Orange continues to increase police and fire strength without impacting budget. 5 new police officers and one new firefighter sworn in today. Three fire officers and Four Police Officers promoted.

In a ceremony today at City Hall at 1pm, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. swore in 5 new police officers and promoted three fire department officers and four policemen to sergeant. The new police officers and firefighter are fully trained and experienced so they will be able to go to work immediately without the necessity of receiving training.

All 5 police officers previously served in Newark and Paterson, where they were laid off the force due to budget problems. The firefighter was laid off from Old Bridge. The 6 were chosen from the Rice List, a tool created under legislation sponsored by State Senator Ron Rice D-Newark that maintains a registry of laid off public safety employees across New Jersey.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.:
“The hiress and promotions will not have any impact on the Orange budget. The new police hires are being paid for with funds freed up by retirements of senior police officials and the firefighter and fire promotions are made possible by work rule changes negotiated with the fire unions. Orange will continue to have no tax increase this year.
Today’s ceremonies follow the creation of a street crime unit, the rehiring of all of our laid office police still available for employment, the rehiring of 12 laid off firefighters, the hiring of 12 more and the deployment of new police technology; all done  as giant steps toward making the people of Orange safer without increasing spending or impacting property taxpayers.”

The five police officers are Victor Pickett Williams, James Edmund Rainforth, Nia Malika Hill, Ricardo Arias-Vasquez, and Rafael Emilio Campos. The new firefighter is Jeremy Cannon.

Based on a tentative agreement reached this morning between Mayor Hawkins, the Administration and the Union, four previously demoted officers,

Joseph Tortorella, IsaacEason, WilburBaptist and Aydil Olivera will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Upon ratification by the union the remaining officers will be re-promoted as per terms of the agreement.

About the fire department promotions:
Robert Manganelli: Fire Chief

Robert Manganelli was born in the City of Orange in 1958 to Roella and Peter Manganelli.  His family roots extend for over 100 years here in Orange.  Chief Manganelli has been happily married to Linda Manganelli for 29 years and is the proud father of Daughter Erica and sons James and Peter.   He is the product of the Orange School District.  Robert Manganelli was sworn in as Firefighter in June of 1981 and achieved rank of Fire Captain on 1992 followed by a promotion in 2001 to Deputy Chief.  He carries with him an impeccable 30 year career with numerous commendations for himself and his department.  Today is a special day for Chief Manganelli; he receives the honor of making Chief of the Orange Fire Department on his father’s birthday.   

Frank R. Scura III: Captain

Frank R. Scure was born in the City of Orange Township on February 25, 1963 to Frank and Leona Scura.  Captain Scura is a life long resident of Orange and a product of the Orange school system.  Frank is married to Stephanie Scura and is the proud father of Frank J Scura.  Frank Scura was hired by the Orange Police Department in 1985 and served 10 years until he joined the Orange Fire Department in 1995.  In 2008 Captain Scura was appointed by Mayor Eldridge Hankins Jr. as the Executive Office and Deputy Emergency Manger.   Frank Scura has served under five Mayors during his illustrious 26 years of service to the City of Orange and its citizens.

Alvin Spearman: Captain
Fire Captain Alvin Spearman Jr. was born January 27th 1963 in Newark New Jersey & raised in Essex County, New Jersey. Captain Spearman prides himself on being known for his dedication and hard work. Prior to being hired by the City of Orange Fire Department on his birthday in 1995, he worked for Merrill Lynch as a settlement specialist.  He is the son of his mother, Laverne, father Alvin Sr. and his wife, Sharon. He is also the proud father of Christina Jordan Bennett- Spearman.  For the past 15 years, Captain Spearman has assisted with Fire Prevention presentations in all the schools in the Orange Public school district and also mentoring third graders in Oakwood Avenue School.  Captain Spearman has been recognized by numerous agencies for his service to the community.