Green Brook Hires Two Police Officers

Green Brook, NJ -- The Green Brook Police Department hired two new officers, Officer Vincent Luberto and Officer Kevin O’Connor.

Officer Luberto is a graduate of Rutgers University having earned a Baccalaureates degree in Criminal Justice, and was sworn in as a member of the Green Brook Police Department just prior to his graduation from the Essex County College Police Academy in October, 2015.

Officer O’Connor is a graduate of Brookdale Community College having earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and comes to the Green Brook Police Department after serving with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department since January of 2014. Officer O’Connor was sworn in as a member of the Green Brook Police Department during the Green Brook Township Committee meeting on Monday, Dec. 7 by Mayor Jerry Searfoss.

In addition to the swearing in of Officer O’Connor, Chief G. Christopher Kurz issued the following awards to department members in recognition of their actions as follows:

Officer Randy Stratton and Officer Anthony Pinizzotto each received a Meritorious Service Award and Sergeant John Skikus received an Honorable Service Award for their actions in assisting with a call in Warren Township on Aug. 16, 2015.

On that date, the officers responded to a residence located on Mount Horeb Road on a report of an active shooter. Upon arrival, Officer Stratton and Officer Pinizzotto established a security perimeter as a male suspect fired a series of shots from a rifle, and Sgt.

Skikus assisted with coordinating the initial law enforcement response and ensured that necessary tactics and resources were employed. Officer Stratton and Officer Pinizzotto also provided cover for officers who worked to establish contact with the suspect, as well as officers who evacuated people from the area.

“The bravery and actions demonstrated by these officers were exemplary, and I am very proud that they acted without hesitation to address a very dangerous situation,” said Green Brook Police Chief Christopher Kurz.