Retirement sets stage for police promotions
BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

Lt. Richard E. Stahl

WEST LONG BRANCH - Pro-motions and the appointment of a new officer have been announced by the borough police department following the retirement of Lt. Richard E. Stahl after 33 years of service.

Stahl's retirement became effective at a ceremony on April 1 at borough hall on Broadway.

Sgt. Richard W. Brand, a 22-year department veteran who will succeed Stahl, was promoted at the ceremony.

Brand will assume the responsibilities of station commander and become one of the three department administrators, according to a press release from West Long Branch Capt. Lawrence L. Mihlon.

Also promoted to the position of sergeant was Patrolman and former Detective Brian H. Ellis.

An Iraq War veteran, department field training officer and firearms instructor, Ellis will be assuming the role of one of the four watch commanders, according to the release.

Jayson Moore, 24, of Point Pleasant, has been appointed as a probationary patrolman. Moore is a former Point Pleasant Beach special officer and most recently a patrolman in Allenhurst.

Sgt. Richard W. Brand

Stahl, 65, began his law enforcement career in 1979 as a patrolman for the (then) Monmouth College Police Department.

In 1976, he was hired as a patrolman for the West Long Branch Police Department.

Stahl served as a patrolman until 1984, when he was assigned to the Detective Bureau. In 1988, he was promoted to sergeant and became one of the patrol division's watch commanders, according to the release.

He also worked as the bias crimes and gangs officer, and served as the treasurer for the Monmouth County Bias Crimes Officers Association, according to the release.

Stahl was promoted to lieutenant in 2006 and served in that capacity until his retirement on April 1.