VILLAS – Two new police officers were officially added to the rolls of the Lower Township Police Department in a swearing-in ceremony held at Lower Township Hall on Monday, July 21.

Above left is Patrolman James Gestwicki, with wife Amanda holding the Bible, taking the oath from Mayor Frank Sippel.

Gestwicki graduated from the Delaware Military Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2014. He worked in construction before enlisting in the Marine Corps in April 2018. He served one tour as a machine gunner in the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Division.

After being honorably discharged he returned to construction work until he and his wife moved to Diamond Beach. He was hired by the Police Department in August 2024 and graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in January. He worked as a Class II officer until July, when he was hired full time. His wife pinned on his badge.

Patrolman Zane Forestire, above right, grew up in Orange County, New York, and spent summers in Lower Township since 2004.

Forestire is a high school graduate and plans on finishing his associate degree in the near future. He was hired in August 2024 and attended the county Police Academy, completing the Basic Course for Police Officers on Jan. 10.

He previously served as a Class II officer in the Police Department and is now a full-time officer.

His mother, Jennifer Forestire, held the Bible for the swearing-in and his father, Matthew, pinned on his badge.

Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or at 609-886-8600, ext. 128.