Perth Amboy Police Promotion and Swearing-In Ceremony
Perth Amboy Police Department: Promotion and Swearing-In Ceremony
Date: June 20, 2025
Location: Raritan Bay Area YMCA Auditorium
The Perth Amboy Police Department held a heartfelt ceremony to celebrate the promotion of four officers and to welcome new additions to its ranks. Family members, city officials, and community leaders gathered to recognize the hard work and commitment of these public servants.
Promoted Officers
- Capt. Mabner Terron – A Perth Amboy High School graduate and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, honored with the 2011 Merit Award and 2019 Supervisor of the Year Award. Known for leading major narcotics and criminal investigations.
- Lt. Brandon Bucior – Received the “Top Gun” award for DUI arrests; served as PBA Local 13 president (2013–2016).
- Sgt. Benjamin Batista – Perth Amboy honors graduate, Kean University alumnus, Merit Award recipient, and 2018 Police Officer of the Year.
- Sgt. Thomas Fazio – Holds a criminal justice degree from Middlesex College and was named Officer of the Year in 2023.
New Officers and Special Appointees
- Police Officer Gabriel Morales – Perth Amboy High School alum, black belt in Tang Soo Do.
- Police Officer Kevin Marte – Graduate of NB Health Sciences and Technology High School, father of two daughters.
- Police Officer Matthew Lopez – Local graduate, Army sergeant with commendations.
- Police Officer Angel Velazquez-Fernandez – Perth Amboy High School graduate and Middlesex College student, Class BCPO 58.
- Police Officer Azad Jhaj – Former NJDOC correctional officer, captain at Iselin Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
- Special Police Officer I Jaden Cruz – Perth Amboy High School alum, criminal justice major, first in family to pursue law enforcement.
- Special Police Officer I Janely N. Perez-Grullon – Graduate of Polytechnic of Mexico and Technological University of Santiago, pursuing CJ degree at Middlesex College.
- Special Police Officer I Lisette Tellez-Velazquez – Perth Amboy High School Class of 2022 graduate, aspiring female role model in law enforcement.
- Special Police Officer I Erik Efsen – Graduate of Cardinal McCarrick HS, auxiliary police experience, certified personal trainer.
- Auxiliary Police Officer Joshua Mota – Perth Amboy public schools graduate, completed auxiliary academy, CPR certified.
- Auxiliary Police Officer Jury Jose Breton Cruz – Holds associate degree from P.U.C.M.M. (Dominican Republic), U.S. citizen since 2013, former EMT and Red Cross supervisor.
Mayor Helmin J. Caba administered the Oath of Office, expressing pride in the accomplishments of these brave individuals. “All these men and women exemplify what it means to be dedicated to the community and serve honorably,” the Mayor said. “Congratulations to all of them, and I know they’ll make our city proud.”