HISTORY - Town of Dover's Past and Present Police Officers by last known rank.

(If any information appears inaccurate please email Chief Delaney at delaney@doverpolicenj.org)

 

Chiefs of Police

Charles W. Bowlby (1897 - 1898) - He was deposed by the city counsel. The principal charge against him was an alleged failure to expunge from the police docket certain entries which reflected seriously on special officer Wm. Byram and the city council had directed him to expunge (per newspaper reports). After leaving Dover, he was appointed the jail night watchman in Morristown by Sheriff Whitfield Gillen in February of 1914 but quit later that year. 

James Hagan (4.27.1898 - 1901) First official police officer to serve the Dover Police Dept. In the 1900 Federal Census he was listed as the Town Marshall at the age of 50. In the 1910 Census he was listed as a Justice of the Peace and age 60.  In 1915 state census was listed as Police Justice but is listed as passing away in April 1920. 

Ethelbert Byram (1901 - 1921) – served as Police Chief through the early 1900s. In 1921 he resigned to became the Morris County Sheriff. He was a Spanish-American War veteran and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He ran for Morris County Sheriff in 1920 on the Republican ticket and won, serving for multiple years in the early 1920s. He subsequently died in retirement on September 25, 1948 and is buried in Locust Hill Cemetery in Dover. 

Charles U. Counterman* (Nov. 1921 -1934) was hired on Dec. 23, 1913 and became Police Chief on Nov. 14, 1921. He was elected a member of the National Police Conference, which was under Federal authority and maintained by Federal funds. He ran for Morris County Sheriff in 1932 but lost and planned to run again the next election. He was connected to many fraternal organizations including the Free & Accepted Masons, Elks, Moose, Rotary, Red Men, Haymakers, Tall Cedars and the Dover Unit Consolidated Sportsmen. He subsequently died in office in March 1934, prior to retirement, at his home on Pequonnock Street at age 52. 

James T. Hart (1934 - 1944) he was hired on Dec. 21, 1921, promoted to Sergeant in 1928, promoted to LT in 1931 and became Police Chief on March 26, 1934. Bad health caused him to retire from the Police Department in March 1944. During his career, he was cited for outstanding rescue work in the explosion at Lake Denmark in 1926 and in 1932 single handedly disarmed a man who had attacked him in an attempted robbery. He was a member of the Eagles, Moose, and Kiwanis clubs of Dover and served as a member of the Dover Area Emergency Fuel Commission during World War II. He subsequently died on June 3, 1949 at his home on Resevoir Avenue. 

John J. Valley (1944 - 1959) – he was hired in 1923 and was promoted to Police Chief in 1944. He was a veteran of World War I and served in the Army for 16 years. During World War II he developed one of the state's best organized Civil Defense set-ups and received national recognition for his work. He passed away at the age of 73 years old  while residing on Guy Street. 

Louis Voelker* (1961 - 1972) - hired in January 1935. He served as detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief before being named Police Chief on January 3, 1961. He proudly served the Police Department for 37 years. He organized the Hilltop Athletic Club and served as its President for 15 years. He also served as the Director of the local Police Athletic League and member of the Elks and Moose clubs. He was under pressure to resign because of his age in 1971, when he was about to turn 65, but the Mayor and Board of Aldermen decided to retain him as Chief on a year to year basis until age 70. He passed away at the age of 66 in 1972. 

Le Roy Buchanan (1972 - 1977) - Prior to serving the Dover Police Department he served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. 

Anthony N. Mackron (1977- 6.30.1981) He was reported to be the first civil service police appointee hired under civil service competitive exams. He also established the Detective Bureau of the Dover Police Department. He retired after serving for 34 years, the last 4 years as Police Chief. He was a member of the Kights of Colombus, Elks Lodge, and Rotary Club. He served in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. He died at the age of 83 in November 1999. 

Michael Matyola (7.1.1981 - 1982) Sworn in as Police Chief on July 1, 1981 after Anthony Mackron stepped down, Chief Maytola was a 32 year veteran of the force. He retired in June 1982 after being out on sick leave due to health problems. He served in the Air Force during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion and East Penn Sporting Association. He died at the age of 77. 

John Albinson* (1982 - 1988) he joined the force October 16, 1959, promoted to Sergeant in 1969, Lieutenant in 1973, and Police Chief July 13, 1982. He served in the navy during the Korean War. He was a founder of Tri-County Police Benevolent Assocation and first chairman of the Morris County PBA. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 782; Acacia Lodge 20 Free & Accepted Masons as a 32nd degree Mason; VFW, William Hedges Baker American Legion Post 27; member of Engine Company 1 of Dover Fire Department. He died at the age of 58 while still serving as Police Chief. 

