New Police Chief, Captain Sworn In To Lacey Police Department

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Police Department has entered a new era under the leadership of its newest chief of police and captain.

The new Chief Christopher Kenny and Cpt. Paul Sullivan were sworn in at the Tuesday night Township Committee meeting, as a crowd of police officers, their families and supportive residents looked on and cheered.

"I'm excited to move forward with our department, with our organization, moving forward to the future," Kenny told the audience.

Kenny, a lifelong Lacey resident, graduated from Lacey Township High School in 1992. He decided he wanted to be a police officer and attended Ocean County College, Stockton and Seton Hall University, receiving a graduate degree and postgraduate degree.

He joined the Lacey police in May of 2000 in the department's patrol division. Kenny was promoted to sergeant in 2004, where he had many different responsibilities. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2014.

"I'm humbled and honored to be given this opportunity," Kenny said, thanking his family, friends and fellow officers, some of whom he had gone to the police academy with.

"I make this vow to the community," he said. "I've always been dedicated to this community and I always will be dedicated to this community and all the residents."

Kenny called Sullivan his right hand man, and the Committee said the two came together as a true team to present their vision for the department.

Sullivan, also a lifelong Lacey resident, is a third generation police officer. His father retired from the Lacey Police Department.

He joined Lacey police in 2001 and spent the first 12 years of his career in the patrol division. He was promoted to sergeant in 2014 and lieutenant in 2016.

"This is a completely humbling experience," Sullivan said.

The Committee shared their well-wishes for the two, thanking them for their service.

"Our officers are going to thrive under your leadership," said Deputy Mayor Tim McDonald.

Committeewoman PeggySue Juliano got emotional as she spoke, sharing how her husband, the late Mayor Nick Juliano, was one of the biggest police supporters.

"If it wasn't for each and every one of you this year, I wouldn't have gotten through," she told the officers.

"I'm so happy to have the two of you and all of your command staff and all your officers and support staff here protecting the people of Lacey Township," Mayor Mark Dykoff said.