Freehold Police Chief To Retire In July; Council Names Next Chief

FREEHOLD, NJ — Police Chief Craig Dispenza has announced his retirement from the borough force effective July 1.

The Borough Council has announced the retirement and confirmed the appointment of Lt. Christopher Colaner, who currently oversees the detective division, as chief upon Dispenza's retirement.

The appointment of Colaner was made unanimously with no comment from the council.

Councilman Jeffrey Friedman, in his later comments from the dais, expressed appreciation to Dispenza and the department, saying he has always "been there for the downtown and the community as a whole."

He said there will be time going forward to honor Dispenza, who has been chief since 2019, for his service in the department in many roles.

Friedman also congratulated Colaner on the new role he will assume.

Other changes have taken place in the department as well.

Recently, after 25 years of service, Officer Rolando Ensuar has retired. Dispenza and the rest of department saw him off recently on his "last call," with good wishes on the retirement.

The department is facing "multiple, pending retirements" this year, it said in a recent posting about job openings.

And on March 21, the department hosted it first-ever Freehold Borough Police Open House to inform prospective applicants about the department.

Lt. Rich Ciampa, who organized the event, said the department had an estimated 45 to 50 attendees, all with interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

"We recognize the reality of declining police applications in recent years, and we aim to connect with anyone who wants to learn more about our profession, provide useful information about the hiring process, and ultimately replenish our applicant pools here in the borough and throughout the state," Ciampa said.