City of Linden introduces its new police police chief.
Captain David Hart today was named as the next Chief of the Linden Police Department.
According to officials, Hart will succeed outgoing Police Chief Jonathan Parham, who announced his retirement last week.
Hart, who recently celebrated his 30th year of service with the department, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Kean University. He currently serves as the Department’s Administrative Captain, and has previously served as head of the Investigative and Uniform Services Divisions. Over 22 years of his career, however, were spent in Patrol as part of the Uniform Services Division.
“Dave’s many years of experience, particularly in planning and emergency response; street patrol; coupled with police and community partnerships make him the ideal candidate to lead at this time, said Mayor Derek Armstead. “I am confident Dave will continue building on the improvements we have seen throughout the police department,” he added.
Hart also served as a Deputy Coordinator in the city’s Office of Emergency Management for 13 years until he was named Coordinator in 2016. He is one of the few Municipal Coordinators in the state of NJ to be certified as an Emergency Manager, and has worked locally as a Certified Paramedic for the past 30 years. He has been a member of the Union County Pipes & Drums since it was started in 2001.
“I want to thank Chief Parham for his leadership over the past year,” said Hart. “I am very proud of this department and all that we have accomplished, and I am humbled at the opportunity to lead these men and women serving our community.”
Parham will retire December 31st after 25 years of service.