Lacey Township Committee promotes two officers, honors retirees

The Lacey Township Committee voted to promote Michael Hine to police lieutenant and Alan Abrecht to police sergeant at its April 2026 meeting, and presented retirement acknowledgements for long-serving department members.

The committee introduced Resolution 20 26 1 10 to promote Michael Hine and Resolution 20 26 1 11 to promote Alan Abrecht; both motions were moved, seconded and carried on recorded roll calls. Committee members and residents gathered to congratulate the officers and family members attended for oath ceremonies. "It's true testament to the professionalism of these officers," a committee member said during the ceremony, praising the promoted officers' performance amid recent challenges.

Officials read short biographies emphasizing each officer's training and service. The committee said Hine graduated from Lacey Township High School in 2005, earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Ocean County College, bachelor's degrees from Kean University and a master's in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University; speakers noted additional certificates in emergency management, homeland security and related fields and recounted Hine's service with county correction departments before joining Lacey (bio as provided at the meeting). Abrecht's biography presented at the meeting noted more than 20 years of service with the department, experience in the detective bureau, leadership roles including PBA president and state delegate, work as a department resiliency officer and recognitions including life-saving and meritorious service awards.

In addition to the promotions, the committee presented a retirement plaque to a recently retired chief (named in the meeting as "Chief Kenny") and acknowledged two other recent retirements, praising their contributions to institutional knowledge and community service. The meeting included applause and ceremonial remarks from multiple committee members and residents.

The promotions were adopted by formal resolution; no contested votes or amendments were recorded. The committee closed the ceremony portion of the meeting and continued with its regular agenda.