Township Police Issues Promotions; Emann to Succeed Savalli as Captain

Matthew Hersh

A veteran is replacing a veteran on the Township police force as Mark Emann, a 26-year member of the department, was sworn in Monday night to succeed Capt. Peter Savalli, a 33-year officer on the force. Capt. Savalli submitted his notice of retirement to the Township last month.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at Township Committee's regular meeting, also saw the promotions of Sgt. Michael Henderson to the rank of lieutenant, and Detective Scott Porreca to the rank of sergeant.

Patrol Officers Christopher Best and Matthew Solovay were introduced to the Township's police force. The two new officers will serve under a one-year probationary period, and bring the total number of officers on Township Police to 34, a number that the Township has now maintained for five years after adding two officers to its crew under a federal program.

In addition to Capt. Savalli, another officer, Robert Gioscio, left the force for a position at the Mercer County Sheriff's Office.

Capt. Emann, who will turn 47 next week, entered the Township Police force in July, 1978, as a patrol officer. For three years following, he served on the force with his father, Walter, who retired in 1981 as a patrolman. The senior Officer Emann was, himself, a longtime veteran on the force.

Upon his promotion Monday, Capt. Emann said that he would carry on the tradition embodied by former Capt. Savalli. He also joked about the opportunity Capt. Savalli's retirement opened for him. "I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for all he's done for me."

With his wife and daughter looking on, Capt. Emann was sworn in by Ed Schmierer, Township attorney. An alumnus of Princeton High School, Capt. Emann will continue to reside with his family in Lawrence Township.