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Galloway, N.J. — The swore in nine new officers and recognized others for their outstanding service in a ceremony July 29 in the Campus Center Event Room. 

Stockton President Joe Bertolino shared his pride at how each of the new officers decided to take an oath to serve, protect and lead with integrity in their new roles on campus.

“You are joining a department that is not only skilled but deeply committed to building trust, showing up with empathy and forming relationships across our campuses and our region,” Bertolino said. “You’re not just enforcing the law, but you’re helping shape the kind of community we all want to live and learn in.”   

Bertolino also recognized Stockton Chief of Police Tracy Stuart, saying “the department has thrived under her new leadership.”

Retired Chief Glenn Miller echoed his praise for both Stuart and the department, encouraging the new cohort of officers to continue helping her move the department forward.

“Stockton Police has been around since 1971 and has always been focused on the safety of the students and campus community,” Miller said. “Stockton has always been one of the safest campuses in New Jersey, thanks to the strong bonds that have been developed between students, staff, faculty and the police. That community service has been the tradition of this police department, and I know Chief Stuart will enhance that.” 

Shortly before Superior Court Judge Julie E. Nugent swore in the nine officers, Stuart shared her sense of honor in the promotions of Giovanni Maione and Anthony Lacovara within the SUPD.  

Maione rose through the ranks in his 23 years with the department and is now captain of the force. Lacovara, who has worked in the SUPD for 19 years, was provisionally appointed to the role of lieutenant.

“As all of us rise to the next level, we’ll see a high performing individual come in and say, ‘Someday, I’ll have your job,’ not by stealing, obviously, but through working hard, striving for it and achieving it. I will always look forward to those days when our next generations move into these upward positions,” Stuart said of Maione and Lacovara.

Muriel Lao of Keyport, a 2024 Stockton alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, said of being sworn in, “Hard work pays off.”

Lao, now hopes to pursue her master’s degree at Stockton now that she’s an officer in the SUPD. She was also the recipient of the Chief’s Resiliency Award, which was presented to her during the awards portion of the program. 

"I would like to give a big thank you to a supportive family who is always there for me. Through my ups and downs, they stuck by my side," Lao shared. "The Stockton team has been there for me since the beginning. A positive minded crew to lean on when things got rough throughout the academy." 

“The members of this department have much to be proud of in the work they do in service to the university community and in making positive contributions to student success,” Stuart said. “I am both grateful for and proud of this team.”

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Lizzie Nealis

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