Sparta Police Promotes Four Officers

SPARTA, NJ — The Sparta Township Police Department recently celebrated the promotion of four of its officers, Capt. Terrence Mulligan, Lt. Jeff McCarrick, Sgt. Joe Antonello and Det. Sgt. Tom Snyder.

The ceremony on Sparta High School’s turf field kicked off with bagpipers and ended with a flyover from the New Jersey State Police.

“It was truly a special event,” said Sparta Township Mayor Christine Quinn.

“These officers that have been promoted will continue to contribute to making our Sparta Community a great place live and be a part of,” said Chief of Police Neil J. Spidaletto on Friday.

“These leaders in our police department are aligned with our mission to serve and protect our community and I am proud and fortunate to have them as supervisors in this police department,” he added.

At the ceremony on June 11, Quinn reminded the officers of how while interacting in the community, they are neighbors, fathers, mothers, siblings and friends, but “become so much more,” when an emergency happens in town.

“In the face of chaos, you bring clarity,” Quinn told them. “Where we see loss, you bring hope.”

“In our darkest hours, you are there for us - on so many levels - in ways that most of us cannot begin to comprehend,” Quinn continued.

“We look to you for guidance, strength, hope and compassion and when tragedy strikes and seconds feel like hours, we trust you to help us, because we know that you will,” Quinn said.

She commended the police department for achieving the rank of eighth safest town nationwide.

“Today and every day, please know that your efforts and commitment are noticed, valued and very much appreciated, within our community and beyond, more than my words could ever express,” Quinn said.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.