Friends, family, colleagues gathered Tuesday to celebrate as three of Linden’s Finest were promoted.
According to officials, on September 5th, family and friends gathered in the Municipal Courtroom to celebrate as Thomas Toth promoted to the rank of Captain, Rick Bachmann to the rank of Lieutenant, and Matthew Damatta to the rank of Sergeant were unanimously approved by the City Council at the at the August Council meeting.
The promotions were made to fill the vacancy left by Captain Michael Saake, who retired from the department on September 1st after 27 years of service.
During the ceremony Mayor Derek Armstead focused on the progress in the Police Department “Providing the necessary leadership and resources in order for our police to be most efficient are important to the safety of Linden residents and what I was elected to do," said the Mayor. “I am very confident in the direction of the Police Department.”
Each of the officers have already reported to their new assignments in the Patrol Division; Captain Toth as Commander of the Patrol Division, Lt. Bachmann as a Shift Commander, and Sgt. Damatta as a Field Supervisor.
"This is a very capable, very experienced group of Supervisors,” said Police Chief Jonathan Parham. “Their individual skillsets are impressive, but collectively their leadership will drive this department forward and inspire the next generation of leaders.”