Montgomery Township Appoints New Probationary Police Officer

Nicholas Mistretta

The Montgomery Township Committee approved the appointment of Edward Zuza as a probationary police officer with the Montgomery Township Police Department during its June 18 meeting.

The committee voted unanimously to adopt the resolution authorizing the appointment.

Before Zuza took the oath of office, Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet introduced him and reviewed his background in law enforcement and public safety.

Bet said Zuza graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy in 2010 and began his law enforcement career in 2011 with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer. He was hired as a sheriff’s officer in August 2021 and later earned his New Jersey Police Training Commission certification after graduating from the Mercer County Police Academy in June 2022.

According to Bet, Zuza brings more than 15 years of public safety and law enforcement experience to Montgomery.

During his career, Zuza has served in several training and specialized tactical roles, including field training officer, firearms instructor, rifle instructor, active shooter instructor and OC instructor. Bet said those assignments placed Zuza in a role helping to train and mentor other officers.

Zuza also currently serves on the Somerset County SWAT Team as both a tactical operator and SWAT sniper. His specialized training includes crisis negotiation, breaching operations, less-lethal tactics, care under fire and mobile field force operations.

Bet said Zuza has also served on his agency’s Use of Force Committee and has remained involved in tactical response and emergency preparedness initiatives throughout Somerset County.

Among his assignments, Zuza was selected to assist the United States Secret Service during a presidential protection detail and has participated in high-risk law enforcement operations.

“Tonight, as he takes this oath of office, he brings a wealth of training, experience and a deep commitment to public service to Montgomery Township,” Bet said.

Bet also recognized the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Darrin Russo for their role in developing trained law enforcement professionals.

“We are proud to recognize his accomplishments and welcome him to the next chapter of service,” Bet said, adding that he personally welcomed Zuza to the Montgomery Township Police Department.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com