By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

Frank J.C. Lombardo was appointed chief of police for South Whitehall Township at the March 5 board of commissioners meeting.

In fall 2024, the township engaged Aspirant Consulting Group to assist with an executive search for the position, with applications due on or before Nov. 29, 2024.

Commissioners and the consultant conducted an extensive recruitment process and interviewed numerous candidates to fill the position.

Following the process, commissioners determined Lombardo should be named chief of police.

Lombardo will be responsible for the organization, planning, budgeting, grant preparation/administration, staffing, and performance of the police department and its officers and employees.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Lombardo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental planning and design from Rutgers University, a Master of Administrative Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Doctor of Education degree in human and organizational learning from George Washington University.

He was an officer with the South Brunswick Township Police Department from 1995-2024 and held various leadership positions, retiring as a captain.

Lombardo possesses extensive experience in community services, operations, and administrative functions.

He expressed gratitude to commissioners and the township manager for his appointment as chief.

He emphasized the importance of building trust and mutual understanding between the police department, the community, and township leaders.

Lombardo discussed his commitment to transparency, public engagement, and fiscal responsibility, highlighting his open-door policy and willingness to communicate with the public.

He also shared his leadership philosophy, focusing on officer safety and wellness, which he says will be a priority during his tenure.

Lombardo emphasized the importance of supporting officers’ mental health, addressing trauma, PTSD, and other behavioral health issues they may face.

He noted the challenges in recruiting and retaining officers, stressing the need for internal support and creating a positive environment within the department.

Lombardo said he is committed to holding officers to high standards while ensuring they are treated with fairness, transparency, and integrity.

He also expressed appreciation for the support system around him and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the community and supporting his officers.

Commissioner Chris Peischl commented on the appointment.

“First, I’d like to thank Steven Brown for being the interim chief,” Peischl said. “Being the interim is not as easy job, a lot of times thankless job, but you did a great job keeping the ship afloat, heading in the right direction, and the professionalism you provided. We thank you for that.

“You could, very easily just, you know, let it go where it went. But you stood up and kept it going the way it happened to go and kept it moving forward.”

In other matters, the board reviewed a report on solid waste and recycling services, which included two main components: a rate benchmarking study and a collection scenarios analysis.

The benchmarking study revealed the township has the highest monthly rate compared to nearby areas, but this is due to the inclusion of two tons of trash and weekly recycling, which is more comprehensive than other communities that offer less.

The township’s program also accounts for contractual increases, which are built into the fees through 2028.

The collection scenarios analysis highlighted that while the township’s routes are efficient, they exceed industry standards, leading to overtime costs.

The analysis suggested rebalancing collection routes, implementing a one-card limit for trash per household, and considering dedicated trucks for trash and recycling to improve efficiency and accommodate future growth.

Key recommendations include adjusting collection routes and limiting households to one trash cart.

However, these changes are only relevant for future contracts after the current five-year term ends.

The study also pointed out there are no major deficiencies in the current system, although adjustments will be necessary as the township grows.

Commissioners acknowledged the cost increases in trash and recycling services, which are part of a broader market trend, and thanked staff for the study, which will help guide future decisions.