Administration

Acting Captain Michael J. Ekelburg Jr.

Acting Captain Michael Ekelburg began his law enforcement career with the City of Burlington Police Department in 1991 as a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer. In 1997, he advanced to Class II Officer after graduating from the Gloucester County Police Academy. He was hired as a full-time Patrol Officer on January 1, 2001.

Throughout his career, Acting Captain Ekelburg has served in various specialized units, including the Emergency Service Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Bicycle Unit, and Field Training Unit. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Sergeant in April 2013, where he was assigned as a Patrol Supervisor in the Patrol Division. In 2015, he transitioned to the Criminal Investigative Division, serving as the division’s supervisor.

In June 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in July 2024, he ascended to the role of Acting Captain. He currently serves as the Commander of the Criminal Investigative Division and oversees the Special Law Enforcement Officer Unit.

A lifelong resident of Burlington City, Acting Captain Ekelburg is a proud graduate of Burlington City High School. In 2017, he successfully completed the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Command Leadership Academy, further solidifying his commitment to leadership and professional development.

Lieutenant Joseph Caruso

Lt. Joseph Caruso began his law enforcement career with the City of Burlington Police Department in 1987 as a Reserve Police Officer and was hired full-time in 1995, initially assigned to the Patrol Division. In 1999, he joined the Pro-Active Enforcement Unit, focusing on narcotics investigations and violent crime, earning him the department’s “Officer of the Year” award. That same year, he became a member of the Burlington City/Burlington County Joint Tactical Team (SWAT), eventually serving as its Commander until its disbandment in 2013. Lt. Caruso also served in the Detective Division from 2002 to 2004, receiving the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Law Enforcement Officer Commendation Award in 2003 for his work combating drug activity and violent crime. Promoted to Sergeant in 2005, he supervised the Pro-Active Enforcement Unit and later became a Lieutenant in 2010, overseeing multiple units, including the Detective Division, SWAT, and firearms training. Since 2013, he has held various leadership roles, including in the Professional Standards Unit, and currently serves as the Supervising Patrol Lieutenant.

Throughout his distinguished career, Lt. Caruso has supervised and contributed to numerous specialized units, such as the Gang Task Force, Burlington Special Response Team, and the Burlington County Civil Response Team. His expertise extends to critical areas such as officer safety, vehicle pursuit training, community policing, and firearms instruction. He has been a steadfast leader in patrol operations, fostering professionalism and mentoring junior officers under his command.

Lt. Caruso has undergone extensive training, earning certifications in advanced tactical operations, incident command, SWAT, internal affairs, and active shooter response. His education includes prestigious programs like the West Point Command and Leadership Class and various courses in media relations, stress management, and gang awareness. These qualifications have enabled him to effectively lead his team while upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.

Born and raised in Burlington City, Lt. Caruso takes immense pride in his profession and community. A passionate advocate for community policing, he has instilled its principles in the officers he mentors. His commitment to fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community reflects his dedication to serving Burlington City with integrity and excellence.

Acting Lieutenant Robert O’Brien

Robert O’Brien serves as the Acting Lieutenant for the City of Burlington Police Department. He began his law enforcement career in 2008 after graduating from the Burlington County Police Academy as an alternate route candidate. Starting in Medford Township, Lieutenant O’Brien joined the City of Burlington Police Department in 2011, where he has since built a diverse and accomplished career.

During his tenure, Lieutenant O’Brien has served in the Patrol Division, operated as a member of the Special Response Team (SRT), and worked as a Field Training Officer before advancing to supervisor of the Field Training Program. He was also a member of the C.R.I.M.E. Unit and the Detective Bureau, gaining valuable tactical and investigative experience, and served as a firearms instructor to uphold high standards of safety and proficiency within the department.

Lieutenant O’Brien is a graduate of the prestigious New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy. In his current role, he oversees the Patrol Division and departmental training, ensuring operational effectiveness and professional development for all personnel. As an Active Shooter Response Instructor, he collaborates with local organizations to provide civilian training and develop response protocols that enhance community safety.

Lieutenant O’Brien’s extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to excellence embody the mission of the City of Burlington Police Department: to serve and protect the community with integrity and professionalism.

Acting Lieutenant David Matthews

Acting Lieutenant David Matthews embarked on his law enforcement career with the City of Burlington Police Department in 1999 as a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer. His exemplary service led to his full-time appointment at the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department in 2001. He graduated from the Burlington County Police Academy in April 2003, earning a promotion to Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer in Burlington City. In December 2003, Acting Lieutenant Matthews was appointed as a full-time Police Officer in the Patrol Division. While serving in this Division he was assigned to the Traffic Unit, teacher of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, the Motorcycle Unit, Crime Scene Investigator, and Certified as an Accreditation Manager.

In July 2016, Acting Lieutenant Matthews’ leadership and commitment were recognized with a promotion to Sergeant. His tenure as Sergeant saw him take on additional responsibilities as a TAC Officer and elevated to Supervisor of both the Traffic Unit and Motorcycle Unit, along with several other internal responsibilities.

A lifelong resident of Burlington, Acting Lieutenant Matthews is a proud alumnus of Burlington City High School, class of 1987. His pursuit of excellence in leadership was further solidified in 2017 when he successfully completed the prestigious NJ State Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy.

Promoted to the rank of Acting Lieutenant in December 2024, he is currently undergoing comprehensive training in all aspects of Police Administration, ensuring operational effectiveness, proper training, and professional development for all Officers. He has extensive experience and a commitment to excellence which embraces the mission of the City of Burlington Police Department. He is poised to continue his exemplary service and leadership in law enforcement for the City of Burlington.