Edward Casey (1988 - Feb.1991) - Served the Police Department for 29 years.  He was the head of the Detective Division for 15 years. He was a Captain for only 3-months when Police Chief Albinson died and he was then promoted to the rank of Police Chief. He was the recepient of the State American Legion Valor Award for an act of heroism after he and fellow officer Raymond Porphy ran into a burning building to rescue the occupants. He also received the Silver Cross, Honorable Service Award, Chiefs Award, Lifesaving Award, the Medal of Honor, and the Good Conduct Citation. He was also an Army veteran. He was a member of the Dover Elks and PBA Local 107. He subsequently died October 29, 1994. 

Carmen Pennella (January 1991 - March 1991) After being promoted Police Chief he was subsequently demoted to the rank of patrolman. Over the years following he was promoted back through the ranks and retired at the rank of Lieutenant. 

Richard Burdge - (March 1991-August 1991) An outsider who was appointed as a 6-month interim Chief. 

Brian Kelly (08.12.1992 - 2001) badge # 101 - he was a lifelong Dover resident who joined the Dover Police Department in 1978. In 1992 he was promoted to the rank of Police Chief which he held until he retired. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and PBA local 107. He passed away at the age of 47 in 2004. 

Harold "Butch" Valentine (2001 – 12.01.2015) badge #104 - Began his Dover Police career in May 1982 after an 18-month stint with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. He was officially promoted to the rank of Police Chief on June 25, 2001 after acting as interim Chief since Chief Kelly went out on terminal leave. He served in law enforcement for approximately 35 years. 

Anthony Smith (12.12.2018 – 2019) badge # 119 - Began his Dover Police career in 1990. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2008, promoted to Lieutenant in 2015, went from Lieutenant to Deputy Chief of Police on July 25, 2017, skipping the rank of Captain. He then was appointed Police Chief on December 12, 2018. He served as Police Chief until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2019. 

Jonathan E. Delaney (2021 – Present) badge #186 (Officer-in-charge since 2020) Began his Dover Police career on January 1, 2009. He was promoted to Sergeant in February 2016, was promoted to Lieutenant in July 2017, and promoted to Captain in December 2018. In the beginning of 2020 he assumed the role of Officer-in-Charge of the Dover Police Department and was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief  in May of 2020 even though there was no Chief of Police at the time.  On April 13, 2021 he was subsequently appointed Chief of Police of the Dover Police Department. 

Deputy Chiefs of Police

  • Charles “Chaz” E Ripley – (Deputy Chief in 1952)
  • Harold Ericson
  • Justin Gabrys, badge #172

Police Captains

  • John G. O’Brien
  • Michael Murray, badge #102
  • Steven Padula, badge #105
  • Robert Kerwick, badge #114
  • Peter Ugalde, badge #116
  • William Newton, badge #180

Police Lieutenants

  • John W. Hart (as of 1921)
  • Alphonse Murray
  • Joseph Petrzelka
  • William Dabbs
  • Marvin Grant
  • Frank Maytola
  • William Hovey
  • Richard Riley (Chief of Detectives, Morris County Prosecutor's Office)
  • Mark Bostrom, badge # 103
  • Daniel Pedernera, badge #106
  • John Capello, badge #107
  • Gary Fields, badge #110
  • Carmen Pennella, badge #112
  • Joseph McGuire, badge #117
  • Francis Coppinger Jr. badge #137
  • Barry Young, badge #144
  • Oxmani Corona, badge #182
  • Joseph Camacho, badge #179
  • Michael Pier, badge #181
  • Charles Peterson, badge #173

Police Sergeants

  • John T. Gallagher (as of 1921)
  • Leo Brennan
  • John Mericle
  • Raymond Zuccheri
  • Charles Schebendach
  • John Holinko
  • Mark Bostrom
  • Montique McCarthy
  • Robert Lupia
  • Bruce Cole, badge #113
  • Edward O’Rourke, badge #120
  • William Woodhull, badge #122
  • Andy Milonas, badge #123
  • Richard Gonzalez, badge #125
  • George Rettas, badge #127
  • Christopher Metzgar, badge #138
  • Sharon Whitmore, badge #139
  • Anthony Scinto, badge #158
  • Jonathan Cachola, badge #185
  • Anthony Liguori, badge #195
  • Krzystof Wojtylo, badge #196
  • Paul Wilkes, badge #175
  • Mario Tamariz, badge #202
  • Boris Sanchez, badge #219

