Mayor Steven Fulop, Jersey Police Department Director Tawana Moody, and Public Safety Director James Shea swore in 30 new police officers inside City Hall Council Chambers.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
During the early portion of the ceremony, Mayor Steven Fulop commended the city council for increasing the police department’s budget.
“That’s part of the reason we’ve seen the city become safer every year. We have a debt of gratitude to you because of the sacrifices you are making for the next couple years and the next couple decades,” he said to the crowd.
“It’s not lost on any of us sitting up here the sacrifices they will have to make day in and day out, days when you will want them to be at home, birthdays, holidays, weekends, and instead they’re going to be fulfilled their chosen responsibility to serve the residents of Jersey City.”
He also said Jersey City had the best police department in not just the state, but the country, crediting the officers values and professionalism.
“It really is a model for everywhere else in the country. We are living in difficult times with important conversations around what police departments should be and can be in this country.”
Police Director Tawana Moody and Deputy Chief Nick Flora also addressed the crowd on hand at the City Hall ceremony.
“I’m just so proud that you’re joining an outstanding police department. You guys have been trained to be ready for the streets but remember: safety first. If this is the first holiday where you don’t see them, there’s going to be many more,” ” said Moody.
“The many sacrifices that law enforcement families make every single day does not go unnoticed,” noted Flora.
He noted they are the second class to graduate from the Hudson County Public Training Center.
“Now more than ever, the public demands and our department needs officers who are prepared every single day to, take on the challenges with the highest point of professionalism,” Flora added
“You are taking on the sacred responsibility to serve and protect the people of this great city. It will require you to go into harm’s way. Do what is right even when it is difficult. And even when you think no is watching, never compromise your integrity.”
Public Safety Director James Shea commended the new class of recruits, while Class President Michael Osei acknowledged that they knew what they signed up for.
“We understand that this lifestyle change that we’re undertaking is one that’s filled with untold danger, split-second decisions, and a lifelong dedication of service to others,” said the president of the academy class Michael Osei.
This class includes four women, 14 Hispanic officers, 11 white officers, and three African American officers and the next class of 45 recruits will start their academy training at the end of this month.
Jersey City swore in the last police academy class in June.
Council President Joyce Watterman, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, and Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, as well as Hudson County Commissioner Anthony Romano (D-5), a former Hoboken police captain, were present for the ceremony.
