Essex County Graduates 25 Officers

Essex County welcomed two-dozen new officers Thursday night at a special graduation ceremony at the Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove.

Parents, relatives, friends and fellow officers beamed proudly and snapped countless photos as the 25 members of The Special Law Enforcement Officers Class of 12-1 marched into the auditorium.

“Take pride in the law enforcement profession, it is good work,” said Academy Director Rocco Miscia in a letter to the graduates. “Most importantly, have the wisdom and humility to realize that there is always room for self-improvement.”

The graduation was a culmination of six months and 700 hours of training from September 2012 to April 2013, said Paul Costello, associate director of the Essex County College Police Academy.

“While at the Police Academy you received intensive classroom instruction and rigorous field training which have prepared you to carry out your duties safely and efficiently,” said Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura. “I am extremely confident that you will serve our citizenry with dignity and respect and that you will uphold the magnificent tradition of the Essex County Sheriff's Deputy Division.”

After the ceremony, the newly graduated officers gave pats on the back, hugged and congratulated their fellow officers before their families began to swarm in for photos.

Officer Zachary Lancaster of Denville, who received the merit award as well as the physical fitness award, stood with his family at the conclusion of the ceremony. Only one officer in each graduating class is elected by their peers to receive the merit award.

“It was a huge honor, especially receiving the merit award,” said Lancaster.

Lancaster said his inspiration to go into law enforcement came from his brother, Thomas Lancaster, who served in the Marines. The two brothers remain close despite 13-years difference in age. 

“It's awesome, I'm just really proud,” Thomas Lancaster said of his brother. “It's a great feeling to see him graduate and the ceremony was very well done.

The graduates of the Special Law Enforcement Officers Class of 12-1 are as follows:

• Anthony Aulita
• Christoher Barral
• Edward Blue
• Michael Camporeale
• Oscar Carrera
• Anthony Cunder
• Peter Denis
• Gregory DiGuglielmo
• Brian Eitner
• Dylan Gonzalez
• Rocco Guerriero
• Tyrone Huggins
• Maurice Johnson
• Michael Kula
• Zachary Lancaster
• Melissa Maione
• Blagoja Mileski
• Anthony Molino
• Dinis Oliveira
• Teresa Orzel
• Michael Principe
• Michael Shore
• Michael Sinatra
• Pablo Solano
•  Timothy Stringer