Police Commissioner Suzette Cavadas promoted three police officers to sergeants on Tuesday, September 9th during the Township Committee Meeting. Among one of the promotions was Sergeant Chantel Brochu who was honored as Union’s 1st female sergeant. “Today we acknowledge a great woman who was the first in the police department to move up in ranks to sergeant,” stated Police Commissioner Suzette Cavadas, “Public safety has always been and will continue to be an important factor to our Township Committee and we as a whole continue to support our police department and their hard work.”
There were also two other promotions that night; Sergeant Matthew Brescia and Sergeant Timothy Ford, who both continue their family’s tradition of law enforcement. “These are folks who have committed their families to public service,” acknowledged Acting Sheriff Joe Cryan, “to being part of what is the very best about Union. Committed to public safety and committed to the best of our community.”
Biographies for each sergeant to follow:
Chantel Brochu holds a Bachelors’ degree in Political Science from Kean University. She also attended numerous specialized training courses, including various investigative courses. She was appointed to the Union Police Department as a Communications Operator in January on 1991, she was appointed as a Police Officer in January of 1997. During her career, Chantel has been assigned to the Patrol Bureau, the Detective Bureau and the Traffic Bureau. While assigned to the Patrol Bureau she was also designated as a Field Training Officer. This is a position that is only entrusted to the finest of sworn personnel, due to the requirement that they train all new officers.
Chantel received the Anthony Lordi Award and has also received the award for the highest academic achievement in her graduating class. She carries on in the family tradition of Law Enforcement. Her father, Douglas, served as a Police Sergeant with the Township of Union from 1966-1992, Chantel’s brother, Keith, currently serves the township as a police officer. Chantel is a member of PBA Local #69 and the Union County Traffic Officers Association.
Matthew Brescia attended Ocean County Community college where he studied Criminal Justice. He also attended numerous specialized training courses, including those in various investigative techniques. He served for 5 years with the Seaside Park New Jersey Police Department prior to joining the Union Police Department. Matthew has received numerous department awards for bravery and also carried on the tradition of Law Enforcement in his family as his father, Robert, served as a Deputy Chief with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Matthew is a member of PBA Local #69. He and his wife Melissa are the parents of two children, Ryan, age 7 and Aiden, age 5.
Timothy Ford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal Justice from Ramapo College. He attended numerous training courses, including specializing in Advance Driving While Intoxicated and Enforcement techniques. Timothy is certified with the State of New Jersey as a Drug Recognition Expert. He was appointed to the Union Police Department in July of 2005 and while assigned to the patrol Bureau, he served as a Field Training Officer. Tim has received numerous departmental awards for bravery, awards in the area of Drunk Driving Enforcement and awarded the “Top Gun” award by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Timothy, along with his fellow sergeants also continued to uphold the family tradition of Law Enforcement. His late grandfather, James Ford Sr., retired after 25 years of serving in Union Country Corrections as a corrections officer. Timothy’s father, Jim, served as a Lieutenant with the Chatham Township Police Department and is currently serving as a Professor of law at Saint Elizabeth’s College. Timothy’s brother, Brian, currently serves as a Detective with the Florham Park Township Police Department. Timothy is a member of PBA Local #69, St. Michaels Church and the Knights of Columbus.