Special ops benefits from philanthropy BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer KATHY CHANG Four members of the Woodbridge Township Police Department received four custom-fit “dry” wet suits with the help of two prominent businessmen, Albert Jasani and Richie Bhojani. Lt. Robert Brady and Patrolman Craig Polhamus hold one of the wet suits as Mayor John E. McCormac introduces the two officers. WOODBRIDGE — Four members of the police department received custom-fit “dry” wet suits with the help of two prominent township businessmen last week. “The suits give us the ability to stay dry and buoyant in cold water,” said Lt. Robert Brady, who is a certified diving instructor. “Prior to receiving these wet suits, we wore regular wet suits with the safety vest to stay afloat.” Albert Jasani and Richie Bhojani, two prominent township businessmen and community leaders, contributed more than $9,000 toward the purchase of the custom-fit “dry” wet suits for four members of the Woodbridge Township Police Department. The “dry” suits, which insulate the body and prevent hypothermia, are specially designed for each police officer and are primarily used in cold water rescue operations. “These suits are very expensive,” said Brady. “We are thankful and appreciative that [Jasani and Bhojani] share our concerns about safety in the township.” Three of the nine Special Operations Unit officers receiving the “dry” suits are Lt. Robert Brady, Patrolman Craig Polhamus and Patrolman Marc Hecht. The fourth suit will go to Patrolman Charles Impaglia, who is a certified diver but who is not in the Special Operations Unit. “It’s extremely generous of Mr. Jasani and Mr. Bhojani to assist the police department to obtain equipment not otherwise available,” said Mayor John E. McCormac. “It is this type of community commitment that allows our police department to better respond to emergencies and to better serve the public safety mission.” In separate police business, two veteran police officers were promoted to the rank of lieutenant on Dec. 19. “These two ranking police officers put in a lot of time for the department,” said Police Chief William Trenery. “They have served in critical areas throughout the department. Their depth of training and range of experience will continue to be an asset to the department and to township residents. I’m proud to welcome them as lieutenants.” Sgt. Richard J. Bodnar, a 29-year veteran, and Sgt. Robert W. Visakay, an 18-year veteran, were sworn in as lieutenants at a ceremony held at town hall. “Together, both of these officers have served the community for more than 27 years,” McCormac said. “Throughout their service, each has demonstrated a dedication to duty and public safety.” Bodnar, 57, has served in the Radio Patrol Division as a patrolman since 1977. He was transferred and assigned as a detective to the Criminal Investigation Division in 1994 and was promoted to sergeant that same year. Bodnar was reassigned as a squad and road supervisor in the Radio Patrol Division. As a lieutenant, he will maintain his current assignment as a supervisor to the identification unit with the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Bodnar’s son, Shayne, is also a township police officer. Visakay, 53, has served in the Radio Patrol Division as a patrolman since 1988. He was promoted to sergeant in 1993 and was assigned as a road and squad supervisor in the Radio Patrol Division. As a lieutenant, Visakay will be assigned as a shift commander in the Radio Patrol Division.