South Amboy Police Chief
Darren Levine

By Joseph L. Kuchie

SOUTH AMBOY – South Amboy swore in four police officers and promoted two others to sergeant before last week’s city council meeting.

Officers Jacob Murray and Daniel Holovacko were promoted to Sergeant after a combined 16 years of service with the South Amboy Police Department. They will fill the void left by Sgt. Glenn Malkiewicz and Sgt. Jamie Norek, who are retiring from the South Amboy Police Department.

Murray served in the United States Marine Corps. from 1999-2003 before making South Amboy his home in February 2003. He joined the police force in 2007 and has been crucial in implementing modern technology to the department including computer upgrades, in-vehicle computers and software, and automated license plate readers.

Holovacko joined the South Amboy Police Department in 2005 after working as a police officer with the Middlesex County College Police Department. He was elected by his peers to the executive officer of Secretary for the South Amboy PBA in 2009 and was assigned to the duties of Assistant TAC officer in May 2012.

Police Chief Darren Levine had kind words to say about each officer who was sworn in to their new position. He also praised the work of Sgt. Malkiewicz and Sgt. Norek and thanked them for their service to the city.

“We are losing two very fine officers…guys who dedicated many years to the city of South Amboy, chose to raise their families here, and were really invested in the process here,” Levine said. “I’m sorry to see both of them go but at the same time I’m happy for them and hope them nothing but God speed in their retirements.”

South Amboy also welcomed officers Robert E. Besner, Jr., Alexander G. Miranda, Dane P. O’Grady, and An S. Wang to the police force. All four officers are veterans of the United States military and will start patrol in December or January.

“They really successfully achieved a rigorous testing process…not only did they pass the prerequisite civil service examination but a rigorous medical testing procedure as well as psychological testing,” Levine said. “Each and every one of them has a unique set of skills and talent they are bringing to the table here and I’m extremely enthusiastic about this batch coming on board.”

The entire council wished the all the officers sworn-in their very best. The next city council meeting will be held September 17th at 7:00 p.m.