$57K Cash Payout Due For Retiring Police Captain

On Tuesday night, the Bernards Township Committee will give a special commendation to 26-year police veteran Capt. Edward Byrnes, who rose through the ranks and served the township in what they say is a "dignified, faithful and professional manner." 

At the same meeting, they will approve Byrnes' $54,467 cash payout for 803 hours of "unused accrued time," as well as a $2,532 cash payout for unused vacation time -- per his PBA contract. 

The township CFO has certified there are funds available to make the payment from the Accumulated Absences Trust Fund.

The resolutions numbered 2014-0135 and 2014-0136 can be reviewed on the township website.  The meeting is scheduled to be held at the municipal building on Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. 

Police Chief Brian Bobwicz called his longtime colleague "a hardworking, dedicated individual" and said he tried to persuade him to stay. "I know he’s excited about his new career as an investigator for the Administrative Office of the Courts."

The department has gotten local government approval to hire a new officer and promote someone from within the department into the captain's position. That decision should be made by the end of March, he said. 

PBA President Ray Gizienski said in a statement, "We thank Ed for his dedication and service to the residents of Basking Ridge and to the PBA."