Public Safety Continues to Expand in Jersey City as both the Police and Fire Departments Welcome their newest Members at Swearing in Ceremonies this week

JERSEY CITY –Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea continue to expand the Jersey City Police Department, welcoming 9 recruits today at a swearing in ceremony inside City Hall Council Chambers.  Half of the new officers represent minority populations, holding true to the entire department’s makeup since this administration set out to add focus on diversity recruitment.

“More than half of the police department is now made up of minorities,” said Mayor Fulop.  “We’ve worked hard to get to where we are today, and will continue efforts towards recruiting a diverse department – one that reflects this city, the most diverse in the nation.”

This latest class of recruits, combined with 56 others finishing the academy, brings the Jersey City Police Department to a total of 952 sworn officers, surpassing this administration’s goal for continued expansion.  The added officers will aid efforts to increase police presence and walking patrols, community outreach, crime deterrence, and diversity recruitment initiatives.

“We made it a priority to expand the police department, reaching historic levels this city hasn’t seen in several decades, so we can strategically deploy our officers and increase public safety citywide,” said Director Shea.  “And we have another class of 18 recruits beginning their training at the academy later this month.”

Also being sworn in this week will be the Jersey City Fire Department’s newest members at a ceremony inside Council Chambers at 11 a.m. on Friday.  A total of 13 recruits will be assigned to their firehouses after 5 months of training, including a 3-month EMT certification course.  The newly sworn members will bring the department total to 599 uniformed firefighters and superiors.

“The Jersey City Fire Department responds to 1,300 fires a year,” said Mayor Fulop. “Adding to our elite roster of fire department personnel ensures we are providing our residents with quality and timely emergency response in instances where every second counts.”

Since 2013, over 200 firefighters have been hired under Mayor Fulop.