The Union City Police Department swore in Walter Laurencio as their 16th chief during a ceremony at the Esther Salas Academy on Thursday afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Chief Laurencio is the 16th Police Chief in the 100-year history of the Union City Police Department, a milestone that reflects both his dedication to this profession and his deep commitment to the community he serves,” the department wrote on social media.
“Chief Laurencio began his law enforcement career with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office before being hired by the Union City Police Department in 1999. He is a proud graduate of the Essex County Police Academy, Class 99-3. In 2025, he further distinguished himself by graduating from the FBI National Academy, Session #295, a prestigious program recognized worldwide for developing law enforcement leaders.”
Additionally, Laurencio has served in the Community Policing Unit, Narcotics Task Force, and Patrol Division, also being a part of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) since their inception in 2004.
He was sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas and he succeeds Police Chief Anthony Facchini, who retired in November after 27 years of service.
State Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack, the city’s public safety commissioner, noted that Laurencio is the city’s first hispanic police chief.
“Proud day in Union City! Today we swore in our first Hispanic Chief of Police Walter Laurencio,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Union City Police Department is in great hands and the residents of Union City are fortunate to have him lead our Police Department. Congratulations to Walter and his family on this great achievement.”
