By: Richard L. Smith
The Summit Police Department recently celebrated a historic moment as Kathleen Maggiulli was officially sworn in as a Sergeant, making her the first female officer in the department’s history to attain the rank of supervisor. 
The promotion ceremony, held on Thursday, February 20, at Summit City Hall, was a proud and emotional occasion, attended by her fellow officers, family, friends, and city officials.
According to a statement released by Summit Police officials, the Council Chambers were filled to capacity as Maggiulli took the oath, marking a significant milestone in her 20-year career with the department.
Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan praised her dedication, saying, “This was a long time coming. She worked really hard to get here. When we interviewed her, she was incredible and a professional leader.”
Police Chief Steven Zagorski echoed this sentiment, adding, “Sergeant Maggiulli is a true asset to our organization, and I could not be prouder or more pleased to see her promoted to this position.”
A Career Defined by Service and Leadership
Sergeant Maggiulli’s journey to this leadership role has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community engagement.
She began her career in law enforcement in 2000, handling evidence intake for the Morris County Sheriff’s Department and later serving as a dispatcher with the Bernards Township Police Department.
In 2003, she graduated from the John H. Stamler Police Academy, earning the highest academic achievement award and recognition for excellence in constitutional law.
That same year, Maggiulli joined the Summit Police Department as a Patrol Officer, a position she held for nearly two decades before being assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2021.
Throughout her career, she has played key roles in investigations, crisis intervention, and community policing, receiving multiple awards, including the Summit Police Chief’s Award and three Unit Citations.
Beyond her investigative work, Sergeant Maggiulli has made a lasting impact through community outreach. She founded the Officer Kat’s Kids Program, was a police liaison for the Summit Police Athletic League, and regularly chaperoned the annual Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School STOKES trip.
She has served in specialized units, including Bicycle Patrol, Community Policing, and Traffic, and has undergone extensive training in crisis negotiation, crime scene processing, gang awareness, and handling emotionally disturbed individuals.
Her dedication extends beyond law enforcement, as she is actively involved in organizations such as the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement, the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, and the Summit Elks.
She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, with plans to graduate in 2025.
A New Chapter in Leadership
For Sergeant Maggiulli, this promotion is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of officers.
“It is a very humbling experience,” she shared. “It’s an opportunity that I’ve wanted and waited for, to be able to bring the experiences and knowledge bestowed upon me from the generations before to the next generation.”
Her leadership role officially begins on Monday, February 24, and her colleagues, city officials, and the community alike are eager to see the continued positive impact she will bring to Summit.
With a career built on service, dedication, and a passion for public safety, Sergeant Maggiulli’s promotion represents not only a personal achievement but a step forward in diversity and leadership within the Summit Police Department.
