2 Women Officers Join Chatham's All-Male Police Department

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Township welcomed two new police officers, Carolina Kopacz and Jessica Cortez, who were sworn in Thursday night.

They are the first women hired as officers in three years and will be the only women officers in the 23-officer department.

Kopacz and Cortez will replace two male officers who are retiring, Sgt. Dan Papa and Officer Michael Sawyer.

Kopacz and Cortez start at the Morris County Police Academy on Monday and will train for approximately 21 weeks, through June 9, Chief Thomas Miller told Patch.

Before testing and applying for the position in September, Kopacz worked as a special law enforcement officer with the Rutherford Police Department. She was also employed as a dispatcher for the city of Englewood and borough of Westwood, according to her department biography.

Cortez, who also went through the application process in September, worked as a security officer for the private security company SSC. She was also a fitness instructor with Jersey Strong, according to her official biography.

Kopacz grew up in Rutherford and graduated from high school there. She earned a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University after double majoring in criminal justice and sociology.

While a student at Rutgers, Kopacz was part of the women’s volleyball team, where she was a starting setter and outside hitter. She coached volleyball after graduation.

Cortez grew up in East Brunswick, where she also graduated high school, and was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

She earned her associate's degree in homeland security studies from Middlesex County College and a bachelor's degree from New Jersey City University in national security studies. Cortez was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at New Jersey City University.

The process to hire officers includes several interviews, a rigorous background check and a physical fitness component, Miller said.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.