'Integrity, Courage and Compassion': Four New Brunswick Police Officers Promoted

NEW BRUNSWICK – One officer helped a sleeping family flee a burning home. Another was instrumental in solving some of the department’s most serious criminal investigations through his service in the major crimes unit.

One fast-acting officer used CPR to save a man’s life. And another kept residents safe through his service in the patrol division and street crimes unit.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

The four New Brunswick Police Department officers who were promoted during a ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, May 15, have displayed uncommon dedication and heroism throughout their careers.

James Hoover, Michael Yurkovic and Mark Pappas were promoted to captain, and Michael Powers was promoted to sergeant during a ceremony with Mayor Jim Cahill and Chief Vincent Sabo.

“This promotion serves as a testament to the officer’s hard work, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to serving our community,” Cahill said. “As these four officers begin their new roles, I am confident that they will continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence, guiding their fellow officers with integrity, courage and compassion.”

Sabo commended the officers on their hard work, leadership qualities and continued commitment to serving those who call New Brunswick home and those who visit, study and work in the city.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Sabo thanked Cahill, saying, “We are grateful for your unwavering support of our police department and our city. Our city continues to thrive, thanks in large part to your leadership and vision.”

Capt. James Hoover

Hoover joined the New Brunswick Police Department in 2005, and was promoted to sergeant in 2015 and lieutenant in 2019. He has served in the department’s patrol division, street crimes unit, and is currently the department’s commander of administration.

Hoover earned a bachelor’s degree from John Jay College, and is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Institute. He is studying for his master’s degree at Seton Hall.

Hall received the department’s Life Saving Award for successfully performing CPR on an unresponsive man. He was also awarded the State PBA’s Valor Award for rescuing a child who was viciously attacked by a pit bull.

Capt. Mark Pappas

Pappas joined the New Brunswick Police Department in 2001, serving in the patrol division and the anti-crime unit. In 2005, he received the title of detective and was assigned to the department’s major crimes unit, where he has been instrumental in solving some of the police department’s most serious criminal investigations.

In 2011, Pappas was promoted to the rank of sergeant and continued within the department’s detective bureau as the supervisor and executive officer. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2016, adding support to the internal affairs unit to his workload.

He has also been assigned to the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.

Pappas is a graduate of New Jersey City University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice as well as a graduate of the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police-43rd Command & Leadership Academy in 2013. He also graduated from the FBI’s National Academy in 2016.

Pappas was awarded the department’s Director’s Executive Award and Unit Citation, as well as the 200 Club Meritorious Award. In 2009, he was selected the Knights of Columbus’ Officer of the Year.

Capt. Michael Yurkovic

Yurkovic joined the police department in 2000, when he began his career in the patrol division.

In 2006, he received the title of detective and served in the department’s anti-crime unit until his promotions to sergeant in 2010 and lieutenant in 2015. He served as a supervisor in the patrol division, and is currently the department’s operations commander. Yurkovic has also been a firearms instructor for the department and served as the firearms range master.

Yurkovic is a graduate of Middlesex College with an associate degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Institute.

Yurkovic received the 200 Club Meritorious Award for his heroics when rescuing a sleeping family from their burning home and stopping a man from jumping off a building.

He is the son of Captain John “Gary” Yurkovic Sr., who retired from the New Brunswick Police Department in 2006, and the brother of John “Gary” Yurkovic Jr., who is a sergeant with the police department.

Sgt. Michael Powers

Powers joined the New Brunswick Police Department in 2014, and has served in the patrol division and street crimes unit. He received the title of detective in 2018, and has served as firearms instructor for the department.

He has been a member of the Middlesex County Special Operations Team since 2022.

Powers is a graduate of South Brunswick High School, and previously served with the Camden Police Department from 2013-14.

He is the son of retired Middlesex County Sheriff’s Investigator Jeff Powers.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net