On Wednesday, May 17th, family and friends gathered in the Municipal Courtroom to celebrate as two of Linden’s Finest were promoted. The promotions of Sgt. John Mekovetz to the rank of Lieutenant and Officer Anthony Lordi to the rank of Sergeant were unanimously approved by the City Council at the at the May meeting. Lt. Michael Babulski, President of the Linden Police Superior Officers Association, thanked the Mayor and City Council for their continued support. “Their support of Chief Parham and the Command Staff is vital in continuing the growth and progress we have seen in the Police Department.”
John Mekovetz was hired by the Linden Police department In January of 1997. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kean University. In 1998 he awarded the Excellent Police Duty Medal for his actions leading to the arrest of five suspected carjackers from Staten Island who pistol whipped and beat a woman with an aluminum bat. His work in the case led to the conviction of all five suspects and solved two additional Linden carjackings. In 2001 Ofc. Mekovetz attended the prestigious Institute of Police Management and Technology at North Florida University and was appointed a Field Training Officer in the Patrol Division. In 2006 was appointed to Detective, and while assigned to the Juvenile Bureau he led a multi-agency investigation involving sex trafficking of juveniles across state lines. His work in this case led to the arrest and conviction of several known gang members in Federal Court. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and returned to the Patrol Division where he is currently assigned.
Anthony Lordi worked as a supervisor with the Middlesex County Park Ranger Division until he was hired by the Linden Police Department in January 2004. He has spent his career serving in the Patrol Division and in 2011 he was appointed as a Field Training Officer. He has been a member of the Linden Police Honor Guard since its inception in 2009. He is also a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and is a trained Crisis negotiator. During his career he has been awarded numerous medals and citations, two of which were awarded for his actions that prevented a citizen from committing suicide.
“These Officers have been leaders their entire careers. Their Leadership and experience will have an immediate impact, and I am certain they will excel in their new roles.” Said Police Chief Jonathan Parham
(above l-r) Linden Police Chief Jonathan Parham, Sgt. Anthony Lordi, It. John Mekovetz, and Mayor Derek Armstead.
Photo by Linden Police Department.
