Sgt. Jamie Silva retired last month after 21 years in Longport. Chief Frank Culmone presented him with a plaque.
LONGPORT - Recent changes in the Police Department include the retirement of a long-time officer, a new recruit and the promotion of the department's first female officer.
On Wednesday, Feb. 16 the borough said farewell to Sgt. James F. Silva III, who retired Jan. 31 after 21 years on the force.
Silva served as a patrol officer for 13 years before being promoted to sergeant in 2015. He is a certified EMT, served as a field training officer, internal affairs investigator, DARE officer, motorcycle officer and was the department's grant coordinator. He receive numerous awards and commendations during his career and served as secretary of the Longport PBA.
Silva said being a police officer in Longport was his "dream" job.
"I always wanted to be a Longport cop...it has been an honor to work here," he said.
Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler administers the oath of office to Patrol Officer Jonathan A. Saggese.
Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler swore-in Jonathan Saggese as a full-time patrol officer. Saggese has worked as a special law enforcement officer since November. The Linwood resident attended Mainland High School and received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Stockton University in 2018. After graduating from the police academy, he worked as a seasonal special law enforcement officer in Ocean City.
Many of her family members were there to see Shaune Slattery, the department's first female officer, promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Family members surround Shaune M. Slattery as she takes the oath of office for the rank of sergeant.
Police Chief Frank Culmone said Slattery always asks lots of questions.
It's in her nature to want to learn, he said.
Culmone said being promoted to the rank of sergeant is the most rewarding promotion during an officer's career.
You're still part of the crew but thinking in a different capacity, he said.
Slattery has worked at the Longport Police Department for eight years and has served multiple roles, including physical fitness instructor, Naloxone coordinator, Uniform Crime Report assistant, field training officer, domestic violence liaison and is a member of the Child Abduction Response Team.
