By Barbara A. Preston | October 23, 202
Recruitment efforts to hire three new officers began in February, with a total of 96 applications. Of those, the Montgomery Police Department selected three. All three were affirmed by the Township Committee, and two were sworn in at town hall on October 16.
New Montgomery Township Police Officer Gerardo Toledo gets a huge hug from his mother while township committee members look on.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
Hugo Calderon Rojas (center) with his parents after his swearing-in.
Rojas of Bridgewater earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Raritan Valley College in 2024.
He was previously employed by RWJ Barnabas Health Somerset in Somerville as a lead security officer. He is fluent in Spanish.
Gerardo Toledo (center) with his mother and father.
Toledo resides in Ewing. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Montclair State University in 2024.
He previously worked as a project management administrator for a municipal maintenance company in Cinnaminson. He also is a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Chief Silvio Bet introduced the new officers.
“I want to take a moment to memorialize the township committee’s continual support and involvement in our recruiting strategies, and my appreciation of that support,” Bet said.
“It is not just about filling vacancies, it’s about shaping the future of our organization. It requires commitment, discernment, integrity, and above all, a deep understanding of our mission, values, and the type of officers needed to carry our mission and core values forward,” Chief Bet said.
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Toledo and Rojas will be attending a 22-week basic course for police officers at the Passaic County Police Academy starting in November.
“Both are multi-lingual, which will be a great asset to our department,” Bet added.
When Bet took leadership of the Montgomery police department, he said he had many conversations with both past and present township committee members regarding his five-year plan.
“Included in that plan was a goal of making the Montgomery Police Department a destination police department through commitment, dedication, and innovation in recruiting strategies.
“There are many moving parts that require the police leadership to work corroboratively with the township committee. We are achieving this goal together.”
Since 2022, seven of the last 13 hires were recruited from other police agencies.
“This is a testament to our becoming a destination police department,” Bet said. “I extend our sincere gratitude to the township committee for this support.” ■
