South Brunswick Police Department promotes two officers
Suzanne Russell
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Sgt. Dennis Yuhasz and Officer William Merkler have achieved new ranks in the South Brunswick Police Department.
Yuhasz was promoted last week to the rank of lieutenant and Merkler to the rank of sergeant, Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced in a news release. The opening for the promotions follows the retirement of Lt. Lazlo Nyitrai.
"Today we promoted two officers who have distinguished themselves by their work efforts and commitment to our community. They have taken on numerous roles outside of their primary jobs to better our department. They underwent a rigorous testing process by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police during the pandemic to achieve their new ranks. I know that these officers will bring all their talents and skills to benefit our department," Hayducka said in the release.
Yuhasz, a 15-year veteran of the department, most recently served as a sergeant in the patrol division. Prior to that, he served as a detective in the investigations division, a member of South Brunswick Police Department's Emergency Response Team, honor guard, firearms unit, as a field training detective, and public information officer.
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He has a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University. He has received 21 awards and letters of commendation including a Life-Saving Medal and a Medal of Valor Award for capturing an armed murder suspect.
Merkler, a 10-year veteran of the department, was previously assigned to the Traffic Safety Bureau as a crash investigator and traffic reconstructionist. Prior to that, he served in the patrol division where he was the domestic violence liaison, a field training officer, and a member of the South Brunswick Police Rifle Team. He is also a member of the South Brunswick Police Honor Guard.
He has a master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has received 12 awards and letters of commendation including for his investigation into a fatal hit-and-run that led to the suspect's capture and his apprehension of a burglary suspect.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.