VILLAS – The Lower Township Police Department added two officers to its ranks on Wednesday, Jan. 17, when Andrew DiDonato and Thomas Girard took their oaths of office during the regular Township Council meeting.
Girard, who will be wearing badge number 226, is a lifelong resident of Lower Township and a 2017 graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School. He completed Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer training during his senior year of high school. He later attended Rowan University, and in December 2022 he was hired by the LTPD and began Class II officer training and worked as a Class II officer until August 2023. He then attended the 55th Basic Class for Police Officers at the Cape May County Police Academy and graduated as a full-time officer.
Girard took the oath of office from Mayor Frank Sippel, as his mother Daria Girard held the Bible. His father, Tom Girard, pinned on his badge.
DiDonato, 21, who will wear badge number 227, was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, but has lived in Lower Township for the past eight years. He is a 2020 graduate of Wildwood Catholic Academy. He was hired by the LTPD and attended the 62nd Course for Special Law Enforcement Officers at the Cape May County Police Academy. He worked as a Class II officer for summer 2023 and then attended the 55th Basic Course for Police Officers to become a full-time officer. According to Police Chief Kevin Lewis, “Patrolman DiDonato is very eager to begin his career and continue learning.”
DiDonato took the oath of office from Mayor Frank Sippel, as his father, John DiDonato, held the Bible. His mother, Carla DiDonato pinned on his badge.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
