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FTP Sgts. Ken Daly, Ariel Almora and Kevin Fitzharris, left to right, were sworn in at the Council meeting.
The three newest Franklin Police Department Sergeants were formally sworn in at the Township Council’s Feb. 26 meeting.
Ken Daly, Ariel Almora and Kevin Fitzharris were sworn in to their new positions in front of friends, family, and police officers and law enforcement officials from around the area.
“Of all the duties that I have, there are two that I think are the most important,” said Police Chief Richard Grammar. “Number one is recruiting new officers so they can join our ranks and become part of our family, and be a part of our unique police department. The second is to pick from the ranks of our officers the leaders of the future who will be here long after I’m gone.”
“Tonight we are going to promote three very special men, and they will be the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Sgt. Ken Daly is a 25-year veteran and has worked in the patrol, investigative divisions and major crimes unit, Grammar said.
Daly has also served as the department’s delegate to the state PBA, a role he will relinquish.
“He will be joining the ranks of the supervisors and he has a very bright future,” Grammar said.
Almora is a 12-year veteran, having served as a Sheriff’s Officer and a U.S. Marine – doing tours in Afghanistan and Iraq – prior to coming to the FTPD.
“He’s one of our best and our brightest,” Grammar said.
Fitzharris coordinates the department’s participation in the annual Torch Run for the Special Olympics, and also created and runs the department’s summer Youth Police Academy.
The academy, Grammar said, “has become the model around the state. Every year by the beginning of the summer we have a wait list, and kids come back and want to do it again and again and again.”
“Now he’s going to continue his career as a Sergeant in the Police Department, and we’re real proud of him,” he said.
“We’re just so proud of these three young men who will be leading our department for years in the future,” Grammar said.
Former Chief Larry Roberts congratulated the trio, and said he was “proud of the three individuals who got promoted, they all work very hard, as does everyone on that force. I know they will do well, and congratulations to the chief because he’s doing a great job.”
Also in attendance was Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, who said events such as promotion ceremonies are enjoyable for the officers and their families.
“This is an enjoyable moment,” he said. “Go out, be safe and celebrate and have fun.”
Pat Colligan, a member of the FTPD and the current state PBA president, said that the Franklin PD is “noted around the state.”
“I get kudos wherever I appear and a lot of our guys are teaching in advanced schools and college,” he said. “I’m proud to call it home since 1992. Thanks, chief, for promoting three good guys.”
