PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Police Department has announced officers that they’ve hired, promoted and sadly those who have left.
The department released a statement saying Ptl. Russ Okinsky and Det. Anthony Pruchnik would be leaving the department. Both officers were hired as full-time officers in July of 2015 and now will be pursuing new career opportunities.
Ptl. Brian Fischer was hired as a full-time officer back in February. He graduated the Ocean County police academy after he received his Bachelor’s Degree from York College. Ptl. Fischer initially started at the Seaside Heights Police Department since March of 2017, before joining the Pine Beach Department.
The Department also welcomed a new Class 2 officer, Ptl. Joe Pizzuto in March. in 2017 Ptl. Pizzuto graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s Degree and in 2018 he graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy. He previously worked with the Seaside Heights Police and Ocean Township Police.
In April, the department hired Ptl. Stephen Scaturro for a full-time position. He graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2017 and Ocean County Police Academy in 2018. He previously worked with the Seaside Heights Police and New Providence Police before coming to Pine Beach in July 2019.
Finally, the department promoted Ryan Morris to Sergeant rank. For eight years, Morris has had a successful career with the Pine Beach Police Department and has served as a supervisory officer for various units within the agency. In 2013 he graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy and previously worked with the Seaside Heights Police.
“He has had a long successful career here and has served as a supervisory officer for various units within the agency. He has been an exceptional officer that has been a positive role model for our community and his fellow officers during his tenure. He will undoubtedly be a great leader for the department,” the department said in a statement.
