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While the men and women of the police department are often seen doing very public acts of service there are many other contributions our officers make to their community when they are off duty. Many of our number coach teams, are active in their places of worship, or simply roll up there sleeves to help a neighbor all without seeking recognition. Occasionally while performing a good deed, they get caught in the act. In his 2012 State of the Borough address Mayor Kennedy O’Brien had this to say:

Sayreville has the finest workforce in the state of New Jersey. Dedicated residents working for the borough, they are career employees. Each has a story of his or her own, but today I would like to single out Sayreville Police Detective Rob Bruce. He has attained the top NCO rank of Command Sergeant Major in the Army reserve, serving three tours of combat duty in the last twelve years, one in Bosnia and two in Iraq. In the aftermath of hurricane Irene, Detective Bruce became aware of a Sayreville resident, a police widow, whose basement had been flooded. On his own initiative and with his own hands his own tools, and on his own time, he gathered fellow police officers, and cleaned out all the ruined carpet, furniture, wallboard and appliances. He asked neither acknowledgement nor reward for this wonderful act of human kindness.

The members of the Sayreville Police Department are very proud of Detective Bruce and grateful to Mayor O’Brien for recognizing his kindness.

It is always a very exciting time when we welcome a new member to our Department. On February 13th Sayreville’s newest Police Officer took his oath in a Council Chamber packed with family, friends, members of the community he will serve, and his new colleagues.

Thomas Pizzillo, a life long Sayreville resident, is no stranger to the idea of community service. A US Marine combat veteran, Thomas is a third generation Police Officer. His Grandfather was a Port Authority Lieutenant and his Father is retired Chief Jerry Pizzillo of the South Amboy Police Department.

In his remarks Chief John Zebrowski explained the exacting process involved in selecting people who meet the high standards expected of a Sayreville Police Officer. Having been chosen by the governing body for appointment, Thomas certainly meets those standards.

Speaking about the virtues of heroism Arthur Ashe once said “It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

On January 26th at approximately 4pm Sayreville residents Anthony and Liz Mele were travelling west on Bordentown Avenue near the Washington Riding Stables when without warning the car in front of them was involved in a head on collision.

Narrowly avoiding the accident himself, Mr. Mele pulled over and he and his wife ran to the scene to render aid. The driver of one of the cars was trapped and the vehicle was on fire. Without regard for their personal safety the Mele’s, acting as a team, miraculously extricated the driver from the burning car and dragged him to safety. Defying all expectations, the driver the Mele’s saved was released from the hospital only hours later.

Chief John Zebrowski and the Mayor and Borough Council recognized the heroism of the the Mele’s at the Borough Council meeting on February 13th where they were presented with a certificate and honored by a standing ovation. The members of the Sayreville Police Department as well as the community at large are very grateful for the actions of Mr. and Mrs. Mele.