Operations Division
Commander – Lt. John Bird #84
Lt. Bird was hired by Burlington Township Police Department in 2006, as a Patrol Officer. During this time, he was a member of the Traffic Safety Unit, Community Resource Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Adopt-A-Cop, Field Training Officer, and Radar Instructor. In 2014, Lt. Bird was assigned to the Investigative Bureau where he worked as a Detective. In addition, Lt. Bird was selected as Officer of the Year for 2014. Lt. Bird was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2016, and returned to the Patrol Bureau as a Patrol Sergeant. In 2019, Lt. Bird was assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau. In August 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assumed the role of Administrative Division Commander. He is currently assigned as the Operations Division Commander overseeing the Patrol Bureau and Community Resource Bureau. Lt. Bird is currently the Senior Sworn Law Enforcement Officer as well as the departments Public Information Officer.
Lt. Bird is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 290, which he completed in June 2024. He also earned his Certified Public Manager designation in June 2023 and graduated from the Command and Leadership Academy in January 2018.
Professional Standards Division Commander – Lt. Taylor Holba #92
Lt. Taylor Holba began his law enforcement career in 2008 at the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department. In 2012 he became a member of the Burlington Township Police Department. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Lt. Holba was a Sergeant in the NJ Air National Guard (2001-2013). Lt. Holba was assigned to the Patrol Bureau from 2012 to 2019. During that time, he was a member of the Traffic Safety Unit and Adopt a Cop Program as well as a Field Training Officer. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as a supervisor for 3 years in the Patrol Bureau prior to his assignment to the Professional Standards Bureau. In July 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. The Professional Standards Bureau was reorganized as a Division and Lt. Holba was given command. Lt. Holba is also a Firearms Instructor and supervises the Firearms Unit. Lt. Holba was formerly the President of Burlington Township FOP Lodge #84.
The Professional Standards Division is tasked with ensuring that all members of the police department perform their duties in accordance with all applicable statutes, guidelines, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and current industry standards. The Division is responsible for accreditation, planning and research, and training.
Administrative Division Commander – Lt. Christopher Zier #112
Lt. Zier is a life-long resident of Burlington Township and graduated from Burlington Township High School in 2012. Lt. Zier then attended Burlington County Community College where he earned an associated degree in Business Administration in 2014. From there, Lt. Zier attended La Salle University in Philadelphia where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2016. After graduating, Lt. Zier was employed by the Burlington Township School District as a substitute school teacher. While employed with the school district, Lt. Zier was hired by the Burlington City Police Department and completed the Special Officer Class I academy.
Lt. Christopher Zier was hired by the Burlington Township Police Department in August of 2017 and graduated the Gloucester County Police Academy in December of 2017. Lt. Zier was assigned to the Patrol division from 2018 to 2024. During his time in the patrol division Lt. Zier became a field training officer, a certified physical fitness instructor, and a member of the bicycle patrol unit. In June of 2024, Lt. Zier was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was as a patrol supervisor. In September 2026, he was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lt. Zier is currently assigned as the Administrative Division Commander. He currently oversees the Records Bureau and Internal Affairs.