New Police Chief Takes Over In Point Pleasant

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Point Pleasant Borough's police department officially underwent a change of command on Saturday, as Adam Picca took over as police chief.

Picca's promotion to police chief was approved at the Sept. 26 Point Pleasant Borough Council meeting. He replaces Robert Lokerson, whose retirement became official on Sept. 30.

Picca, who was promoted to captain in December 2020, when Lokerson was promoted to police chief.

Picca is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a veteran member of the Point Pleasant Police Department, Mayor Robert Sabosik said.

"He dedicated his life to service," Sabosik said, calling Picca "an outstanding individual" in requesting the council's approval of the promotion.

Also promoted at the council meeting was Christopher Leonhardt, from lieutenant to captain, filling Picca's position.

Sabosik presented Lokerson with a plaque and thank him for outstanding service to the borough and its residents, setting the standards for the department, which Sabosik said is one of the best around.

Lokerson thanked Sabosik and the council, along with the officers who worked for him and with him over his 25-year career.

"I look forward to staying in the community and being interactive in the community," Lokerson said. "I thank everyone who has crossed my path."

Councilwoman Antoinette DePaola said there will be additional promotions, but the borough is waiting for the list of scores on the state's Civil Service exam, which is used to determine who is the top candidate for various positions in the police department.