New Jersey: In the first swearing-in ceremony since Covid-19, the Monroe Township Police Department diversified its ranks with its first police officer of Asian-Indian descent, Indian American Ritik Bedi who was sworn in on May 17 along with eight new officers.
“Working side by side with the men and women of this department is truly an honor. It is a blessing and being the first one of Asian-Indian descent is special to me, and I hope the residents of our town as well,” said Officer Ritik Bedi.
Bedi has been on the police force in Monroe Township for just a few months, but he is not new to the life of service.
“In high school and in college, I was volunteering and also at a paid status with the Monroe Township EMS, so being in public service through that really inspired me to take the next step to become a law enforcement officer,” he told News12 network.
A native of Monroe, Bedi is a recent graduate of the Cape May Police Academy where he was awarded the High Academic Achievement award. He completed his schooling at Monroe Township High School in 2018. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from The College of New Jersey in 2021.
Throughout his high school and college years, the young officer served as an EMT for Monroe Township Emergency Medical Services. He was a member of the high school’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and led the drunk driving prevention program for the high school. He is fluent in Hindi and Punjabi.
In a statement, Mayor Stephen Dalina expressed pride in Bedi for “choosing to serve the community in which he was raised.” Adding that Officer Bedi will be “a terrific addition” to the police department, Dalina thanked “the many Asian Indian residents of Monroe who bring a wealth of culture, volunteerism, and service to our community.”
