TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Mayor Peter Calamari swore in Police Officer Jamie Daugherty at the Feb. 2 Township Council meeting before more than a dozen fellow officers and an audience of family and friends.
The Washington Township Police Department now has 22 officers, including Chief Arsenio Pecora and the department’s newly promoted command staff. Pecora replaced John Calamari, who retired after 32 years’ service.
Daugherty’s three children held the Bible as her husband stood beside her. The room responded with applause, and Pecora pinned Daugherty’s badge.
Pecora said Daugherty emerged as the top candidate following an extensive process that began last year. “She was number one and that’s why she’s here today,” Pecora said. “She put her best foot forward and that’s why we’re happy to have her here.”
Pecora said Daugherty began her law-enforcement career in 2018 as a dispatcher/telecommunicator with the Clifton Police Department, serving four years. In March 2022, she was sworn into the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, where she served 3 1/2 years and graduated from the Essex County Police Academy, Pecora said.
He said Daugherty spent two years in the sheriff’s patrol division, “demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety and community service.”
“We are excited to welcome her to our WTPD family and look forward to her serving this great community,” Pecora said.
Daugherty holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kean University with a minor in psychology.
The hire comes weeks after the mayor and council cheered newly promoted Capt. Michael Glock, Lt. Richard Parsells, Sgt. Michael Ferrarini, Sgt. Christopher Osenbruck, Cpl. Peter Vereb, and Cpl. Michael Sinatra. Cheers greeted new township P.O. Justin Boesch.