Brick Township, NJ – Eight newly hired officers joined the Brick Township Police Department on Tuesday after officials administered the oath of office during a Township Council meeting, expanding the force as part of a continued public safety investment.
The swearing-in took place April 14, with Lisa Crate officiating the ceremony as family members, department leadership, and local officials gathered to mark the milestone for the incoming class.
New officers formally join department ranks
The department introduced Justin Iannarone, Riley LaFay, Andrew Farnkopf, Katie LaPoint, Zachary Meany, Stephen Albanese Jr., Anthony Firneno, and Mark McDermitt as its newest officers. Each took the oath alongside colleagues and leadership, including Deputy Chief Henry Drew and Mayor Crate.
The additions reflect a staffing increase aimed at supporting patrol operations and maintaining coverage across the growing Ocean County community.
Public safety investment and community impact
Bringing in eight officers at once represents a notable expansion for the department, signaling an effort to strengthen response capacity and visibility in neighborhoods across Brick Township.
Officials did not outline specific assignments or start dates for patrol duties, but newly sworn officers typically begin field training or academy-related requirements depending on prior certification.
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Key Points
• Eight officers sworn into Brick Township Police Department on April 14
• Ceremony held during Township Council meeting with local leadership present
• New hires expected to support staffing and public safety coverage
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Transition from ceremony to active duty
Swearing-in ceremonies mark the formal start of service, but new officers often complete additional training phases before operating independently. These steps can include supervised patrol shifts, departmental onboarding, and field instruction under experienced officers.
The department has not released individual backgrounds or prior experience levels for the eight recruits.
What comes next
As of this week, all eight officers have officially joined the Brick Township Police Department, with next steps expected to include training and integration into patrol operations as the township continues to build its law enforcement capacity.