Montgomery Township reinstates chief of police title, appoints Silvio Bet to the role.
Bet, who has been leading the police department the past two years as captain and police director, had been appointed chief earlier this month by the Township Committee at their meeting on Nov. 14.
“Tonight, we celebrate the reinstatement of the chief of police title, an honor that has not been held in almost 25 years,” Bet said. “This comes at a pivotal moment coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Township Police Department founded on Nov. 21, 1974.
“It is a fitting time to honor our past and advance into a future routed in service and integrity. While I may wear the title of chief of police, this achievement belongs to each and every officer and staff member of our department.”
Joined by his family, Bet took his oath of office which was delivered by township Mayor Neena Singh as township officers, other local law enforcement, residents and officials looked on.
The tireless commitment to excellence of every officer and staff member has earned the trust of the community and township committee, Bet said.
“This reinstatement symbolizes a commitment to elevating our department’s culture for the greater good of Montgomery Township,” he added.
“To our dedicated police officer and civilian staff this milestone reflects your collective strength and resilience, your continued commitment to excellence in law enforcement and the values and mission of this department has made this moment possible.
“Together we have gained the confidence of reinstating this title and I am humbled to lead a team that rises by lifting each other.”
Bet noted that he looks forward to continuing to work to build “a healthier and safer Montgomery for all who call it home.”
Prior to being named chief, Bet was promoted to township police captain and director in 2022. He replaced James Gill, a former police captain and director.
Bet is the longest serving member of the police department and has been on the force for 31 years.
In 1991, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Two years later, he graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy in 1993, according to the township.
Prior to taking his oath of office to become the township’s chief of police, Singh congratulated Bet and the police department. She also praised Bet’s leadership leading the department.
“It is such a privilege to have such hardworking individuals like you as part of our team,” the mayor said. “This past year alone I have seen how all of you have answered the call and taken a proactive approach to public safety led by Captain Bet’s leadership.”
Singh spotlighted the departments outreach initiatives, such as one established a couple weeks before Nov. 14 where they talked about cybersecurity with families and children. Additionally, the pedestrian safety events, breast cancer awareness initiatives, the bike rodeo, and Arrive Together program (which partners community based mental health counselors or screeners with plain clothed officers during mental or behavioral health calls).
“I believe because of all the efforts Captain Bet has brought to this police department Montgomery is one of the safest places to live, which also makes us one of the best places to live,” she said.
