People came in droves to see the Oct. 21 promotion of police officers at City Hall.
Family and friends cheered as officers were sworn in to their new ranks, the first promotion ceremony in Jersey City since 2012, filling ranks of retiring police – more of which are expected to be announced in the near future.
JCPD promotions are made through the use of a promotion list. Officers are ranked based on their score on a civil service examination, which is held every three years.
“This reflects the diverse population and the increasing population of the city,” said Mayor Steven Fulop, who attended the event along with Director of Public Safety James Shea and recently appointed Police Chief Philip Zacche.
Promotions included sergeants, lieutenants, and deputy chief positions.
Shortages in various ranks are seen as one of the contributing factors to increasing overtime costs, officials noted, and promotions, along with the proposed new table of organization, are seen as a way of addressing the problem.
“The new table of organization also reflects the needs of the city,” Fulop said. “I want to thank the families of these officers, people who stand behind them.”
“These are the officers that will accept responsibility in the future.” – Director of Public Safety James Shea
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“We have a relatively young force,” he said. “These are the officers that will accept responsibility in the future.”
Promoted to the rank of deputy chief were Mark Hussey and Charles Nierstedt.
Promoted to the rank of captain were Mark Cowan, Neil Donnelly, Anthony Genova, and Frank Sprague.
Promoted to the rank of lieutenant were Vincent Glenn, Shaun Petersen, Wade Hazekamp, Raymond Mahan, Thomas Engleke, Scott Schnee, Edward Nestor, Christopher Robatueau, Thomas Tuohy, George Rotondo, Mark Prior, Lawrence Quish, Steven Trowbridge, Patrick McCarthy, Anthony Musante, Martin Bouteloupt, Kevin Kot, Vincent Cook, Robert Kearns, Terrance Crowley, Michael McKerry, Timothy O’Brien, Francisco Williams, Timothy Ackerley and Joseph Sarao.
Brothers sworn in as lieutenants
Two brothers were both promoted to lieutenant at the same time, William and Joseph Olszewski.
They joined the Jersey City Police Department together in 1997.
“We lived together for about four years, and we took tests for a number of police departments. But we lived in Jersey City and really wanted to be police officers here,” Joseph Olszewski said. “We’re like night and day. He’s more disciplined when it comes to studying. So when we take tests, he’ll study a 100 hours a week. He scored about a point and a half above me.”
William was promoted to sergeant a few months before Joseph, but Joseph made detective before William.
“We never really worked together,” he said. “We worked different shifts. But Mayor Fulop noticed. When I got up to be sworn in as a lieutenant, he said, ‘There are two of you?’ He was laughing.”
The new rank will bring on new duties overseeing patrol and sergeant, he said.
“You might say we’re now middle management,” Joseph said.
Promoted to sergeant
Promoted to the rank of sergeant were Juan Bonet, Eddie Nieves, Marey Phillips, Alexander M. Rivera, William Jackson, Titus Johnson, Keith Armstrong, Kelvin Fayton, and Marjorie Jordan.
Currently the department has about 780 officers overall. Shea said ideally, he would like to have about 950.
“I’d be happy if we can bring the number up to 900,” he said.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.