Officer Used Park Ranger Experience as Springboard to Join New Brunswick Police Department

NEW BRUNSWICK – Officer Kyle Zielinski – a 21-year-old, fresh-faced rookie in the New Brunswick Police Department – never knows what’s waiting for him as sets out to patrol the city on the overnight shift.

Frequently, though, when he responds to car accidents, domestic disputes, disorderly persons reports or some other incident, someone will recognize him.

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That’s because Zielinski served as a member of the city’s park ranger staff for about four months before pursuing his lifelong ambition to become a cop.

His time as a park ranger, however, has served as a springboard to a new career as a member of the NBPD.

“You learn a lot about the city,” Zielinski said about his time with the park rangers. “You learn a lot about the people in the city, the community. It was cool to talk to the residents in a friendly way and learn about them.

“I see people all the time working (as a cop), and they’re like, ‘Oh, you were the park ranger,’ ” he added.

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Zielinski was one of the first eight civilians hired as a park ranger when the city introduced them in spring 2023. They were created to be the city’s eyes and ears in its 17 parks and recreational facilities, handling the opening and closing of the parks, noting if playground equipment had broken and making sure garbage cans weren’t overflowing.

And as much as he enjoyed being a park ranger, Zielinski was eager to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. After all, since he was a little kid he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Robert, who’s a lieutenant on the East Brunswick Police Department.

“I always looked up to my dad (as a cop) and it has always interested me,” he said.

So as he served as a steward of the city’s parks, he was also beginning the process of becoming a cop.

Zielinski’s graduation from the police academy in Cape May in January was a proud moment, as his dad pinned his badge to his chest.

Before long, he was out on the streets of New Brunswick, keeping the city safe and secure for those who live, work and visit here. He described the first several months on the job as “fulfilling.” For example, he helped recover personal items such as computers that had been taken after several houses and cars had been broken into.

“We were able to get a bunch of the stolen belongings back and get them to their owners, so that was really nice, really cool,” Zielinski said.

He said his time with the park rangers, where he honed his interpersonal skills and got a greater understanding of what public service is all about, still serves as an invaluable lesson.

“It’s always a great advantage when a city employee transitions from another field to become a police officer,” said Chief Vincent Sabo. “Their prior experience, whether in public safety, community service or another role, adds a unique perspective that strengthens our department. Officer Zielinski exemplifies this, bringing valuable insights from his time as a park ranger, which enhances his approach to law enforcement and community engagement.”

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