Beierschmitt named chief

Over the last 20 years it wasn’t unusual for a rookie patrolman to comment that he was broken into the ways of Freehold Borough’s streets by Michael Beierschmitt.

Either as a patrolman himself, or as patrol sergeant, Beier-schmitt, 44, was a training officer for many new recruits to the town’s police department.

Now, he is the chief of that department.

Beierschmitt, a lieutenant before his promotion, was expected to be sworn in as the borough’s police chief at the Borough Council’s Monday meeting. The decision to appoint him was made during a closed session of the council held Sept. 11, after the results of a police chief’s test, sanctioned by the state, were released earlier this month.

Beierschmitt replaced Capt. Michael DiAiso, 49, who served as head of the department as officer in charge following the resignation of William Burlew, who retired on March 31. Burlew was a member of the department for 33 years, the last 16 as chief.

"I am anxiously looking forward to forging a long-term relationship with Chief Beierschmitt during the coming years," Mayor Michael Wilson said. "He has the exuberance and leadership qualities to build on our recent successes in winning the war on crime. His knowledge of department operations, the respect he has earned from his fellow officers, as well as his vast experience in the military will assist him in his transition from lieutenant to chief."

The new chief, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., on May 10, 1956, has spent most of his adult life in uniform, either in military service or as a member of the borough’s police department.

After living in Missouri, Texas and Ohio, Beierschmitt’s parents relocated to the borough in 1964. Beierschmitt, his wife, Dorothy, and three children, Monica, 18, Matthew, 15, and Meghan, 13, now live on East Main Street.

Beierschmitt is a graduate of St. Rose of Lima Grammar School, South Street, and St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, in 1974.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and served as a paratrooper stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., for three years.

After completing his enlistment, Beierschmitt was employed by the borough’s Public Works Department from 1978-79. He also attended Brookdale Community College from 1978-87 earning an associate’s degree in social sciences.

He was appointed to the police department on Sept. 24, 1979, and after graduating from the Monmouth County Police Academy, was assigned to borough streets as a patrolman. He was advanced to sergeant in the patrol division in January 1989 and was promoted to lieutenant in December 1998. Until his promotion to chief, he had served as supervisor of the patrol division.

It was working the streets as a patrolman and patrol sergeant that Beierschmitt earned his reputation as a top cop with his peers and borough residents.

"I am excited and a little apprehensive about taking over as chief," Beierschmitt said. "I am honored to be selected as chief for what I believe to be one of the finest police departments in New Jersey. My commitment to the borough as well as my passion to lead will guide me during my tenure as chief."

Beierschmitt has served with the New Jersey Army National Guard from 1984, holding the rank of Master Sergeant, and is currently a non-commissioned officer in charge of a training battalion in Sea Girt.

"I think my military training will help me in my new job as chief," he said. "I attended a number of military leadership schools, which should help me. When training with the guard, I averaged 20 hours of work a day.’

Beierschmitt finished ahead of DiAiso and Lt. Kenneth Mount, who all passed the police chief’s tests. DiAiso, a veteran of 27 years service with the department, was the only other person considered for the top job. Mount is retiring at the end of the month.

Beierschmitt’s annual salary will be $87,000.

He said he will be an active chief.

"I intend to spend a lot of time on the streets, meeting and talking to the people," he said. "I’m not going to let myself get stuck in the office."

Wilson praised DiAiso’s performance as acting head of the department.

"Capt. DiAiso proved to be an excellent steward of this department during this period of transition," Wilson said. "His professionalism, as well as his class, helped maintain consistency and effectiveness during this period."