The Mantua Township Committee administered the oath of office to seven officers – four of them new hires – at a crowded meeting on Aug. 14.
Three of the officers were promoted through resolutions passed on the night of the meeting. Each officer was accompanied by family and loved ones who witnessed the ceremony.
The four new patrol officers are Joseph Craig, Arthur Ettore, Matthew Germschied and Jacob Jowett. Promoted were Det. Robert Layton, now a sergeant, and new corporals Bruce Shaw and Stephen Wolfsgruber.
“The police department we have does a great job,” said Committeeman Shawn Layton. “We have the best policeman around. We hire across the country. These are good guys who are hard workers. They’re a great group of guys led by the chief (Darren White), and it’s a good night for the township.”
The officers were sworn in by Mayor Robert Zimmerman and Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, and White also read a brief biography of each one.
“We do have first-class police, fire and municipal workers,” noted Committeewoman Eileen Lukens. “Sometimes they get left behind in getting congratulated. But they really work very, very hard for a low wage.
“They do not make a lot of money, so we appreciate the dedication that they have to our township, and that’s what makes our township so great.”
Several brothers in blue also showed support for the new officers and promotees and the police department Facebook page offered congratulations.
“To put an awesome light on promoting and hiring these officers, it makes you feel good sitting up here,” Committeeman John Legge said at the meeting. “Congratulations to all of them.”
The next Mantua committee meeting will take place on Monday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. in the township municipal building.
