Four move up the ranks on Jamesburg police force

BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - After serving as acting police chief for the past 10 months, Paul Karkoska finally has the official title of chief.

Karkoska replaces David Lester, who headed the department for 10 years before announcing his retirement last March. Lester used his accumulated leave for the remainder of last year and his retirement officially took effect Dec. 31. The borough could not appoint a permanent replacement until that time.

Karkoska was promoted from lieutenant.

Also this month, Martin Horvath was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, Detective Louis Ceras was named a sergeant, and Louis Hornberger went from patrolman to detective.

The four officers were promoted during a Jan. 3 ceremony in front of the Borough Council.

Mayor Anthony LaMantia said Karkoska has already made some internal changes to the department and "has been working very well with the men.

"Morale is up," LaMantia said.

Some of the changes involve placing certain officers in charge of various sections within the department.

Karkoska, the mayor said, has made it somewhat easier on the officers by spreading out the responsibilities more.

Karkoska said he has been with the Jamesburg Police Department for 24 years, starting off as a patrolman.

As for the other recently promoted officers, Karkoska said they are good individuals and police officers, and he believes they will continue to act "in the best interests of Jamesburg."