New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently announced Jeanne Hengemuhle as her pick to lead the New Jersey State Police, naming the 26-year veteran of the force as acting superintendent effective Feb. 26.
A retired New Jersey State Police lieutenant colonel, Hengemuhle will fill the role currently held by Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has served as interim superintendent since Jan. 1.
Hengemuhle rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel during her tenure with the State Police and, most recently, served as the branch commander of the Administration Branch, overseeing recruiting, personnel development, and training strategy.
She has testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on school security, highlighting the need for collaboration and trust between law enforcement and the public.
Vote of Confidence
Acting Attorney General of New Jersey Jennifer Davenport said Hengemuhle’s career reflects a deep understanding of modern policing and the trust it requires.
“She believes that each of us is deserving of dignity, respect, and justice, and I welcome the opportunity to work alongside her on behalf of the people of New Jersey,” Davenport said.
Sherrill called Hengemuhle a “dedicated public servant” and pointed to her decades with the NJ State Police as some that can’t be taught.
“She understands not only the responsibilities of the job, but also the profound duty to serve and protect our communities each and every day. I look forward to working alongside Jeanne to continue our mission of keeping New Jerseyans safe,” the governor said.
Teamwork and Leadership
Sherrill thanked Sierotowicz for his leadership during a period that included two major winter storms. As acting head of the Office of Emergency Management, Sierotowicz helped coordinate the state’s response to mitigate storm impacts and protect residents, she said in the press release, adding that the state owes him a debt of gratitude.
Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell called State Troopers vital to public safety and said Hengemuhle’s 26 years of service uniquely qualify her to lead the agency. He expressed confidence that under her leadership, the State Police will be prepared to meet future challenges while pursuing justice for all.
“It is an honor to once again answer the call to protect and serve the State of New Jersey,” Hengemuhle said. “As a veteran of the State Police, I know firsthand the critical role our Troopers play in building strong community partnerships and safeguarding our residents against potential harm. I am grateful that Governor Sherrill has entrusted me with this position, and I will strive to lead with the State Police’s core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.”
Hengemuhle’s Qualifications, Additional Support
Hengemuhle graduated from The College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and police science and a master’s degree in education. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th class. A Bergen County native, she now lives in Middlesex County.
As a NJ State Trooper, she has served in the Operations Branch, the Executive Protection Detail, as a New Jersey State Police Academy Instructor, as the Academy Commandant, and, most recently, as the Commander of the Administration Branch.
Wayne Blanchard, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, said Hengemuhle served as an academy instructor during his training and demonstrated care and compassion for recruits while instilling discipline and professionalism.
“Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle enjoyed a dedicated and decorated career in the New Jersey State Police that will give her the tools and knowledge base to lead the State Police to its highest levels internally, while externally enhancing our police services capabilities while increasing public satisfaction with the New Jersey State Police,” Blanchard said.
Rev. John R. Taylor, chief chaplain for the New Jersey State Police, said he looks forward to working with Hengemuhle and the more than 3,000 enlisted members of the force to serve communities statewide.
“I am confident that, working together, we will not only make New Jersey safer, but stronger,” Taylor said.