ABOUT

Kearny Police Dept.

FOUNDED IN 1889

Our Mission

At the Kearny Police Department, we are committed to serving our community with integrity, fairness, and dedication. Our mission is to protect Kearny from harm, uphold the rights of our citizens, and work collaboratively to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

2025

Officer Of The Year

Det. Jordenson Jean

Celebrating exceptional dedication and service, our Officer of the Year award recognizes the outstanding achievements of an individual who exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement.

This honors not just professional excellence, but also the courage, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in our community.

NameYear(s)
George King1988
Anthony Gouveia1989, 2003
John Plaugic1990
Sidney Lowry1991
Richard Poplaski1992
Scott Macfie1993
John Dowie1994
Paul Dispoto1995
Kevin McConnell1996
John Taylor1997
James Mackintosh1998
Thomas Silkie1999
Stephen Podolski2000
Robert Turkowski2001, 2008
Timothy Wagner2002
Timothy Castle2004
Charlie Smith2005
Steven Hroncich2006
Francisco Norat2007
Michael Gonzalez2009, 2013
Neil Nelson2010
Raymond Lopez2011
John Fabula2012, 2018
Paul Bershefski2014
Michael Andrews2015
Richard Poplaski Jr2016
David Bush2017
Jonathan Dowie2019
Anthony Oliveira2020
Sean Kelly2021
Ryan Stickno2022
Jose Perez Fonseca2023
Angel Baez2024
Det. Jordenson Jean
HISTORY
Founded in 1889 by town ordinances, the Kearny Police Department began with Chief William Tolen, two sergeants, and eight patrolmen.
 
Patrolmen worked three shifts, covering 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department’s structure evolved over the years, with Walter Oliver becoming chief in 1920, overseeing a force of approximately 40 officers. Notably, Philip T. Bell served as chief from 1924 to 1939, concurrently serving as president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
 
John Helmsley succeeded Bell, leading the department until 1953. During World War II, a Civilian Reserve Corps bolstered the force, ensuring protection for the industrial section known as South Kearny. Chiefs Carl Berg, James Hanna, and Fred Wandras led the department through the 1950s and 1960s. Wandras oversaw the growth of the force to 100 officers during the turbulent 1960s.
 
Chief Paul Mulligan took over in the late 1960s, followed by Chief Chester Potter until 1980. After a period of restructuring, John Dowie assumed command in 1998, overseeing a period of decreased crime rates until his retirement in 2017. 
MEMORIAL

Officer Fabian C. Eklof

  • End of Watch: Monday, December 29, 1930.
  • Killed in an automobile accident while on duty.

Officer William Flack

  • End of Watch: Thursday, November 1, 1928.
  • Killed in a motorcycle accident while providing an escort for New York’s Governor Alfred Smith during his presidential campaign in New Jersey.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Start Your Journey in Law Enforcement

Pursuing a career as a police officer provides a unique opportunity to serve the community, uphold justice, and be a part of a respected and dedicated team.

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