Bellmawr swears in new police officer; chief announces school resource officer appointment

The Bellmawr Borough Council on Nov. 29 swore in Pedro Jimenez as a newly appointed police officer and approved a related resolution. Mayor Charles J. Sorda III led the oath of office and the council conducted the required roll call for the resolution.

The council also placed the name Thomas Whelan for the position of school resource officer. The Chief told the council Whelan was unable to attend the meeting due to illness but said the borough secured its first police officer in the school district for 2024 and thanked the council and school board for their support. Council members welcomed the new officers and described the police force as a "big family." The council recessed briefly after the swearing-in to allow family and guests to step out for photos.

Council did not provide salary, start date or personnel-detail specifics on the record for either appointment; those administrative details were not presented during the meeting minutes included in the transcript.