Bernards Police Swear in New Officer

The Bernards Township police department's newest officer, Philip Jesina, was sworn in on Tuesday morning to maintain the level of staffing on the force at 38 officers, including Chief Brian Bobowicz.

Jesina was hired to fill the opening left by Patrol Officer Max Sidoli’s retirement in August.

Jesina had graduated Cum Laude from Monmouth University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, according to information from the police department.

The new officer had graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy in 2010. He had worked for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office since then, before he was hired by Bernards Township.

Jesina said he hadenjoyed working as a Sheriff’s Officer, but he wanted to pursue a municipal police career.  

He will start at an annual salary of $50,000, as per the police contract between the township and the police union.

"We are very pleased to bring Philip on board, and believe he will be a great addition to our department," said Capt. Ed Byrnes.

Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano and Sheriff Frank Provenzano also attended the swearing in ceremony at the town hall.

Soriano also presented Mayor Carolyn Gaziano with a plaque thanking the township for its participation in the county's gun buyback program held last spring.