Sheriff's Officers with City Ties Sworn Into Hoboken Police Department

The Hudson County Sheriff's Office's loss became Hoboken's gain last week, when two sheriff's officers with deep ties to the Mile Square City transferred into its police department.

Ramon Estrella, 31, and Brandon Fitzgibbons, 27, were sworn in as Hoboken Police officers Friday afternoon at a small ceremony in City Hall Council Chambers attended by Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Police Chief Anthony Falco, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari and the officer's families.

"I just want you to do as good a job for Chief Falco and the people of Hoboken as you’ve done for the last four years with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and the people of the county," Schillari said after each officer took his oath. "Always be respectful, treat everyone the way you want to be treated and your career will flourish.” 

Estrella and Fitzgibbons, who graduated together from the 2010 Jersey City Police Academy class and have served the past four years as sheriff's officers, will begin patrolling in Hoboken shortly. Both officers said they had always wanted to work in Hoboken, but that an opening wasn't available when they came out of the academy.

“This was kind of like a once in a lifetime opportunity," Fitzgibbons, the nephew of former city Democratic Chairman and Hudson County Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons, said of transferring into the department. "Things happen for a reason. This came along so we took it.”

Estrella, a Hoboken High School graduate who currently lives in Jersey City, said he was glad to be back and able to serve the community where he grew up.

"I’m just glad to be home," Estrella said. “Even when I was working [for the sheriff's office] I opted for duties and details that were down in Hoboken, so it only feels right coming back home.”

Falco said he was pleased with his two new officers' experience with the county and welcomed them to the force.

“All I ask of you is to be fair to our residents, be loyal and be respectful and I think we’ll get along just great," he said.