Head of state police to speak in Freehold

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Free-hold Township Republican Club Pres-ident Josh Elkes announced that New Jersey State Police Superintendent Joseph J. Santiago will be the guest speaker at the Freehold Township Republican Club’s meeting on May 28.

Santiago became the 13th superintendent of the state police on March 7.

Born and raised in Newark, Santiago has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience. He recently served as director of the state’s largest municipal police department in Newark.

"While some might question why a Republican organization would invite an individual appointed by the state’s Democratic leader, Gov. James Mc-Greevey¡," Elkes said, "Mr. Santiago’s visit offers all Freehold Township residents the unique opportunity to hear from, and discuss with, New Jersey’s highest ranking police official, various public safety issues and the future of the state police organization."

The Freehold Township Republican Club meeting will take place at the Freehold Gardens Hotel and Conference Center, Route 537 and Gibson Place, at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome.