Caldwell Names New Police Chief

Lt. James Bongiorno has been promoted to officer in charge of the effective immediately.

Bongiorno will serve as acting chief through the end of the year and will become chief effective Dec. 31, 2011. His annual salary has been set at $130,000.

At Tuesday night's council meeting, Peter Murray, chair of the Public Safety Commitee, said the appointment was the result of an internal search by the council. He said as acting chief Bongiorno will be responsible for day-to-day activities of the force.

"I have a great group to work with and the possibilities are endless," Bongiorno said after Tuesday night's meeting.

Bongiorno, 38, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2003 and became a lieutenant in 2008. He joined the department in December 1996. Bongiorno lives in Byram with his wife and their two children.

Bongiorno said he does not intend to change the make-up of the force, which currently consists of a chief, two lieutenants, five sergeants and 12 patrol officers. He did say he would consider growing the detective bureau, which currently consists of one detective.

Chief Dombrowski announced his plans to retire in October after serving on the  force for 28 years. Dombrowski's retirement becomes official on Dec. 31, 2011. His last day reporting to work was Friday, Nov. 18.

Promotions are not over for the Caldwell Police Department, according to Bongiorno. While he moves up to the position of chief, a lieutenant position becomes vacant. In turn, there will be a sergeant vacancy, assuming one of the current five sergeants is promoted to lieutenant. Bongiorno said Tuesday that 10 of the 12 patrolmen on the force are seeking promotions.