The Hoboken Police Department honored three retiring officers and promoted six others during a ceremony at City Hall earlier this week. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar joined the honorees and their families to celebrate those moving up the ranks and to thank the retirees for their decades of service.
"All three retirees represent the best of Hoboken, and we are privileged to have had their service for a combined 80-plus years," said Mayor Bhalla. "The promoted officers have earned the honor of their new ranks and I commend them on this renewal of their commitment to the City and its residents."
“The men promoted today are the future of the Hoboken Police Department,” said Director Ferrante. “They are already leaders in the law enforcement community and will continue to protect and serve the City, with bravery and honor."
"I have known most of these men my entire career, in some cases longer, and call them not just my colleagues and friends, but also my family,” said Chief Aguiar. “I thank not just the Officers, but also their families for years of sacrifice. To the retirees: you leave a big hole in the heart and soul of the Police Department, but I know I can speak on behalf of the entire community when I wish you all the best in whatever comes next for you."
During the ceremony, Danilo Cabrera was promoted to the rank of Captain. Joseph Lucignano and Richard Torres were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Francis McCourt, Adam Colon, and Wilfredo Gomez were promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
The retiring officers include:
Detective Edward Lepre: Det. Lepre started his career as a Class II special part-time police officer on Aug. 15, 1995 and was sworn-in as a full-time police officer on Dec. 19, 2002. Throughout his career, Detective Lepre was a part of various assignments including the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Waterfront/Parks Unit, and the Investigations Bureau. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation.
Police Officer Armando Caraballo: Officer Caraballo started his career as a Class II special part-time police officer on Aug.15, 1995 and was sworn-in as a full-time police officer on Nov. 15, 1999. Throughout his career, Officer Caraballo was part of various assignments including the Uniformed Patrol Bureau and the Traffic and Transportation/ Motorcycle Unit. Officer Caraballo often dedicated his personal time to charitable causes within the community and to PBA Local 2. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation.
Police Officer David Montanez: Officer Montanez started his career as a Class II special part-time police officer on Aug. 15, 1995. On Oct. 2, 1997, he was sworn in as a full-time officer. Over the years, Officer Montanez worked various assignments including the Uniformed Patrol Bureau, the Auto Theft Task Force, the Traffic and Transportation/ Motorcycle Unit, and the Bureau of Identification. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation.
