Two new police officers officially joined the Matawan Police Department when the borough council approved their appointment Tuesday night.
Charles Henry, 27, of Toms River and Jamil Brooks, 21, of Asbury Park are now class two special officers (SLEO2) earning $15 an hour, according to Commanding Officer Lt. Jason Gallo. They are budgeted for 20 hours a week each.
Henry previously worked as a class two special officer in Seaside Heights, Gallo explained. He attended Susquehanna University before before pursuing a career with the National Football League.
Brooks is an active member of the Asbury Park community, where he is a mental behavioral assistant and a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gallo said. Brooks graduated from the Police Academy at the top of his class, earning awards for marksmanship, physical fitness and outstanding training.
"We're very fortunate to have these two fine men work under us. They went through a very arduous interview and background process and they are certainly the two best candidates for the job. We're going to look to them to have a long career with the Matawan Police Department," Gallo said.
"They are very excited to become familiar with the town and the town's residents," he continued.
The borough council authorized the department to advertise, interview and make recommendations for the position at their Dec. 6 regular action meeting.
