Crime & Safety

Newest Toms River Police Officers Sworn In

All five new officers grew up in Toms River

Daniel Nee, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Five Toms River natives will be protecting their fellow residents as new police officers.

The five men were sworn in to their new jobs Tuesday night, along with a veteran officer who was promoted to detective.

The five new officers are:

  • Ryan Parente, a lifelong resident and graduate of High School South and Thomas Edison State College.
  • Matthew Crosta, a 2008 graduate of Monsignor Donovan High School graduate and 2012 graduate of Rowan University.
  • Anthony Claps, a 2007 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and 2012 graduate of Monmouth University.
  • Austin Pelka, a High School North alum and graduate of Rutgers University.
  • Kyle Zangara, a 2007 High School East graduate and Rowan University alum.
The department also promoted Officer Jennifer Grob to detective. Grob has received many commendations for her work in law enforcement, including the 2003 Valor Award for jumping into rough ocean water to save a swimmer in distress. She has also worked with the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a violent gang task force. Grob is also a township resident and a graduate of High School North and Rowan University.

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