Six new police officers have joined the Princeton Police Department.
The six new officers, who were chosen from among a field of 150 applicants, were sworn in as probationary police officers at the Princeton Council’s Feb. 10 meeting.
The newly appointed police officers – Benedict Arthur, Drew Clugston, Shane Freda (no relation to Mayor Mark Freda), Daniel Mostrangeli, Anthony Rodriguez and Vanessa Saburro – began their training at the Mercer County Police Academy on Feb. 18.
Once they complete basic police training, they will be assigned to a field training officer. They should be qualified for full patrol duties in October, officials said.
Arthur graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Utica University. He is enrolled in the graduate program at John Jay College, where he is studying international crime and justice.
Clugston graduated from New Egypt High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from The College of New Jersey.
Freda graduated from Montgomery High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Mostrangeli graduated from Steinert High School in Hamilton Township. He studied accounting at Rider University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Rodriguez graduated from Seneca Valley High School in Maryland. He received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.
Saburro is a graduate of Tottenville High School on Staten Island, N.Y. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University, and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from Arizona State University.
“As you take your first steps into this noble profession, you join a legacy built on the foundation of our four core values – honor, knowledge, integrity and service,” Police Chief Christopher Tash told the new police officers.
The new officers should remember the oath of office that they take for the rest of their careers, Tash said. Those words are a pledge to uphold the law, protect the rights of all and live by the values that define the Princeton Police Department.
Tash thanked the family and friends who gathered to watch them being sworn into office for the love, support and encouragement they have given to the new police officers as they take on this honorable calling.
“Our department is more than a workplace,” the chief said. “It is a family. We look out for one another and we will always be there for them. Together, we will help them grow, succeed and uphold our core values.”
Turning to the new officers, Tash said they are not just joining a team, but becoming part of something greater – a mission to serve with honor, pursue knowledge, uphold integrity and dedicate themselves to the service of others.
“We are honored to welcome you into our law enforcement family,” Tash said. “Congratulations, and welcome aboard.”
