Police Chief Robert M. Mulligan Begins Leadership Of Hazlet PD

HAZLET, NJ — Before a standing room only crowd of family, law enforcement and Hazlet residents Tuesday night, the township's new chief of police was sworn in and six officers were promoted to new ranks.

Deputy Chief Robert M. Mulligan was sworn in by Mayor Michael Sachs as Hazlet Township's seventh chief of police.

Chief Mulligan thanked the Township Committee and Hazlet residents for their support and expressed his enthusiasm to continue to serve Hazlet in his new role.

"This is the ultimate responsibility of leading the department," Mulligan said in his comments to the large gathering.

Sachs also recognized former Chief Ted Wittke at the event, who retired from the role last week, as well Lt. Scott. D. Randolph, who also retired.

Detective Lt. Kevin T. Geoghan was promoted to the rank of deputy chief; Sgt. Richard W. Jaeger and Sgt. William R. Marvel were sworn in to the rank of lieutenant and Patrolman John A. Corcione and Patrolwoman Megan A. Surdi were sworn in to the rank of sergeant.

The event - in an overflowing Township Committee chambers - was one of family and community support.

Many from law enforcement in other municipalities were in attendance, as were Monmouth County law enforcement leaders, including Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

Mulligan is a lifelong resident of Hazlet. He graduated from Raritan High School in 1995 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seton Hall University in 2000.

He began his law enforcement career when he was appointed to the Hazlet Township Police Department on Feb. 1, 1999. After graduating from the 57th Basic Recruit Class at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Mulligan was assigned to the patrol division. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2011 and to the rank of lieutenant in 2014.

In 2017, Mulligan was reassigned as the commander of the detective division, where he supervised criminal investigations and was responsible for the internal affairs function, until his promotion to the rank of deputy chief in 2020.