Cheers Erupt From Crowd as New Cranford Police Captain is Sworn In

A standing room only crowd filled council chambers Tuesday night to congratulate James Wozniak as he was sworn in as captain of the Cranford Police Department.

The Cranford Township Committee officially approved the promotion of Capt. Wozniak two weeks ago, but it wasn't until the April 9 meeting that he took the ceremonial oath of office before a crowd of more than 100 spectators ranging from fellow police officers and community members to those involved in the local PAL, of which Wozniak serves as president.

Township Clerk Tara Rowley, Police Chief Eric Mason, Commissioner Kevin Campbell and members of Wozniak's family joined the new captain on the dias as he was sworn in.

"On behalf of the entire police department, we congratulate Capt. Wozniak on his promotion," Mason said in a brief statement following the ceremony.

Wozniak joined the Cranford Police Department in 1990, and served as a patrolman until 1999. He then worked as a member of the Detective Bureau and was promoted o the rank of sergeant on Oct. 1, 2002. In December of 2005, he earned the rank of lieutenant, first for the patrol division, and later for the Detective Bureau, a position which he currently holds.

Members of the Township Committee and local officials congratulated Wozniak during their comments at the end of the meeting. Commissioner Andis Kalnins caled Wozniak a "pillar of the community" and Township Attorney Daniel McCarthy said the new captain is a person of whom the entire community should be proud.

"He has served with distinction and as someone the township can be proud of," McCarthy said.

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