New Police Chief Appointed In West Orange: Feula Takes Reins From Abbott

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A changing of the guard has taken place at the West Orange Police Department.

On Monday, West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney announced that WOPD deputy chief Matthew Feula has been appointed as chief.

Feula is taking the reins from James Abbott, who recently retired after more than 45 years with the township.

Feula has racked up more than four decades of service as a law enforcement officer. He joined the department in 1985, was promoted to sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 2003, captain in 2005 and deputy chief in 2014.

A statement from the township provides some additional details about Feula’s qualifications:

“A graduate of West Orange Mountain High School, Chief Feula has continued to advance his professional education throughout his career. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute School of Police of Staff and Command, the Fairleigh Dickinson University Certified Public Manager program, the West Point Command and Leadership Program, and the prestigious FBI National Academy (Session 221) in Quantico, Virginia. Chief Feula’s service has been recognized through numerous awards, including one Medal of Merit, two Medals of Excellence, two Lifesaving Awards, two Essex County PBA Conference Awards, along with multiple departmental commendations—and even a memorable baby delivery, a testament to the many ways he has impacted lives throughout West Orange. His leadership extends beyond the Township as an active member of the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Academy Association.”

McCartney praised Feula’s background and said that he “embodies the very best of public service.”

“His decades of experience, his commitment to professional excellence, and his deep roots in our community make him the ideal leader for this next era of the West Orange Police Department,” McCartney said.

“We look forward to his steady leadership and his vision for strengthening safety, trust, and community partnership,” she added.

• See Related: West Orange Violent Crime Rate Is Below State Average, FBI Data Shows

ABBOTT RETIRES

Feula was among the township officials offering Abbott well-wishes on his retirement.

“Chief Abbott has led this department with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our community,” Feula said.

“Under his leadership, we have grown stronger, more unified, and better prepared to face the challenges of our profession,” Feula said. “He set high standards not only for the work we do, but for how we treat one another and the public.”

Abbott was appointed to the West Orange Police Department in 1980 and took the helm as chief in 1997.

West Orange township officials released the following background about Abbott’s career:

“Under Chief Abbott the WOPD launched several groundbreaking initiatives that gained statewide and national recognition. He designed and implemented the Volunteer Civilian Domestic Violence Response Team and established two community-based police substations in West Orange. These subsequently served as models for community policing across New Jersey. He also championed the development of a nationally acclaimed School Resource Officer program. During his tenure, the WOPD earned distinction as a Flagship Agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), reflecting the department’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

“In addition, Chief Abbott played a significant role in shaping law enforcement policy at both the state and national levels. In 2006, he was appointed to the New Jersey Death Penalty Study Commission, where he cast a historic vote in favor of abolishing capital punishment. His expertise and perspective have led to numerous interviews, legislative testimony in New Jersey and Maryland, and invitations to participate in panel discussions across Europe, Dubai, and Washington D.C.

“Chief Abbott’s influence has long-reaching effects and extends police training standards statewide. In 2010, he was appointed to the New Jersey Police Training Commission, where he continues to serve as a State Commissioner, helping guide the professional development, accountability, and readiness of New Jersey’s law enforcement officers.”

• See Related: West Orange Police Chief Is Retiring After 45 Years With Township

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