Roselle Park swears in John Fitzgerald as police lieutenant

The Roselle Park Borough Council on May 11 adopted Resolution 109-26 promoting Sergeant John Fitzgerald to the rank of lieutenant in the Roselle Park Police Department and administered his oath of office.

The move was approved by roll call, with five votes in the affirmative and one member absent. After the resolution, Fitzgerald repeated the oath and addressed the council and attendees, thanking Chief Fino, Mayor Signorelli, the town council and supervisors and mentors who supported his career.

The police chief reviewed Fitzgerald’s background for the assembled guests, saying Fitzgerald graduated from Old Bridge High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kean University, completed the Mercer County Police Academy in 2009 through the alternate route program and was hired by Roselle Park in 2012. Over his tenure he has worked patrol, community policing, served in the detective bureau (including juvenile detective duties), acted as a first-line supervisor and was promoted to sergeant in 2023. Officials noted he serves as the department’s lead firearms instructor, has taken on the department’s drone pilot responsibilities and has received several commendations, including life-saving awards. Fitzgerald also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Old Bridge Fire Department.

Fitzgerald told the council he aims to “lead with fairness, accountability, consistency, professionalism, communication” and to support officers under his supervision. Councilmembers and residents in the audience applauded after the oath and remarks. The council did not attach additional directives to the promotion; the resolution took effect upon adoption.

The council covered this item during its consent agenda and recessed into regular department reports afterward.