations Division, a member of South Brunswick Police Department's Emergency Response Team, Honor Guard, Firearms Unit, as a Field Training Detective, and Public Information Officer. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from East Stroudsburg University. He has received 21 awards and letters of commendation including a Life Saving Medal and a Medal of Valor Award for capturing an armed murder suspect.

William Merkler, a 10-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He previously assigned to the Traffic Safety Bureau as a Crash Investigator and Traffic Reconstructionist. Prior to that he served in the Patrol Division where he was the Domestic Violence Liaison, a Field Training Officer, and a member of the South Brunswick Police Rifle Team. He is also a member of the South Brunswick Police Honor Guard. He holds a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has received 12 awards and letters of commendation including for his investigation into a fatal hit-n-run that led to the suspect’s capture and his apprehension of a burglary suspect.