Maplewood swears in Naima Malloy as first woman chief of police

Naima Malloy was sworn in as chief of the Maplewood Police Department at a July 21 ceremony attended by elected officials, police officers and community members.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem sung by Officer Akia Gillard and a prayer from Minister Rendell Snelling. Mayor Victor DeLuca welcomed Malloy and praised her community‑oriented approach, saying the township is "proud to call you our chief" and that he had watched her career develop over two decades.

Malloy thanked the township committee and described the moment as collective. "This is our moment to start a new beginning, to do it better, to move with intention, to have a fresh direction and a new perspective," she said, promising to continue efforts to make the department more inclusive and community focused.

Speakers at the event highlighted a multi‑decade policing career and the township’s stated intention, years earlier, to diversify the force. Members of the committee and local officials repeatedly expressed support for Malloy’s leadership and said they expect the department to strengthen community partnerships.

The ceremony included remarks and a formal hand‑off recognizing the service of the outgoing chief, identified in the transcript as Chief Sally, who thanked colleagues and encouraged officers to pursue advancement. The committee also recognized the volunteer work of Symone Kelly, an EMT honored with a proclamation for providing emergency care during a public celebration.

The township immediately followed the ceremony with its regular committee meeting, where elected officials continued routine business including ordinance votes and administrative reports.

Malloy’s swearing‑in marks a leadership transition for the Maplewood Police Department. The township said it will host a reception after the event and that the police and township leadership will work together on priorities in the coming months.