Bayonne Police Department Promotes New Leadership at Swearing-In Ceremony

The Bayonne Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, October 1, to promote Joseph Scerbo to Chief of Police, Andrew Quinn to Deputy Chief, and six officers to the rank of sergeant.

The ceremony, held in the City Council Chambers, opened with remarks from Mayor Jimmy Davis, who thanked outgoing Chief Robert Geisler for his seven years in the role and praised him as “a great chief.” Davis acknowledged the families of the promoted officers and commended the work of Deputy Chief Quinn and Chief Scerbo.

Public Safety Director Robert Kubert highlighted Geisler’s thirty-year career and praised Scerbo’s leadership, stating, “He just did it.” Addressing the new sergeants, Kubert said Scerbo set “an example you would do well to follow.”

Council Members At-Large Loyad Booker and Juan Perez offered congratulations. Perez, a former neighbor of the Scerbos, said, “Your leadership skills will benefit the city of Bayonne.”

Geisler commended Quinn’s fairness and described Scerbo as “a cop’s cop” who “made everyone around him a better cop.”

Chief Scerbo, now the department’s twenty-second chief, said, “It is the greatest honor of my career to stand before you today.” He laid out a vision centered on community policing, organizational excellence, and officer wellness. Scerbo said he would prioritize mental health resources, expand community outreach programs, and continue ethics training for officers.

Scerbo joined the Bayonne Police Department in 1992 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2020. He previously served in multiple units, including narcotics, traffic, and counter-terrorism. He has also worked as an instructor and holds several commendations.

Deputy Chief Quinn, appointed in 1999, has served in internal affairs and special investigations. He was named Knights of Columbus Officer of the Year in 2002.

The six new sergeants are Kyle Davis, Damon Galano, Deana Mendez, Joseph McDonough, Nicholas Lawson, and Sean Crowley. Their assignments include traffic, evidence, narcotics, and patrol, with several officers recognized for military service and department awards.

The ceremony featured music from the Bayonne Police Department Pipes and Drums, an honor guard processional, and blessings from Rev. John Fencik and Rev. Dorothy Patterson.