Kearny Police Dept.
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.
Officer Of The Year
Jose Perez Fonseca
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.
| Name | Year(s) |
| George King | 1988 |
| Anthony Gouveia | 1989, 2003 |
| John Plaugic | 1990 |
| Sidney Lowry | 1991 |
| Richard Poplaski | 1992 |
| Scott Macfie | 1993 |
| John Dowie | 1994 |
| Paul Dispoto | 1995 |
| Kevin McConnell | 1996 |
| John Taylor | 1997 |
| James Mackintosh | 1998 |
| Thomas Silkie | 1999 |
| Stephen Podolski | 2000 |
| Robert Turkowski | 2001, 2008 |
| Timothy Wagner | 2002 |
| Timothy Castle | 2004 |
| Charlie Smith | 2005 |
| Steven Hroncich | 2006 |
| Francisco Norat | 2007 |
| Michael Gonzalez | 2009, 2013 |
| Neil Nelson | 2010 |
| Raymond Lopez | 2011 |
| John Fabula | 2012, 2018 |
| Paul Bershefski | 2014 |
| Michael Andrews | 2015 |
| Richard Poplaski Jr | 2016 |
| David Bush | 2017 |
| Jonathan Dowie | 2019 |
| Anthony Oliveira | 2020 |
| Sean Kelly | 2021 |
| Ryan Stickno | 2022 |
Founded in 1889 by town ordinances, the Kearny Police Department began with Chief William Tolen, two sergeants, and eight patrolmen.
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.
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.
