Berkeley Cop Takes Over As Commander In Pennsylvania National Guard

BERKELEY, NJ — A local police officer is being celebrated for his latest accomplishment - assuming command of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment.

Many in Berkeley know Det. Michael Tier, who also serves as the township's Emergency Coordinator. Earlier this month, Major Tier assumed his new role in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He's served with the Pennsylvania National Guard since 2005.

“We know what great sacrifice comes with his service and we commend him and wish him the best of luck as he assumes command,” Berkeley police said.

The change-of-command ceremony took place Dec. 7 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, 278 years after the Pennsylvania National Guard formed under Benjamin Franklin.

On that day, Frankline signed “Articles of Association” to provide for a common defense of the city.

That group of “Associators” is recognized as the foundation of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Tier, who previously served as the 1-111th’s executive officer, said he is looking forward to leading such a historic unit, according to a Pennsylvania National Guard news release.

“There’s two things that really sets our unit apart,” Tier said. “The first thing is our lineage, and the second thing is our Soldiers. We have a lot of hard-working, dedicated Soldiers who are extremely experienced and have the tactical and technical knowledge needed to be successful anywhere, so I’m honored to serve with them and look forward to working with them as their commander.”

The unit has historical significance, having participated in nearly every major conflict in U.S. history, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I and II and Iraq.

Of note, the unit fought alongside Gen. George Washington at the Revolutionary War’s battles of Trenton and Princeton and helped turn back the center of Pickett’s Charge at "the Angle" during the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg.

“It predates the birth of the nation,” Tier said. “Many of the first people who called themselves Americans were Associators first. I think it’s great to be part of a unit that traces its lineage back to the founders of the nation.”