3 New Officers Join Lacey Township Police Department

LACEY, NJ — Three police officers were sworn in to the Lacey Township Police Department at last week’s council meeting.

Two of the three officers — Jason J. Nilon and Tyler J. Walsh — are both lifelong Lacey residents, with the third officer, Daniel A. Biel Jr. having lived in the township for 20 years after his family moved to Lacey when he was three years old. All three officers attended Lacey Township High School.

Their family, friends and fellow police officers gathered at the Lacey Township Municipal Building on Thursday night for the swearing in ceremony.

"I know you'll do a great job and I wish you all the best," said Committeeman Mark Dykoff. "The other thing I also love is the pride I see from the families who are here with you and even the pride from the people in the audience smiling. I think that everyone's very happy that you're here and here to protect us."

Over the last few months, the Lacey Township Police Department has hired a total of seven new police officers. All seven were hired to replace police officers who have retired.

“This is the second time this summer that they’ve hired police officers, so I certainly appreciate it. All of our officers in the department certainly appreciate it,” said Lieutenant Chris Cornelius before he introduced each officer.

Jason J. Nilon graduated from Lacey Township High School in 2007. Nilon is a military veteran, having served in both Syria and Kuwait in 2018 and 2019. While in the military, he received numerous medals and decorations.

Nilon is currently in his second enlistment in the United States Army Reserves where he currently holds the rank of sergeant. Nilon is a certified New Jersey EMT and firefighter and was most recently employed in these positions at Princeton University, specifically for the Princeton Physics Laboratory.

He also works locally as an electrician. Nilon is married to his wife Jessica, and he has a 10 year-old daughter and a 7 year-old son. He comes from a family of first responders, specifically his father, Jeff Nilon, who is a fireman, and past Assistant Fire Chief for the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department.

Tyler J. Walsh graduated from Lacey Township High School in 2013. Walsh has been attending Kean University and is working toward his criminal justice degree. He is a certified police officer and was most recently employed as an Investigator in the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Walsh was previously employed as a Class 2 Special Police Officer for both the Lacey Township Police Department and the Beach Haven Police Department. He also worked part-time as a substitute teacher for the Lacey Township School District. He is currently engaged to his fiancé Sierra.

Daniel A. Biel Jr. has resided in Lacey Township for the past 20 years. He attended the Lacey Township School District, graduating in 2016.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree in leadership and management from Rutgers University. Biel is a certified Class 2 police officer, graduating number one in his academy class in academics, receiving the high academic award.

He was most recently employed by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department as a Class 2 Special Police Officer. Biel comes from a family of first responders, more specifically his father, Daniel A. Biel Sr., who is a fireman holding the position of lieutenant for the Carteret Fire Department.

Officers Walsh and Biel have been assigned to the Patrol Division and placed with a Field Training Officer (FTO). Officer Nilon will begin the police academy next month. Upon graduation he will be assigned to an FTO.

“I'm gonna tell you what I tell the new folks all the time, 'I hope God walks with you every single step' because there’s a higher power out there and I want it to be with you and walking with you and keeping us safe,” said Mayor Peter Curatolo during the closing remarks. “I’m glad you’re all here. Thanks for keeping us safe. God bless you."

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