Six South Brunswick police officers rank up, enhance department supervision
SOUTH BRUNSWICK - Six township police officers were recently promoted to fill retirement vacancies and increase command supervision.
“These additional supervisors add to the enhanced level of supervision I am committed to,” said Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. “Policing has changed over the last decade with increased accountability and transparency. These supervisors will ensure we maintain the highest level of service to our community.”
Promoted were Capt. Jeffrey Russo, Lieutenants Eric Buraszeski and John Penney and Sergeants Brady Shelcusky, George Morgan and Peter Santa.
Russo is a 23-year veteran of the department who previously served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, firearms instructor, detective, detective sergeant and investigations lieutenant. He has worked with the Middlesex County Narcotics Task Force and the DEA Tactical Diversion Task Force combating the opioid epidemic, and worked with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to dismantle the largest dark web narcotics operation in 2019.
Buraszeski has served with the department for 17 years as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, Support Services sergeant, a member of the Emergency Response Team, an instructor for defensive tactics and supervising firearms instructor, and an instructor for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office ABLE initiative.
A 21-year veteran of the police department, Penney has served as a detective sergeant, patrol sergeant, school resource officer and evidence custodian. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickenson University and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He has received twelve commendations and honorable service awards.
Penney and Russo both hold master's degrees from Seton Hall University while Buraszeski has a master's degree from Monmouth University.
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Shelcusky is a 12-year veteran of the department and has served as a detective, field training officer, firearms instructor, crime scene evidence technician and Taser operator. He served as the PBA Local 166 State Delegate for the past eight years.
A nine-year veteran of the department, Morgan has served as a patrol officer, a member of the Middlesex County Rapid Deployment Team, South Brunswick Department Honor Guard, Juvenile Justice Committee, and a volunteer coach with the Police Athletic League. He has consistently finished as the top physical fitness award winner for the department each year.
Santa, a 15-year veteran of the department, has served as a patrol officer, field training officer and a member of the rifle team. Has served as PBA Local 166 President and been a member of the Executive Board for eight years. He is a military veteran serving five and half years in the United States Navy prior to becoming an officer.
“These officers went through a challenging process to achieve these promotions. They had to study for months, perform well on tests, and have an exhaustive file review to determine their eligibility for these positions. They now have the challenge and responsibility of leading our officers on a daily basis,” Hayducka said.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.