The Hoboken Police Department swore in three new police officers at a City Hall ceremony this afternoon, welcoming Shawn Sodora, David Chicara, and Keven De La Cruz to the force.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
All three new officers attended the Passaic County Police Academy as a Class II Police Officer in either 2020 or 2021.
“The Hoboken Police Department works tirelessly to enforce our laws and ensure our community’s safety, and these new officers will be a fantastic asset to the department,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Being a police officer is not easy, but I know I speak on behalf of residents when I say thank you for your dedication and service to the City of Hoboken.”
Chicara, 26, of Cliffside Park, worked as a part-time officer with the Union City Police Department, as did De La Cruz, 25, of Union City, who also served as part-time officer for the UCPD. He was also the head of security for the Union City Housing Authority.
Additionally, Sodora, 24, of Hasbrouck Heights, had been with the Hackensack Police Department since 2018.
“We welcome and appreciate these three new officers for making the commitment to protect and serve the residents of Hoboken,” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante.
“I am confident their backgrounds and previous experience in the law enforcement community will make an outstanding addition to our department and city.”
Upon completion of the field training program, the officers will be assigned to the Department’s Uniform Patrol Bureau which responds to approximately 100,000 calls a year.
Uniform Patrol Officers respond to emergencies, requests for police services, and quality-of-life issues, and conduct proactive patrols and traffic enforcement stops.
“I’m honored to welcome these officers to our team. They are among the best and brightest and I look forward to working with all three as we continue to keep Hoboken, its residents, visitors, and businesses safe,” stated Police Chief Steven Aguiar.
These new officers will help the city fill vacancies left by recent retirements. Individuals interested in joining the Hoboken Police Department can learn more at www.hobokenpdnj.gov.
The next police entry applications cycle will launch this spring.
