Veteran officer named Marlboro deputy chief
BY TALI ISRAELI
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - Eric Landau called his promotion to deputy chief of police a "hell of a birthday present."

On Nov. 8, Landau, 45, celebrated more than just his birthday; he was appointed by Mayor Robert Kleinberg to the position of deputy chief of the Marlboro Police Department.

"It was a good day," Landau said.

Before his promotion to deputy chief, Landau was one of the police department's three captains who oversee the three divisions of the department - administrative services, criminal investigations, and operations. Landau was in charge of the administrative services department as a captain.

As the deputy chief his responsibilities will expand to include overseeing the patrol officers and the detective bureau.

"It's a great honor to serve the community and town I grew up in," Landau said. "I thank Chief Robert Holmes, Mayor Kleinberg and the administration for the confidence in me to do the job."

Holmes said he believes Landau is a great asset to the police department and he looks forward to working with him.

"I highly recommended Capt. Landau [to the mayor] because I believe he will do an excellent job as the second in command," Holmes said.

Landau, who followed in his father's footsteps, has lived in Marlboro since he was a child. He lives in town with his wife, Ginnie.

In 1984, Landau attended the New Jersey State Police Academy 182 Munic-ipal Class, Sea Girt. He graduated from the academy in 1985. He began his career with the Marlboro police as a patrolman and was promoted to sergeant in January 1997. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2002 and to the rank of captain in December 2004.

"I am looking forward to continuing the police department's role in the community to provide a safe and secure environment for our residents and children," Landau said.

The deputy chief has participated in the annual law enforcement torch run with his fellow police officers for several years to help raise funds for the Special Olympics.

"It's a privilege and a pleasure to work with the great group of men and women in our department. I believe the Marl-boro Police Department is one of the best departments in the state," Landau said.

Holmes said, "I know I've got a good second man behind me and when I'm ready to go I'm confident that he will pick up the reins."

When asked if he plans to leave the department in the near future, Holmes said, "I'm not going to be staying here forever. Everbody's got to go sometime. I'm not sure if I'm ready yet."

Holmes has been a part of the Marlboro Police Department for almost 35 years. He has been chief of police since 1998.

Holmes said that when January arrives he will be the first vice president of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association. He is currently the second vice president. The chief said he is planning to retire in two years when he is president of the association.

"I don't know if I'll get there, sometimes you just run out," he said.