Benefit For Freehold PBA's Role In 2014 Police Unity Bike Tour

Written by Lt. Michael Sweetman, Detective Division, Freehold Boro Police Deptartment

The Freehold Borough PBA 159, Marlboro Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 196 and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15 will be hosting their 5th Annual “Salute to Community Excellence Charity Gala” on Saturday March 29th. 

This event will take place at the American Hotel, located in Freehold, NJ, from 7 pm to midnight. The evening will consist of a Cocktail Reception, Wine Memorabilia Auction, Special Guests, and a Casino Night.

All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Marlboro Twp and Freehold Borough Police Officers’ participation in the 2014 Police Unity 
Tour. 

This will be the inaugural ride for Chapter X, the newest chapter of the Police Unity Tour representing Central New Jersey. 

The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride that commences in New Jersey and concludes in Washington DC at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located in Judiciary Square. 

This memorial honors those Police Officers who have been killed in the line of duty and have given the ultimate sacrifice to their profession. The Police Unity Tour raised 1.72 million dollars in 2013.

The Gala recognizes civic leaders and businesses that have given back to our PBA, FOP and our community each year at the highest level of 
caring and “excellence.” 

This year we have the honor to recognize, Mr. Walter R. Earle, founder of the Earle Companies, and Marlboro’s Chief 
of Police, Mr. Bruce E. Hall.

Walter Earle
Mr. Walter R. Earle, was born in Freehold on May 13, 1936, attended the Freehold schools. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in 
the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS Albany. 

During the latter part of his four years of service, he earned the position of Gig Coxswain (the admiral’s personal boat captain) and reported directly to Adm. John McCain, the father of Sen. John McCain. While he served as Gig Coxswain, Mr. Earle received a commendation from Adm. McCain for outstanding performance. 

In 1968 he incorporated Earle Asphalt Company. Mr. Earle’s companies received many national and state awards, and in 1991 he introduced an environmental company that, with the help of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, pioneered the technology of decontaminating soil in the state. 

In 1962, Walter married Marianne Dreyer. She continues to live at their home in Freehold Borough, and is actively involved in the Catholic 
Church and in her community. He was also a grandfather-better known as “Duke” to his 26 grandchildren, many of whom maintain the name 
Walter as a result of the deep respect the children have for their father. 

It is with great pride that Walter’s three sons continue to expand and 
grow the business with the work ethic and values their father instilled in them as young boys. 

He was also a philanthropist who donated, often anonymously, money and time to charitable organizations such as the Catholic Church, St. Rose of Lima Elementary School, the borough of Freehold police and the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad. 

It is with work ethic that allows the Earle Companies to continue and maintain their reputation, as well as recognizing the importance of giving back to the community. 

Police Chief Bruce Hall 
Chief Bruce Hall has been a resident of Marlboro Township his entire life and joined the police department soon after he graduated high school. 

Chief Bruce Hall began his career with the Marlboro Township Police Department in 1974. Throughout his career, he received many promotions such as being promoted to sergeant in 1979 and lieutenant in 1990. He was transferred to the detective bureau in 1996 and was promoted to Captain in 1997. 

Chief Hall was placed in charge of the largest section of the police department, the Operations Bureau in 1999. Chief Bruce Hall was promoted to the position of Chief of Police for Marlboro Township in 2009. He has served the Township of Marlboro for almost 40 years and has seen the department grow and evolve with the ever-changing needs of the police department. 

The Chief has a Bachelor's Degree of Science in human services and criminal justice from Thomas Edison State College. Chief Hall is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command Criminal Justice Studies. Chief Hall also has two Master's Degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Public Administration and Administrative Science. Chief Hall has also received specialized certificates from Fairleigh Dickinson University in school security and safety administration; global security and terrorism studies; administration science and emergency management administration. 

Chief Hall takes his leadership past the police department doors and into the community by being a part of several community organizations. He currently is sitting on boards, including the veterans committee that organizes the Memorial Day Parade and memorials. He is also involved with the organization and planning of the township’s Blues and BBQ Fest in October. Chief Hall has been a strong supporter of the Police Unity Tour for as long as officers have participated in this ride.

The Police Officers from Marlboro Township and Freehold Borough Police Department participating in the 2014 Police Unity Tour are proud to 
announce Walter R. Earle and Chief Bruce Hall, as recipients of the 2014 Salute to Community Excellence Award.