Long Branch, Eatontown, Tinton Falls Adding Police Officers

Long Branch, Eatontown and Tinton Falls will be adding new police officers to their ranks this year.

The Monmouth County Police Academy recently graduated 33 officers and several of them will be working as special officers for local departments.

"Just like the men and women of our various law enforcement divisions who stepped up over the past six weeks in the wake of super storm Sandy, I have no doubt that you will step up, too," Monmouth County Freeholder Director John Curley said in a release. "Working around the clock, police officers provided assistance to residents in unprecedented ways. Police officers provided a first level of support to residents in need. You are now part of this important public service corps."

The graduating class completed more than 800 hours of training this year to become the 83rd Basic Course for Police Officers.

Police Academy Director David I. Morris said the new officers are trained and ready to begin protecting citizens in the communities they will serve. As special police officers, he said, they will be held to a higher standard of conduct and are expected to demonstrate an abiding sense of fairness.

“The people you serve expect these things from you,” Morris said.

The following graduating officers that will be reporting to local departments are as follows:

Long Branch: Joseph R. Spitale

Eatontown: James J. Christie, Joshua D. Koval, Michael E. Schmerler

Tinton Falls: Michael J. Martone