Cops Two new police officers were sworn in and another was promoted to sergeant at the March meeting of the Middletown Township Committee.
Mayor Tony Perry swore in Ptl. Ric Cruz as a sergeant on the department after the veteran officer has completed more than four years as a detective.
The officer served in the United States Coast Guard, before becoming a patrolman for the department in 2012. Throughout the 13 years of his police career, he has overseen the Community Relations Unit, spearheaded the Police Youth Week camp, led the Police Explorers program, and instructed the police aspect of the Middletown Alliance’s program, Alliance Leaders, that teaches 5th and 8th graders about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Sergeant Cruz is also heavily involved in the Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) program that is taught in schools and was recognized as the New Jersey Instructor of the Year at the 2024 L.E.A.D. Conference. Sergeant Cruz is a passionate advocate for our elders and youth and regularly provides police tours and presentations. Perry described him as “ a true staple in our community and beloved by many.”
The Mayor also swore in Nicholas Massaro and Robert Poss as officers on the department. Both graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy and had experience in other departments before coming to Middletown.
Ptl Massaro graduated from the academy in 2020 and worked for the Keyport Police Department. He received his K-9 certification from the New Jersey State Police in 2023 and has received several awards, including the 2022 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award and the Chief Phil Meehan Leadership Award from Hazlet Hope.
Officer Poss graduated from the Academy’s 89th Basic Class for Municipal Police Officers and worked in the Long Branch Police Department from April 2012 to December 2024 in various capacities including six years with that department’ s Forensic Unit Criminal Investigations Division. Some of his training included Crime Scene Investigation Course #113 through the New Jersey State Police Forensic Services Bureau and New York Police Department Homicide Investigators Course.
