Two newly promoted township police officers were sworn in by Mayor Pete Scirrotto at an Oct. 17 committee meeting as their families looked on.
Cpl. Salvatore Oldrani and Sgt. Jason Lipsett each underwent eight to nine weeks of training that included their work histories and a department chief’s assessment.
“It was great,” said Lipsett. “We all went through this promotional process where we had to study and do an oral presentation. Everyone did exceptionally well. I was already a corporal at that time and was lucky enough to get this spot.”
The training “is a grueling process that seeks to take as much into consideration as possible, while not giving any one aspect more weight than is reasonable,” according to the department’s Facebook page.
Lipsett also noted that Oldrani and William Donovan – who was also promoted but was not at the meeting – are also likely to become sergeants. Since the promotions last month, the officers say they have settled into their new roles.
“It’s been good,” said Lipsett, a Gibbstown native who knew a number of cops growing up. “I’ve been here in Mantua for 10 years, and I was promoted to sergeant a while ago. I was first hired in Mantua in 2012 and have spent 12-and-a-half years in law enforcement.
“Every day is something new, and every day you get to meet new people,” he added. “As a sergeant, the rank is one of the most important within the department.”
Sergeants take on leadership duties to ensure that those under them can be in the best positions possible to succeed. Of the recently sworn-in officers, Lipsett is the only one who was promoted to sergeant.
“Sergeants are like a front-line supervisor, where they help other people learn and guide them to the answers,” he explained. “It’s more than just being a boss to these people. There is a lot of responsibility when it comes to the job.
“I hope I can help others be better officers.”
Township officers are sworn in by the mayor at committee meetings, an event highlighted on both the police department and Mantua Facebook pages.
“We are proud of these officers and look forward to seeing what they can do,” the department said on Facebook.
