Three to move up ranks at East Brunswick PD

EAST BRUNSWICK — Three township police officers including two who have served more than 26 years will be promoted tomorrow.

In a ceremony to be held in the township’s courtroom, Mayor William Neary and Director of Public Safety Barry W. Roberson will promote Lt. Edward Mitchell to the rank of captain, Sgt. Thomas Bennett to the rank of lieutenant, and Patrolman Lori Mullarney to the rank of sergeant.

Mitchell joined the department in 1980 and has served in the Patrol Division as a patrolman, sergeant and lieutenant; in the Administrative Division as a sergeant and lieutenant; and in the Investigative Division as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant. Mitchell has also worked as commander of the department’s Crisis/Hostage Negotiating Team.

Mitchell earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Felician College, Lodi, and a master’s degree in leadership and public administration from Centenary College, Hackettstown. Mitchell will be assigned as commander of the Investigative Division, replacing Capt. Keith Wilkerson, whose retirement took effect yesterday.

Bennett is a 27-year veteran of the department and has served in the Patrol Division as a patrolman and sergeant, in the Investigative Division as a member of the department’s Undercover Anti-Crime Unit, and in the Traffic Safety Section as a motorcycle officer. Bennett, who recently served in the department’s Police Training Facility, has also worked in the capacities of field training officer, firearms instructor, scuba team member and SWAT team member.

Bennett, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Jersey City State College, will now be assigned as a watch commander in the Patrol Division.

Mullarney is an 18-year veteran who began her career with the Rutgers University Police Department. She has been assigned as a patrol officer in the Patrol Division and has served in the capacities of hostage negotiator, scuba team member, and as an ASP baton instructor. Mullarney also assisted in creating the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in counseling from Seton Hall University, South Orange. Mullarney will be assigned to the Patrol Section as a squad supervisor.