Crime & Safety
Englishtown Police Sgt. Cooke Jr. Promoted to Lieutenant
The 11-year veteran will supervise the borough's six full-time police officers and two special officers.
Sergeant Peter S. Cooke, Jr., an 11-year veteran of the Englishtown Police Department, is now its lieutenant and leader. His promotion was made official at the council meeting in Englishtown Borough on Wednesday, July 27.
“Well I’ve been looking forward to it. It’s been a long time coming. The chief (John Niziolek) retired a year ago, so I’m just looking forward to moving forward in the department and instituting my own concepts and ideas," Lt. Cooke said.
When asked what some of those ideas entail, Cooke said, “We’ll work into it slowly. We’re in the midst of purchasing two vehicles and that’s taking up most of my time right now – prepping those cars and getting them ready for the road.”
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Cooke began his career in law enforcement over 15 years ago as a campus police officer at Brookdale Community College, and after four years at BCC he joined the Englishtown Police Department. After a personnel review, Cooke was chosen as the most qualified candidate to lead the department.
Englishtown’s Municipal Clerk, Peter Gorbatuk, read aloud the resolution for the promotion. The lieutenant's rank has a one year probationary period, and a salary of $76,275.98, which is a 10 percent salary increase from sergeant.
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The council members approved the resolution with Englishtown Councilwoman Lori Cooke, the lieutenant’s wife, abstaining from the vote. Lori Cooke held the Bible for her husband and pinned on his new badge. Councilwoman and Police Commissioner Cindy Robilotti administered the oath.
“Lieutenant Cooke has proven himself in the process, and he has been actively running the department,” said Robilotti. I’m extremely proud of him and I wish him all the best. And I know the department is in very good hands, and we have a very good future.”
The council then called a recess to celebrate with Lt. Cooke who was joined by colleagues, friends, and family, including his father, Reverend Peter S. Cooke Sr.
Cooke will supervise Englishtown’s six full-time officers and two special officers.
