New Police Lieutenant Takes Oath Of Office In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Washington Township Police Department recently celebrated a new promotion for a long-time member of the police force.

Mike Hade was recently sworn into the rank of lieutenant at a township committee meeting, and celebrated by the entire police department and Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello.

According to Lieutenant Chris Bratus, Hade has been a member of the local police department since 2002 and was assigned to the patrol division.

During his time in the patrol division, Hade was promoted to corporal and then a sergeant in 2015.

Hade was most recently reassigned to the traffic bureau in 2020, where he coordinated many activities involving roadways and motor vehicle traffic in Washington Township. During his time in the traffic bureau, he was a certified crash reconstructionist as well as a law enforcement traffic engineer.

"He has been a member of the Hunterdon County Regional SWAT team since 2013 and currently serves as an assistant element leader," Bratus said.

Prior to joining the police force, Hade earned a master's degree from Centenary University and a number of professional and instructor certifications.

With this new role, Hade takes over for former lieutenant Mark Niemynski, who recently retired after a 30-year career with the force. Niemynski celebrated his long career with the local police department with an official walkout ceremony last month.

Hade, according to Bratus, is an avid outdoorsman who spends his free time hunting and fishing when he is not with his family.