Congratulations Basic Police Class #118

Ocean County officials joined with law enforcement and loved ones to recognize the graduates of Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Class #118 during a graduation ceremony on the Ocean County College campus, Oct. 4. Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn, liaison to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, in addressing the class, said “it takes a special kind of person to aspire to become a police officer. It takes an exceptional type of person to actually become a police officer.” The new officers began their training at the academy on May 3, 2024. The keynote address was provided by Chief John Russo, Rutherford Police Department, and President of the New Jersey State Police Association of Chiefs of Police. Sgt. Steven Healey of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department was the recipient of the academy instructor award. Recruits receiving awards at the ceremony were Austin J. Pharo, Stafford Township Police Department, James J. Tracey Leadership Award; Jose L. Arias, Trenton Police Department; Police Training Commission Merit Award Winner; Austin J. Pharo, Stafford Township Police Department, High Overall Award, High Academic Award and Perfect Score Award; and William W. Gallagher, Stafford Police Department, High Physical Fitness Award, High Marksmanship Award and Perfect Score Award. The graduates and their respective police departments are Caleb J. Alvarado and Marc A. Rodriguez, both Lakewood Township Police Department; Jose L. Arias, Trenton Police Department; Maximillian T. Biedermann and Mary N. Trossi, both Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office; William W. Gallagher, Michael W. McMurry and Austin J. Pharo, all Stafford Township Police Department; Shawn W. Kohn, North Hanover Police Department; Jesse D. Lyon. Brick Township Police Department and Kristen M. Narcisco, Rutgers University Police Department.