South Plainfield Welcomes Two New Police Officers

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – The South Plainfield Police Department (SPPD) will soon welcome two new officers to the borough force.

At a council meeting April 15, William Betines, a native of Old Bridge, and Natalie Devine, a lifelong resident of Middlesex, were officially sworn in. They are both currently attending the police academy and will officially join the department in June.

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During the meeting, South Plainfield Police Chief Pete Papa welcomed the new recruits and thanked the mayor and governing body for their support of the department. Members of the council also extended their congratulations and best wishes.

“I would like to congratulate all of you,” said Council President Robert Bengivenga, Jr., sitting in for Mayor Matt Anesh who was unable to attend due to transit delays. “It is really an honor to be up here, and one of the things we pride ourselves in is nights like tonight… Congratulations and stay safe out there.”

“Natalie and William, welcome,” said Councilman Derryck White, sharing with the new officers an anecdote his late mother used to say.

“Experience is the toughest teacher; it gives the test first and then the lesson,” he said. “All these people assembled in this room who are part of this agency have already taken a lot of the tests, so tap into them, so you have the answers to the tests as they come along.”

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“I wish you all the best and pray that God keeps you safe every day,” said Councilwoman Christine Faustini, adding, “Thank you to your families, and thank you for choosing this as your vocation and for giving back to the community.”

Officer William Betines

Willian Betines, son of Peter and Jennifer, is a member of Old Bridge High School’s Class of 2018. He earned an associates degree in criminal justice from Brookdale Community College and then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, graduating with a 3.81 GPA from Kean University. During his college years, Betines also served his hometown as an auxiliary police officer.

“I have always had a drive to help people and give a helping hand to others in need,” Betines said. “ My family raised me on those morals and values.”

Betines, who is currently attending the John. H. Stamler Police Academy, said he is ‘very grateful and thankful’ for this opportunity and told TAPinto he has heard great things about the community and the department. “ I am looking forward to helping to improve community relations with law enforcement, getting out there, engaging and making South Plainfield an even better place,” he said.

Officer Natalie Devine

Born and raised just a few towns over, Natalie Devine graduated from Middlesex High School in 2018 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in digital forensics and cybercrime from Utica University. She graduated in May 2022 with a 3.99 GPA and was recruited by Deloitte where she worked as a specialist in digital forensic investigations prior to being hired by the police department.

“I always knew I wanted to do something in law enforcement. I had a corporate desk job before this and didn’t like it,” Devine, daughter of Mark and Cary Beth, told TAPinto. “I want to feel more fulfilled in my role, more challenged, and do something different every day.”

Devine is currently training at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy and said she is looking forward to serving the community of South Plainfield. “It reminds me a lot of Middlesex,” said Devine. “It is a happy medium between a small little community but still big enough where I can be challenged every day.”

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