At the July 21st Mayor & Council meeting, Roselle Park police officer Harold Breuninger was formally promoted to the position of Sergeant.
Sgt. Breuninger has been with the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) for 18 years, since 1998. A United States Coast Guard veteran, Sgt. Breuninger started as a patrolman and has served in the Community Oriented Policing (COP) unit. Before his promotion, he was assigned to the Patrol Division.
Eight years ago, in 2008, officer Breuninger was assigned to the Union County Emergency Response Team and is currently a member of the Union County SWAT team. In December of 2013, he was presented with an Award Of Excellence by Union County Prosecutor Grace Park for his involvement in an active shooter situation as a SWAT team member.
Sgt. Breuninger’s promotion maintains the police department’s complement of officers. A vacancy occurred when Sgt. David Pitts was promoted to Lieutenant.
Police Chief Paul Morrison remarked on the appointment, “I wish Sergeant Breuninger continued success. He’s going to do an outstanding job. He’s well respected here in Roselle Park by his fellow officers. Sergeant, congratulations.”
Sergeant Breuninger approached the microphone and started to say a few words, “Thank you Chief, Captain McCaffery, Mayor Hokanson, members on the council for this honor. I am truly humbled…”
Sgt. Breuninger trailed off and paused a few seconds as emotions clearly overwhelmed the usually smiling amiable officer. In 2007, then Patrolman Breuninger was involved in an incident that received media attention where he arrested a woman who had helped translate for an accident victim for Obstruction.
“It’s been a long road,” Sgt. Breuninger said quietly.
He then continued, “What bothers me today is that the integrity, moral fiber, and professionalism of every law enforcement officer in this country is being challenged. And I am here to tell you these men are of the highest moral fiber I know and I am honored to be appointed the next sergeant and to work with you guys. Thank you.”