Police Officers / Detectives

  • Harry C. Fine - Motorcycle Police (as of 1921)
  • George Younmans - Motorcycle Police (as of 1921)
  • Walter D. Burns (as of 1921)
  • Russell Vanderhoof (listed on 1925 directory with DeShazo)
  • Thomas DeShazo, badge #1 – Killed in the line of duty, May 22, 1930.
  • Joseph Wall
  • Leo Crosbie
  • Samuel Wood
  • Norman Murray (Went to NJSP 1949)
  • Michael Welch
  • William Grossman
  • Howard Estler
  • Edward Broadback
  • Richard Burdge
  • Donald Brill
  • W. Haverman
  • Paul Horutz
  • James McAllister
  • Arthur Cooper
  • Raymond Porphy
  • William Dyer
  • Walter Drexel
  • Francis Coppinger
  • Felix Saldana
  • Robert Lester
  • Edward J. Trainor
  • Manuel Lorenzo
  • James Gambosi
  • Donald Barker
  • Frank Poolas
  • Gary Adams
  • Michael " Mickey" Thiel, badge #111
  • Arthur J. Ohlsen III, badge #115 – Killed in the line of duty, December 30, 2003.
  • Steven Brennan, badge #118
  • Nancy Drexel, badge #121
  • Keith Smith, badge #124
  • James Pritchard, #126
  • Joseph Bostrom, #135
  • Walter Michalski, #136
  • William McCarthy, # 141
  • Michael Kernor, #142
  • Joaquin Negron, #143
  • Bryan Flammia, #145
  • Thomas O’Reilly, #148
  • Louis Sperry, #150
  • Harry Ruiz, #151
  • Aldo Cicchetti, #152
  • Vincent Galgano, #174
  • Steve Hart, #176
  • Timothy Thiel, #177
  • Jose Matos, # 178
  • Oscar Suarez, #183
  • Dakota Keyworth, #197
  • Ulises Corona, #198
  • Jonathan Echevarria, #199
  • Christopher Caraig, #201
  • Raziel Aragon, #203
  • Joel Gotera, #204
  • Ilmi Bojkovic, #205
  • Joseph Dodd, #210
  • Samuel Berthoud, #214               
  • Alexander Echevarria, #215
  • Juan Concepcion, #216
  • Francisco Aragon, #217
  • Robert Fenske, #218
  • Michael Cordes, #221
  • Dennis Marte, #222
  • Anthony Kelly, #223
  • Anthony Morin, #224
  • German Liranzo, #225
  • Joseph Lobue, #227
  • Emmanuel Padilla, #228
  • Rubens Moreau, #229
  • Errick Williams, #230
  • Christopher Krasnick #231
  • Kristopher Martinez #232
  • Joshua Gregoli #233
  • Christian Fuentes #234
  • Michael Cannon #235

 

Special Officers and Parking Enforcement Officers

  • Rockwell Ward (1950s)
  • Harry Melroy (1950s)
  • Thomas Smith (1950s)
  • Oscar Riley (Parking)
  • Stephen Zipko
  • Danny Rotundo Sr.
  • John Rotundo
  • George Schroeder
  • Siracusa
  • Anibal Casanova
  • Charles Schebendach Sr. (1960s)
  • Clayton Jenkins
  • Phyllis Hansen
  • Rose Provost
  • Joan Knutzelman
  • John A. Dawdy
  • Raymond Eastman
  • George Beatty
  • John Agront
  • Donald Eslter
  • Clarence Perry
  • Richard Lansing
  • Fred Ferrone
  • Nathaniel Blackman
  • Charles Wilson
  • James Harley 
  • Wm Doyle
  • Thomas Segond
  • Mark Gaffney #77
  • Tony Marro #79
  • William Thompson - #128
  • Hank Gaffney – #129 (parking)
  • Joan Smith – #140 (parking)
  • Roy Southern - #146
  • Brien Pennella - #147
  • Paul Porfido - #149
  • Syris, #153
  • George Reinart - #154 (parking)
  • Mike Hulmes - #155
  • Thomas Miller - #156
  • M. Sevek - #157
  • T. Albine - #159
  • I. Ramirez - #160
  • D. Rogoski- #161
  • George Milonas - #162
  • J. Benyo - #163
  • W. Craven - #164
  • C. Yarton - #165
  • M. Hatzimihalis #166
  • Fucci - #169
  • Lerner #170
  • Cotero #171
  • Tina Ayala - #184 (parking)
  • James Rice - # 187
  • Avelino Nino - #188
  • James Pritchard Jr. - #189
  • Joseph Darocha - #206
  • Jordan Lecato - #207
  • Brian Geisler - #208
  • Jarrod Dillard - #211
  • Vincent Zenna - #212
  • Keith Arentowicz - #701
  • Thomas Caccavale - #702
  • Charles Campbell - #703
  • Anthony Morin- 704 
  • Fiore Purcell - #705 
  • Ryan Spender - #706
  • Joseph LoBue #707
  • Andrew Perez #708
  • Robert Fisher #709
  • Harold Ruiz #710
  • Christopher Krasnick #711
  • Miguel Gatica #712
  • Louis Sperry #150 (Retired & came back as a SLEOII)
  • Kristopher Martinez #713
  • Dominic Hink #714
  • Christian Fuentes #715
  • Mark Zacchini #716 ((Retired MLPD & came back as a SLEOII)