Seven newly-minted Lawrence Township police officers were ceremonially sworn into office by Mayor Christopher Bobbitt at a recent Township Council meeting.
The police officers graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in three separate classes throughout 2025 and in 2026, Interim Police Chief Kevin Reading Jr. said.
“This evening is about commitment,” Reading said. “The officers being sworn in have chosen a profession in service and integrity.
“They have worked hard to reach this moment. They will have a career dedicated to protecting others and serving the Lawrence Township community with honor.”
The support, encouragement and patience offered by the police officers’ families made the journey possible, Reading said. Policing is a commitment shared by the officers’ families as well as the officers themselves.
“To our newest officers, you are joining a department with a proud history and a strong partnership with the community we serve,” he said. “You are entrusted with great responsibility.”
Reading introduced the seven police officers and offered some background information on them.
Police officers Kaylie Sanfillipo, Zachary Thomas and Kaynon Smith graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in January 2025.
Sanfillipo grew up in Bucks County, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University.
Reading said that during her interview, Sanfillipo said her ultimate goal is to become a K-9 officer. She said every day is different at the Lawrence Township Police Department and she is excited for what the future holds. She wanted a career in law enforcement so that she may have a positive impact on the community.
Thomas grew up in Howell. He attended Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University, where he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, Reading said.
In his interview, Thomas said that as a police officer, he wants to be a role model for younger generations. He decided on a career in law enforcement because every person that he has met in this line of work has been someone he wanted to emulate with good character.
Smith grew up in Lawrence Township. He attended Mercer County Community College.
Smith said he sees himself as being a strong piece of thew puzzle of the Lawrence Township Police Department, as well as the Lawrence community. His father was a police officer and an important role model for him growing up, so he knew early on that he wanted to be a police officer, too.
Police Officers Emmie Yard and Giuseppe “Joe” Erardi graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in June 2025.
Yard grew up in Burlington Township and earned a bachelor’s degree at Rowan University. She earned a master’s degree in criminology and forensic psychology from Liberty University, Reading said.
In her interview, she said she comes from a long line of police officers and she never really thought about pursuing another career. She knew that she wanted a career where she could help people.
Erardi grew up in Holland, Pa. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sacred Heart University.
Like Yard, Erardi said he never saw himself as pursuing any other career than in law enforcement. He loves being out in the community and attending community events such as the Easter egg hunt, the Fourth of July fireworks and National Night Out. He said he wants to become the best police officer that he can be, Reading said.
Police Officers Kyeon Taylor and Anthony DiTorrice graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in January 2026.
Taylor, who lives in Ewing Township, graduated from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in public administration.
Taylor said in his interview that he had been intrigued by the thought of becoming a police officer since his freshman year in college. He was inspired by those around him, which led him to apply to the Lawrence Township Police Department. He loves the idea of making a positive impact by helping others and making the community a safer place, Reading said.
DiTorrice grew up in Montgomery Township and earned a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Rowan University.
DiTorrice said he always wanted to be a police officer, from the time he was a young child. He always looked up to police officers. His great-grandfather was a police officer in Reading, Pa., and his father would tell him stories about him.
Wrapping up the ceremony, Reading told the new police officers that every interaction matters.
“The words you choose, the decisions you make and the integrity you demonstrate – especially when no one is watching – will define not only your careers, but the reputation of the Lawrence Township Police Department,” he said.
“Never lose sight of why you chose this profession, and always hold true to the values.”
