The Jersey City Police Department swore in 28 new recruits at a ceremony at St. Aedan’s Church, located at 800 Bergen Ave. in McGinley Square, earlier this afternoon.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“Each and every day, you put your lives on the line to keep our city safe … It is the families and loved ones who sacrifice … it is not a small thing,” Mayor James Solomon explained.
“I believe public safety is the foundation of a just and affordable Jersey City … We can’t have a thriving West Side if residents are afraid.”
He added that police trust must be earned, while the administration must show up for them as well in order for the department to be successful.
“The people of this city deserve a police department as good as they are … This city has your back because we know you have ours,” Solomon also said.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy noted he’s a retired Jersey City police lieutenant who happened to retire on March 31st.
“Thank you for allowing the Jersey City Police Department to have your loved ones in the world … You have a rough road ahead. Be conscious of your commitment. Be loyal to the oath you’ll be taking. Remember this is. It’s not a job. It’s a public service,” Guy advised.
He added that he wanted to work with Solomon on building affordable housing for city employees with Solomon.
“Remember, you’re no longer a citizen. You’re a police recruit prepared to guard public safety,” declared Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, who noted that this class will graduate in August.
“You have successfully navigated a very long road to get here. You are no longer just individuals: You are the Jersey City Police class of 2026,” Police Chief Robert Kearns added.
He emphasized that it will be crucial to lean on each other and work as a team to conclude the ceremony.
Council President Denise Ridley and At Large Councilwoman Mamta Singh, Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa, and County Registrar Jeff Dublin were among the other elected officials in attendance.
The new recruits are Julian Tellez, John A. Tomei, Diego Candelario Collado, Douglas A. Chanquin, Brandon A. Parra, Pooja Patel, James J. Miller, Manuel I. Noel, Jacob J. Perry, Jose J. Rivera, Jaime Tlatelpa, Omar M. Mansour, Geoffrey E. Origines, Edward L. Kelleher, Milton J. Lopez, Kiara Peguero, Kevin Nguyen, Nicholas A. Roncaioli, John B. Faltas Jr., Thomas Girgis Ishak, Harwinder Singh, Brennan Trowbridge, Elio Severino De La Cruz, Capone Z. James, Anthony Castillo, Jean Carlos Ortiz Melendez, Justin L. Morales, and Dineen N. Rackley.
Jobs dead kids, find a better department. Dont let the smoke and mirrors fool you.
I thought Solomon was going to defend the police? At least that’s what the rabid cop union presidents claimed.🙄