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Mayor Also Recognizes Community Business Leaders for Contribution to Purchase Special Equipment for Police Department Special Operations Unit

Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac today a nnounced the promotion of two Woodbridge Township police officers to the rank of Lieutenant. The promotions were approved by the Mayor and Township Council after the eligible officers successfully completed the promotion process.

“I am pleased to announce the promotion of two Woodbridge Township police officers to the rank of Lieutenant. Together, both officers have served the community for more than 27 years and, throughout their service, each has demonstrated a dedication to duty and public safety,” said Mayor McCormac. “I am enormously proud of our newest police Lieutenants and, as importantly, proud of the job performed by the entire Woodbridge Township police department.”

Joining Mayor McCormac to announce the promotions were Chief William Trenery, Woodbridge Township Police Department, ranking members and patrol officers of the Woodbridge Township police department, and family and friends. Additionally, Council President Patricia Osborne and the members of the Woodbridge Town Council offered congratulations to the two new Lieutenants on their promotions and individual achievements.

According to Mayor McCormac, the promotions include forward-thinking police officers and career law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated leadership and the ability to implement innovative law enforcement and management principals. Both officers have established records of dedicated service and professional achievement in their law enforcement careers. Mayor McCormac and Chief Trenery identified the two new Lieutenants as:

• Sgt. Richard J. Bodnar, 57, a 29-year veteran of the Woodbridge Police Department. Sgt. Bodnar was assigned to the Radio Patrol Division as a Patrolman until 1994 when he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Detective. Patrolman Bodnar was promoted to Sergeant in 1994 and assigned to the Radio Patrol Division as a Squad and Road Supervisor. Currently, Sgt. Bodnar is assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau as Supervisor of the Identification Unit. Upon promotion to Lieutenant, Sgt. Bodnar will maintain his assignment with the Criminal Investigation Bureau as Bureau Supervisor. Lt. Bodnar’s son, Shayne, is also a Woodbridge Township police officer.

• Sgt. Robert W. Visakay, 53, an 18-year veteran of the Woodbridge Police Department. As a Patrolman, Officer Visakay was assigned to the Radio Patrol Division. Promoted to Sgt. in 1993, Sgt. Visakay continued assignment in the Radio Patrol Division as a Road and Squad Supervisor. Lt. Visakay will continue assignment as a shift commander in the Radio Patrol Division.

“These two ranking police officers have served in critical areas throughout the department. Their depth of training and range of experience will continue to be an asset to the Department and to Township residents,” said Chief Trenery.

Mayor McCormac also took the opportunity of the promotion ceremony to recognize two prominent Township businessmen and community leaders – Albert Jasani and Richie Bhojani -- for providing the funds necessary to purchase specialized equipment for the Woodbridge Police Department’s Special Operations Unit.

The Mayor noted that Mr. Jasani and Mr. Bhojani contributed more than $9,000 toward the purchase of custom-fit “dry” suits for four members of the Woodbridge Township Police Department’s Special Operations Unit. The “dry” suits, which insulate the body and prevent hypothermia, are specially designed for each police officer and are primarily used in cold water rescue operations. The Woodbridge Township police officers receiving the “dry” suits are: Lt. Robert Brady (Certified Dive Instructor), Patrolman Craig Polhamus, Patrolman Marc Hecht, and Patrolman Charles Impaglia. Each of the patrolmen are certified divers, specially trained in water rescue operations.

“It is extremely generous of Mr. Jasani and Mr. Bhojani to assist the police department obtain equipment not otherwise available,” said Mayor McCormac. “It is this type of community commitment that allows our police department to better respond to emergencies and to better serve the public safety mission. I wish to thank Mr. Jasani and Mr. Bhojani for their continued support of our police department,” Mayor McCormac said.

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