The West Windsor Council swore in four members of the Police Department on December 8. Two of the officers were promoted, and two were sworn in as officers.##M:[more]##
Robert Garofalo, who began his career with West Windsor in 1989, was promoted to lieutenant.
In 1995 he was promoted to administrative officer because of his advanced knowledge of computers and technology. He oversaw the department’s entire computer network system, the phone system — including the 9-1-1 system — and the records system. He also assisted with online investigations. He was promoted to administrative sergeant in 1999, where he continued those duties. He also became an integral part of the investigative section as a crime scene and forensic investigator. Garofalo handled most of the online criminal investigations. “That was a talent he mastered while he was assigned to the New Jersey State Police high tech crime unit,” Police Chief Joe Pica said. Garofalo also served as a part-time member of the community policing unit, where he was involved in Internet safety programs and the R.A.D. programs.
Garofalo graduated from Monmouth University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice and computer science. He is currently working on his doctorate degree in philosophy in criminal justice with an emphasis on online violence with children. He is also an adjunct professor at Monmouth University. He lives in West Windsor with his son, Nicholas, his fiance, Gloria, and her son and daughter, Ken and Sarah.
Thomas Tarr was promoted to sergeant. After working the patrol section for nine years, Tarr was transferred to the traffic section as the traffic officer.
During his 10 years as a traffic officer, he mastered the skills and knowledge needed for the job, and as the unit expanded, he became the unofficial supervisor of the other traffic officers. As sergeant, he will become the official supervisor.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the College of New Jersey and is certified in over 20 different areas of traffic management and active investigation, including advanced crash investigation, advanced traffic engineering, vehicle dynamics, advanced accident reconstruction, inspection and investigation of commercial vehicle crashes, and advanced pedestrian and bicycle crash investigation. Tarr also serves as the traffic control technician, a radar instructor, and the alcohol breath test equipment instructor.
Tarr has also served as a PBA state delegate for 11 years, and has been an active volunteer for New Jersey Special Olympics for almost 20 years. In his almost 20 years on the job, he has only used about four hours of sick time. “That just shows you his reliability and commitment to the job,” Pica said.
Tarr grew up in Hamilton and lives in Cream Ridge with his wife, Mary Louise Dranchak, who is a detective in the department.
William Jones was sworn in as a patrol officer. Jones, who graduated from Steinert High School in Hamilton, immediately joined the United States Navy. During his four years there, he received numerous military service awards.
Jones graduated from Monmouth County Police Academy and currently lives in Hamilton with his wife, Heather, and his three children, William, Brandon, and Joy. He is currently assigned to the patrol section.
Nick LaRocca was also sworn in as a patrol officer. Hired in August, LaRocca is currently attending Mercer County Police Academy and will graduate on January 30.
He graduated from Notre Dame High School and then attended the College of New Jersey, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he worked his way up to captain. He lives in Hamilton with his wife. He will be assigned to the patrol section.
