The new officers were sworn in by Mayor Joann Gattinelli and Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik
Mayor Joann Gattinelli and the Washington Township Police Department swore in four new police officers on Wednesday, June 14. According to Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik, three of the hires are replacements for retirees. All of the officers will be assigned to the patrol division, bringing the roster to a total of 78 full-time officers.
Matthew Barnett, 23, attended Wagner College on a full NCAA Division I athletic scholarship for football. According to Gurcsik, Barnett carries himself with integrity and is looking forward to “giving back to a town that gave him so much growing up.”
Rebecca Wood, 24, originally from Cherry Hill, graduated from the police academy in March, and “was determined to become a full-time police officer.” Previously, Wood served as a special officer within the department.
Devin Bauman, 23, holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. While attending college, Bauman served as a special officer in Wildwood, and in 2015 was hired as an officer by the Camden County Police Department. According to Gurcsik, Bauman looks forward to “leaving the fourth most dangerous city in the U.S. to come ‘home.’”
Nicholas Rojs, 22, is a student at Rowan College. In 2011, Rojs joined the Washington Township Police Explorers. In 2015, Rojs graduated from the Cape May Police Academy, and for the last year has served as a Washington Township special officer. Gurcsik said Rojs hopes to take a leadership role as an advisor with the police explorer program.
Both Gurcsik and Gattinelli wished for safety for the new officers, and thanked them for making the decision to serve Washington Township.
