Garwood PD Hires New Officers, Makes Promotions

To fill vacancies in the department after recent retirements – – Garwood Police hired two new officers and promoted existing officers.

Probationary patrolmen George A. Suggs and Andrew M. Chuddy were sworn in at the Aug. 9 borough council meeting, with their families and friends present.

"They are both great guys, personable and excellent additions to the department," said Garwood Police Chief Bruce Underhill.

Underhill explained that both officers were hired after completing the Alternative Route program, which allows civilians to go through police  training on their own without first being employed by a department.

"I interviewed eight candidates and narrowed them down to three, and finally chose two," said Underhill.

In addition to the new hires, patrolman Mario Morelli was promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant James Pipala was promoted to Captain.

The council also approved the promotions of Patrolman Samuel Rocco to Sergeant and Sergeants Douglas Stoffer and James Wright to Lieutenant. They will be sworn in at the Sept. 13 meeting.