68 Promoted Newark Cops Are ‘Largest Group’ In Decades: PHOTOS

NEWARK, NJ — Almost 70 Newark police officers received promotions during a public ceremony at St. Lucy’s Church last week, authorities say.

The Aug. 24 ceremony in Newark’s North Ward included Mayor Ras Baraka, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and newly installed Police Chief Darnell Henry.

• See related article: Newark Welcomes Native Son As New Police Chief

During the ceremony, two deputy chiefs, 12 captains, 35 lieutenants and 19 sergeants were promoted, officials said.

"This is the largest group of officers promoted within the Police Division in over a decade," Ambrose stated in a news release prior to the event. "We are now rebuilding the police department, which had been depleted in 2010. The new promotions increase accountability and supervision within our ranks, which had also been lacking. There's a common denominator among the choices we made in selecting the men and women who will be promoted… outstanding leadership.”

Photos: City of Newark Press Office