HILLSDALE, N.J.—Lt. Travis Woods was sworn in as Hillsdale’s new police chief shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, following the Borough Council’s 6–0 vote approving his appointment.
Woods succeeds Sean Smith, who retired April 1.
The swearing-in took place after the council approved a consent agenda resolution confirming Woods as chief. Woods had served as officer-in-charge since last summer. A formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for the July 8 council meeting, according to Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali.
“The consent agenda is passed and we have a new chief of police. Congratulations,” said Mayor Michael Sheinfield, prompting applause.
The council also approved Woods’s employment contract, which required clarification around Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’ve requested a copy of the final contract.
According to Resolution 25150, the governing body found Woods to “meet and exceed all qualification requirements” for the position, adding that he is fully capable of fulfilling the role of chief and leading the department forward.
Woods, a U.S. Navy veteran who saw duty as an operational intelligence specialist, joined the Hillsdale Police Department in 2014 and has served as patrol officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.
He is a longtime member of the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team and has held such key department roles as firearms instructor, active shooter instructor, and internal affairs officer. He made lieutenant in January 2024.
Woods told Pascack Press on May 7, after the council said he was their pick for the job, “I am honored to serve the dedicated men and women of the HPD, as well as the residents and the community at large. I am deeply grateful to be part of an organization that cultivates leadership and embraces accountability from within. Together, we will continue to build a safer, stronger community.”
To hit the ground running
On May 13, Ghassali noted that once officially sworn in at the July meeting, Woods will begin filling command staff vacancies, with additional promotions and ceremonies to follow.
During council comments near the close of the meeting, several council members expressed their support and confidence in Woods’s leadership.
John Ruocco, a former two-term mayor, said “The mayor and council were impressed with his candidacy and thought it best to fill the position quickly.”
He added, “The primary reason for government is the protection of its citizens, and because of that, the role of the police chief is incredibly important. It’s in the best interest of the community for the candidate to have the governing body’s unanimous support, which was demonstrated this evening.”
Melissa Mazza-Chiong also offered congratulations: “Happy National Police Week. I want to thank all law enforcement for keeping us safe and for your commitment to our communities.”
Council President Clemente Osso told Woods in part, “Having worked with you the last three weeks, I have nothing but great confidence in your ability to lead the department. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Justin Fox, a police lieutenant in Haworth, extended “my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Woods on his well-deserved appointment. His unwavering dedication to public safety, commitment to building trust within our community, and proven leadership make him an outstanding choice for this critical role.”
Fox said, “HPD officers and our residents deserve leadership that listens, leads by example, and works collectively to build a safer, stronger community. I’m confident that with Chief Woods at the helm, we are taking a major step toward maintaining the culture and credibility of the Hillsdale Police Department.”
Councilman Robert Colletti Jr. added, “Congratulations to Chief Woods. All the best.” ‘Under the authority of the people…’ Borough clerk Denise Kohan facilitates, and Mayor Michael Sheinfield officiates, swearing in Travis Woods as Hillsdale’s new police chief on Tuesday, May 13. Borough of Hillsdale photo.