LAKEHURST – The highlight of a recent Borough Council meeting was the installation of two full-time police officers.
The meeting had Borough Attorney Ian M. Goldman swear in the officers. With them, Police Chief Matt Kline said there are now nine full-time officers in the 13-member police department.
The new officers included William R. Bowers and Harry J. Paul. Bowers is 24 years old and started his Law Enforcement career in Lakehurst.
Officer Bowers began his career as a SLEO I Special Police Officer with the Borough of Lakehurst in 2015. He graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy as a SLEO II Special Police Officer and continued to serve the community in that capacity.
The new full-time officer is currently continuing his education, majoring in Criminal Justice.
Officer Harry Paul is 28 years old and started his Law Enforcement career with the Lavallette Police Department as a SLEO I Special Police Officer in 2014. He also served as a dispatcher with the Lavallette Police Department.
The officer graduated the Ocean County Police Academy as a SLEO II Special Police Officer for Lavallette. Officer Paul was hired by the Lakehurst Police Department in 2018 and served as an SLEO II Police Officer.
Officer Paul has a Bachelor’s Degree from Stockton University, majoring in Criminal Justice.
Kline said the department has seen some changes since he took over as chief in January with new uniforms, a modernized records system and a few other modifications. He noted that the borough’s department would continue to maintain its state accreditation program which calls for law enforcement agencies to meet the highest standards and polices. Those agencies have previously achieved the accreditation process must renew them every three years.
The Lakehurst Police Dept. received news of its accreditation renewal in October 2018.
