Two officers promoted, one retires

Vernon — Three Vernon police officers were promoted at the Oct. 14 council meeting with a bit more pomp and ceremony than most people expect when getting a new post. The Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County was on hand to show support and to honor the Vernon officers. In addition to marking the promotions, one longtime officer has retired from Vernon’s police department. Chief Roy Wherry lauded his officers’ history and accomplishments, while Mayor Sally Rinker swore in the officers to their new ranks. Among those honored was Capt. Kenneth Kuzicki, who retired on Oct. 1, after serving for 26 years with the Vernon Police. He began his career in law enforcement in Passaic in 1977 and served Vernon from May 1984 until Oct. 1 of this year. Kuzicki’s son Ken followed in his father’s footsteps and also became a Vernon Police Officer. Promotions were given to the following: Sgt. Steven Moran was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He is a member of the Pipes and Drum Corps and designed the uniform patch worn by Vernon’s Police Officers. He was named Detective of the year for 2003. His new annual salary will be $106,511. Also promoted to the rank of sergeant was Scott Alsbury, who has been a patrolmen since 1987. He became a field training officer and senior patrolman for Vernon’s force, where he would fill in for the sergeant when needed. In his new post, Sgt. Alsbury will receive an annual salary of $96,923. . According to Chief Wherry, each promotion to a higher rank carries a 10 percent raise for the officers.