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Five new officers became members of the Asbury Park Police Department Friday morning.

The were welcomed before a room filled with family, friends, Mayor John Moor, Councilwoman Eileen Chapman, City Manager Michael Capabianco, and fellow officers. The new patrolmen are all city residents, a mandate for employment, who come with an array of expertise and experience.

“You are coming into the department at a great time,” said Deputy Chief David Kelso, who heads the now 90 member police force. “There is more training available to us than we have ever had before.”

Kelso said the new officers will help the department expand its special details and assignments, like the street crimes unit. City Clerk Cindy Dye administered the the oaths of office.

Scott Ritter, 25, is an Old Bridge native who now calls Fifth Avenue in Asbury Park home. The former Department of Energy firefighter also worked as a Rutgers University EMT. He will begin the Monmouth County Academy training program on Jan 10 and is expected to graduate in May 2018, Kelso said.

Robert Champouillon, 27, is a Hillsborough native who lives of Seventh Avenue. The former Rutgers University Police Department officer, also served as a special officer in Seaside Heights and attended the Monmouth and Ocean County Police Academy. He holds a full Class A certification, Kelso said. He will begin the department’s 90-day field training program under the guidance of Sgt. Michael Casey next week.

Ryan Leahy, 24, a Howell native, is a First Avenue resident. He has worked as a Special Officer with the Asbury Park Police Department since May 2013, Kelso said. Leahy briefly worked for the Rumson Police Department as a Class II special and attended Monmouth County Police Academy. He will begin the field training program next month.

Michael Treadway, 32, is also a Howell native. The Langford Street resident began his career in Asbury Park in 2010 as a special officer before working in Mantoloking and Camden. He attended the Ocean and Camden  County Police Academies and holds a full Class A certification. He too will begin the field training program next month.

“He traveled from the City of Asbury Park for four years to Camden to work but stayed motivated, took the civil service test, did well, and came back to Asbury Park,” Kelso said.

Another department veteran, Anthony Housil, 29, will enter the field training program next month. Houlis has worked for the Asbury Park Police Department since May 2015 as a special officer, Kelso said. He attended the Monmouth County Police Academy where he obtained a Class I and II certification.

All five patrol officers enter the department at a $34,627 annual salary.

“Gentlemen, this is the first step in your career,” Kelso told the new officers. “We want you to listen to your field training officers and the instructors at the academy. [We want you to] come out here, respect people on the streets, and be a proactive officer. That’s what we are looking for. Congratulations to you and your families.”

[Feature Photo By Det. April Bird]

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