7 New Auxiliary Officers Join Caldwell Police Department

Seven Caldwell auxiliary officers will be joining the police force and working the streets starting this week. 

The newest addition to the Caldwell Police Department took their oath of office at the Caldwell Council meeting on Tuesday. These are the only auxiliary officers in the department, and Chief of Police James Bongiorno said the force was happy to have them.

“This is a great group,” said Bongiorno. “You stuck in there and you all stuck with me we were able to get them through the training course this year. ... It’s a true testament to their hard work and passion to give back.” 

The all-volunteer crew recently finished a 12-week training program at the Essex County College Police Academy. They will begin working this week and patrol with regular duty officers at the West Essex Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Monday, May 27, said the chief of police. 

But Bongiorno said their beat is not limited to parades and festivals. The auxiliary officers will perform foot patrols at local sporting events and parks, and assist during townwide emergencies. 

While these auxiliary police are not official officers, Bongiorno said they will be some of the first candidates considered when the department looks to hire.

“This is a great opportunity for them,” said Bongiorno. “A lot of them do want to get into this full time.”

The Caldwell Police Department auxiliary police officers are: 

Jacob Pohlman, of Totowa 

Thomas Lucin, of West Caldwell

Christopher Scheper, of Verona

Alyssa Kirby, of Verona

Theresa DaSilva, of West Caldwell

Ryan Peter, of West Caldwell

David Lagan, of Caldwell