The Hoboken Police Department promoted four to lieutenant and three to sergeant at a City Hall ceremony this afternoon with family and dignitaries present.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Sgts. Ed Sellick, Alex Gonzalez, Luke Zeszotarski, and Josh Velez were promoted to the rank of lieutenant, while detectives Tyler Soto and Ryan Houghton, along with Police Officer Michael Straten, earned the rank of sergeant.
“These seven individuals are leaders, mentors, and role-models, who I am proud to call my colleagues, partners, and brothers. These promotions and the quality of these candidates are a glimpse into the future of the Hoboken PD, and right now, that future is shining bright,” Police Chief Steven Aguiar said in a statement.
“As we publicly honor and thank these seven brave men for their dedication today, we extend that gratitude to their families. Policing is not an easy job, but these new lieutenants and sergeants have not let that stop them from going above and beyond to keep Hoboken safe,” added Public Safety Director Kenneth Ferrante.
Also during the ceremony, the City and Police Department honored retired Lt. Walter “Wally” Wehrhahn for his five decades of service to Hoboken.
Wehrhahn spent 36 years with the Hoboken Police Department earning five commendations for distinguished performance of duty. After retiring from Hoboken PD in 2010, he continued to serve the community in a civilian capacity, by managing the PD’s vehicle fleet.
“I congratulate all seven of the honorees today, on their well-deserved promotions. I am proud to support, and am eternally grateful for, every single member of the Hoboken Police Department for their ongoing commitment to upholding safety and serving our community,” noted Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
I’m sure these people are all worthy of their promotions, but we never learn what this will cost the city of Hoboken. With a large budget increase being proposed, could we have postponed some of these increases? We need to start controlling costs somewhere.