The Old Bridge Police Department recently celebrated three promotions and welcomed five new police officers.
Police Chief Thomas Montagna with Mayor Debbie Walker recognized and introduced the department’s newly promoted officers at a Township Council meeting on Sept. 15.
“On Sept. 1, we promoted three members of our department who have demonstrated the experience, dedication and leadership necessary to take on these new responsibilities,” Montagna said.
Officer Joseph Gougeon was promoted to captain and currently oversees all units within the Detective Bureau and Internal Affairs. He was sworn in on July 21, 2000 and began his career as an officer with the Patrol Bureau until his transfer to the Detective Bureau in 2007. In January 2011, he was assigned to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Task Force. Upon his completion of assignment, he returned to the Detective Bureau where he served with the Narcotics Unit. Gougeon was promoted to rank of sergeant in 2018 and to lieutenant in February of 2025.
Officer Gary Bracht was promoted to lieutenant and currently is assigned to the Detective Bureau. He took his oath of office on Jan. 3, 2005 and served in the Patrol Bureau before transferring to the Detective Bureau in January of 2012. During his time in the Detective Bureau, he was assigned to several specialized units including the Identification Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit and Narcotics Unit. In July of 2018, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and returned to the Patrol Bureau.
Officer Kevin Reck was promoted to sergeant and is currently assigned as a supervisor within the Patrol Bureau. He took his oath of office on July 24, 2002 and started his career serving with the Patrol Bureau. He holds an Associate of Science degree from Middlesex College, a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Science degree from University of Cincinnati. For a number of years, Reck has served as a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) instructor educating fifth-grade students in the township school district.
The department also welcomed and introduced recent sworn-in officers at the meeting. The officers were sworn in on Aug. 25.
“What’s especially great about this group is that all four are lateral transfers from other police departments,” Montagna said. “They each bring valuable experience and knowledge with them and we’re very happy to have them join our department.”
Christopher Keating is an eight-year veteran from the Jersey City Police Department. Sean Brody is a six-year veteran from the Metuchen Police Department. Christopher Rizzo is a five-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department. And Travis Squire is a two-year veteran of the Pine Beach Police Department.
In addition, Julian Santo was sworn in as the department’s newest police officer at the meeting. Santo previously served as a Class 2 officer with the Deal Police Department.
Montagna welcomed the officers to the Old Bridge Police Department family.
“We are excited to have you here and we look forward to working with you and watching you continue to grow as members of this police department,” he said.
