Deptford police promote officers

DEPTFORD TWP. Two long-time township police officers are now on the streets with three extra stripes on their sleeves as the department here has promoted the men to the rank of sergeant.

Sergeants Frank Newkirk and Joseph Smith were chosen for the promotions following an extensive examination process conducted by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission and an in-house township promotional assessment process.

"I expect that they will do well in their new assignments and wish them good luck," said Chief of Police Daniel Murphy.

Newkirk, a 10-year veteran of the police service was promoted effective Oct. 9. In his time at Deptford, he has served as a canine handler, a field training officer and an acting shift supervisor.

Smith, who has been on board for eight years also served as a field training officer and a shift supervisor. The both hold Bachelor of Arts degrees in criminal justice and will be assigned to the patrol division to supervise uniform patrol squads.

Township Manager Denise Rose said Smith and Newkirk have excellent service records and have demonstrated dedication to the township and its citizens over the years.

In the coming weeks, Deptford will add two additional officers once they complete their training at the Gloucester County Police Academy. The recruits are expected to graduate in early December.

Once out of the classroom and on the streets, the new members of the department will be assigned to a field training officer for 12 weeks and then be assigned to a patrol quad.

The training officer acts as a guide so that new officers can receive on-the-job-training and mentoring before getting out on the road alone.