New Lacey Police Hires Are All Combat Veterans

by Patricia A. Miller

The five young men at the July 10 Lacey Township Committee meeting stood ramrod straight as they posed for picture after picture.

Once they graduate from the Ocean County Police Academy in January, they will be Lacey's newest police officers.

A grateful Police Chief David A. Paprota thanked Mayor Gary Quinn and committee members for making the new hires happen.

"I'm inspired, I'm encouraged, I'm proud," he said. "Their backgrounds are incredible. We have high expectations of you moving forwards."

All five of the men were combat veterans either in Afghanistan or Iraq, the chief said.

"It's a very important day for the police department," Paprota said. "Our ranks have dwindled over the years. You're an important infusion to the police department."

Quinn welcomed the new hires.

"It's a great town to work in," he said. "We are finally starting to feel we are getting back to the numbers we used to have. There's no doubt you will come out shining. We hope we have all of you for 25 years."

The men will enter the Ocean County Police Academy on Aug. 4 and graduate in January of 2015. Then they will enter the Lacey Police Department's field training program before they go on the road, Paprota said.

The new hires are listed below:

• Jason S. Lee is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Army. Jason served in both Iraq (2008 and 2009) and Afghanistan (2011) and attained the rank of Sergeant. Jason Lee is a graduate of the Lacey Township High School and has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Health Science from the American Military University. Jason is also completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Psychology at Richard Stockton College as well as a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from the American Military University.

• Brian G. Holt is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Brian served in Afghanistan (2011-2012) and held the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Brian Holt is a graduate of the Lacey Township High School and earned the distinction of Eagle Scout before entering the Marine Corps. Brian earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and subsequently completed Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS).

• Elton L. Copes II is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Army. Elton served in Afghanistan (2011-2012) and held the rank of Specialist. Elton is a graduate of the Lakewood Township High School and has earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Ocean County College. Elton has served as a corrections officer with the Ocean County Correctional Facility since 2008.

• Christopher M. Meyler is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Army. Christopher served in Afghanistan (2010-2012) and was an Airborne Infantry Team Leader holding the rank of Specialist. Christopher is a graduate of Lacey Township High School where he was an accomplished athlete. Christopher Meyler is currently attending Ocean County College earning an Associate’s Degree.


• Patrick Q. Watkins is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Patrick served two tours in Fallujah, Iraq (2005 into 2006 as well as 2007) where he served as a team leader, attained the rank of Corporal, and was awarded the Purple Heart. Patrick has earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Ocean County College. Patrick has been serving as a federal corrections officer where he has served for the past 5 years.