Three new police officers join the ranks in the City of Hoboken

The Hoboken Police Department swore in three new police officers today, Feb. 9. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar joined David Chicara, Keven De La Cruz, and Shawn Sodora as they took their Oaths of Office at Hoboken City Hall before their friends and family.

"The Hoboken Police Department works tirelessly to enforce our laws and ensure our community’s safety, and these new officers will be a fantastic asset to the department,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Being a police officer is not easy, but I know I speak on behalf of residents when I say thank you for your dedication and service to the City of Hoboken.”

“We welcome and appreciate these three new officers for making the commitment to protect and serve the residents of Hoboken,” said Director Ferrante. “I am confident their backgrounds and previous experience in the law enforcement community will make an outstanding addition to our department and City.”  

“I’m honored to welcome these officers to our team,” Chief Aguiar said. “They are among the best and brightest and I look forward to working with all three as we continue to keep Hoboken, its residents, visitors, and businesses safe.” 

Officers Chicara, De La Cruz, and Sodora previously served as part-time police officers for other municipalities. They recently completed the Monmouth County Police Academy for full-time police officer training and will now enter Hoboken Police Department’s field training program. Upon completion of the field training program, the officers will be assigned to the Department’s Uniform Patrol Bureau which responds to approximately 100,000 calls a year. Uniform Patrol Officers respond to emergencies, requests for police services, and quality-of-life issues, and conduct proactive patrols and traffic enforcement stops.

The new officers include:

• David Chicara, 26-years-old, of Cliffside Park attended the Passaic County Police Academy as a Class II Police Officer in 2020 and worked as a part-time officer with the Union City Police Department. Officer Chicara is also an assistant soccer coach for the Cliffside Park High School varsity team.
• Keven De La Cruz, 25-years-old, of Union City attended the Passaic County Police Academy as a Class II Police Officer in 2021. He was a part-time officer with the Union City Police Department. Officer De La Cruz was also Head of Security at the Union City Housing Authority.
• Shawn Sodora, 24-years-old, of Hasbrouck Heights completed the Passaic County Police Academy as a Class II Police Officer in 2020 and has worked with the Hackensack Police Department since 2018.

These new officers will help the city fill vacancies left by recent retirements. Individuals interested in joining the Hoboken Police Department can learn more at  www.hobokenpdnj.gov. The next police entry applications cycle will launch in spring 2023.