Hoboken Police Promote 5, Consolidate Dispatch Operations

HOBOKEN, NJ — The city of Hoboken recently promoted five police officers and announced plans to merge police, fire, and emergency medical services dispatch operations.

The move will bring emergency communications personnel together in one location to improve efficiency and coordination, streamline operations, and reduce future costs, the city said.

Under the current structure, 9-1-1 calls are received by an outside dispatch center, before being rerouted to local dispatchers with either Hoboken Police Department, Hoboken Fire Department, or EMS based on the call. The City hopes to build on the merger, and eventually establish a centralized emergency communications center.

Dispatchers will begin cross-training to handle calls across all public safety divisions. Combining operations will reduce response times and save money through attrition, as positions that become vacant after retirement or resignation won't be backfilled.

"This is an important step toward strengthening communication and coordination among our public safety divisions and making the best possible use of our resources," said Mayor Emily Jabbour.

“In medical emergencies, fires, and crimes in progress, every second counts so ensuring these incidents can be reported with just one phone call, will help improve response times and save lives,” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante.

Five Promotions

Also today, the Hoboken Police Department announced five promotions to backfill positions within the department. During a ceremony at City Hall, Sgt. Roary Miller was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and Police Officers Ramon Calderon, Roberto Cuevas, Christopher Barral, and Jesse Castellano were promoted to sergeant.

"These superior officers have demonstrated their commitment to Hoboken and its residents through years of hard work and dedication," said Police Chief Steven Aguiar. "They are much needed in these positions and have earned the responsibility to take on these leadership roles. I'm confident they will continue to serve the residents of Hoboken with pride and professionalism."

The HPD is also in the process of hiring three new police officers who are currently attending the Hudson County Police Academy. These officers are expected to graduate and join HPD in March 2027, at which time they will begin field training, the city said.