Monmouth County Police & First Responders Foundation

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember the courage, strength and bravery of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

04/30/2026

Please join us in wishing Corporal Bienvenido “Benny” Cruz #320 a terrific retirement!

Corporal Cruz was born and raised in the City of Long Branch, NJ. He started working towards his future career at an early age, becoming a volunteer member of both the Long Branch First Aid Squad and the Long Branch Fire Department at the age of 14. He served the community answering first aid and fire calls throughout all hours of the day and night while attending high school. After graduating from Long Branch High School in 1999, he went on to work for a private ambulance service as an Emergency Medical Technician and then the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Communications Center where he worked as a 911 Operator/ Emergency Dispatcher. During this time, he continued serving our community as a volunteer first aider and fireman. He served two years as Captain with the Oceanic Engine and Truck Company #1 of the Long Branch Fire Department. During the 911 Twin Tower Tragedy, he joined several other firemen and went to NYC's Ground Zero where he helped with the search efforts.

On July 29th, 2002, Benny Cruz became a Long Branch Police Officer, capable of speaking three different languages. Throughout his career he served in the Patrol Division, in the Investigations Bureau as a Forensics Detective and as a Traffic Safety Officer. In addition to his regular duties, he went on to become an EMT Officer, a Hazardous Materials Technician member of the City of Long Branch Office of Emergency Management, a Field Training Officer, a Fi****ms Instructor, a member of the Long Branch Police Honor Guard and an instrumental part of the annual How to Save a Life/Project Prom program. During his ten years with the Police Honor Guard, Benny served all branches of our military playing the bugle for various ceremonies as well as funeral ceremonies.

Throughout his career, he has been presented with many commendations from the city for his outstanding service including two Honorable Service Awards, multiple Unit Citations and multiple Letters of Commendation and Recognition. Additionally, in 2004, he was presented with the Law Enforcement Award from the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association as a record of his accomplishments in vigorous drug enforcement.

During his time as a Detective, he received intense technical training in various areas of police work. He received training from and has worked joint investigations with outside agencies such as the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police, FBI, United States Secret Service, NYPD, Division of Criminal Justice and various others

Corporal Cruz has had a career full of noteworthy and honorable events. We are proud to wish him a happy and successful retirement which begins on May 1, 2026, but are very sad to see him go!

04/06/2026

Join Long Branch PBA Local #10 for their Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 18th! LBPD PBA Local #10

04/05/2026

03/30/2026

Lt. Elena Mazzeo and Ptl. Nicole Melia represented the Tinton Falls Police Department at this year’s New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Conference.

03/22/2026

Thank you for your service!

02/16/2026

Good luck Julia!!!

Howell's own Julia Sienna takes the stage on 'American Idol' Monday night, blending her passion for music with a commitment to community service, showcasing local talent to the nation.

02/16/2026

is accepting applications for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers!
Full-time & Part-time positions available! Competitive Pay!
Candidates must possess Certification as Class II Special Police Officer from the Police Training Commission.
For Additional Information, Email Lt. Cahill: [email protected]

01/09/2026

Alex Cella always dreamed of becoming a police officer in his hometown. But a series of epileptic seizures forced him to pause his training at the police aca...