Ptl. Kevinn Tosta Named 2025 Officer of the Year
Officer of the Year – Patrolman Kevinn Tosta
Patrolman Kevinn Tosta first connected with Riverside Township Police through our Student Internship Program while attending Rider University, before joining full-time in 2023. Since joining patrol, he has quickly become known as a dependable, hard-working officer. In 2025, he handled hundreds of motor vehicle and pedestrian stops and more than 60 case investigations, which led to multiple felony and DWI arrests.
Fluent in Portuguese, Ptl. Tosta played a key role in
several sensitive investigations, including cases involving the sexual assault
of minors, where his ability to communicate with victims and suspects in their
own language helped build trust and move cases forward. He is also known for
his positive attitude, willingness to help at any time, and for always bringing
a smile to the station, qualities that truly embody our “Officer of the Year.”
Exceptional Duty – Patrolman Gabriel Gardner
In 2025, Patrolman Gabriel Gardner led the department in
nearly every major patrol category, including case investigations, arrests,
motor vehicle stops, and DWI enforcement. He made 33 DWI arrests, the most of
any officer in Burlington County that year and the highest single‑year total in
Riverside Police history.
Ptl. Gardner was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), for the second year in a row, as Burlington County’s “Top Cop” for drunk driving enforcement, and he recently recorded his 100th DWI arrest with less than five years on patrol. In one notable case, a simple speeding stop led to the discovery of a loaded assault rifle, high‑capacity magazines, pepper spray, and knives, removing a serious threat from our streets.
Exceptional Duty – Patrolman Nicholas Strough
Patrolman Nicholas Strough consistently displayed
initiative, sound judgment, and strong work ethic throughout 2025. He ranked
near the top of the department in multiple patrol categories and handled a high
volume of investigations, arrests, and DWI cases.
One late‑night call for a man trying to break into a vehicle highlighted his tactical skills: he positioned himself discreetly, quickly located the suspect, and safely made an arrest on an individual armed with a large knife—a case that helped solve several car burglaries in Riverside and nearby towns. Ptl. Strough also serves as the department’s Drone Operator, Vehicle Maintenance Officer, and Radio Maintenance Officer, and is a certified EMT and Field Training Officer.
Exceptional Duty – Detective Michael Hynes
Detective Michael Hynes handled a wide range of complex
cases in 2025, including burglaries, sexual assaults, stolen vehicles, and
frauds. Many of these investigations started with very little information, but
through patient, detailed work reviewing video, interviewing witnesses,
obtaining warrants, and working with outside agencies, he was able to identify
suspects and bring them to justice.
Det. Hynes often responded on his days off to keep his cases
moving and also serves the department as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Drug
Recognition Expert, Field Training Officer, and Community Engagement Officer,
making him a valuable resource both in and out of the detective bureau.
On top of his patrol work, Ptl. Gardner distinguished
himself as a leader in narcotics enforcement, conducting numerous drug
investigations throughout the year. His proactive traffic and pedestrian stops
led to multiple seizures of illegal narcotics.
In one major case, his roadside investigation uncovered numerous illegally possessed Oxycodone pills and other controlled substances. His work not only removes dangerous drugs from our community but also helps identify and partner individuals who need treatment and support with agencies and programs that are able to provide assistance.
Chief’s Citation – Patrolman Katelyn Lutz
Since joining the department in December 2022, Patrolman
Katelyn Lutz has built a reputation as a fearless, proactive, and reliable
officer. In 2025, she ranked near the top of the department in motor vehicle
stops, case investigations, and pedestrian contacts, reflecting her strong
presence on the street.
Ptl. Lutz routinely volunteers for overtime, assists fellow
officers, and supports detectives by taking on her own fraud and theft
investigations. She also serves as the department’s Domestic Violence Liaison
to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, where she helps discuss trends,
policies, and training to better protect and support victims.
Chief’s Citation – Patrolman Nicholas Wallace
In 2025, Patrolman Nicholas Wallace showed significant
growth in all areas of patrol performance, reaching some of the highest totals
of his career in investigations, arrests, and DWI and narcotics cases. In one
standout incident, his DWI investigation led to the arrest of a driver in
possession of cocaine packaged for distribution, prescription pills, drug
paraphernalia, with a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit.
Beyond patrol, Ptl. Wallace has several additional duties in
the department. He serves as our Firearms Background Investigator, Handicapped
Parking Coordinator, and Motor Vehicle Accident Report Manager. He is also
an active member of the Traffic Safety Unit Honor Guard, and a certified EMT.
Chief’s Citation – Patrolman Brendon Griffin
For the past five years, Patrolman Brendon Griffin has
served as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Riverside’s K‑12 schools,
working every day to keep more than 1,500 students and staff safe. He handles
school safety concerns, supports staff with student issues, and maintains a
visible, approachable presence in the halls.
Ptl. Griffin leads the Riverside Police Explorer Program, mentoring students who are interested in law enforcement, and teaches through the LEAD program to help young people make safe and healthy choices. He also coaches high school wrestling and oversees the School Crossing Guard Program, managing staffing for 14 posts and often stepping in himself when needed. His dedication was recognized twice in 2025 through the school district’s “Ring the Bell” program for excellence.
