Monday, September 28, 2026 · Serving all of Hudson County since March 2011Police Receive Promotions in Hoboken
It was an afternoon of pride and celebration in Hoboken's City Hall Council Chambers on Wednesday, as seven members of the Police Department advanced their careers, receiving promotions. Four members…
It was an afternoon of pride and celebration in Hoboken’s City Hall Council Chambers on Wednesday, as seven members of the Police Department advanced their careers, receiving promotions. Four members of the force became lieutenants, while three advanced to the rank of sergeant.
Sergeants Ed Sellick, Alex Gonzalez, Luke Zeszotarski, and Josh Velez were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Detectives Tyler Soto and Ryan Houghton and Police Officer Michael Straten were promoted to Sergeant.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante and Chief Steven Aguiar joined the promoted officers, their families and colleagues during the ceremony.
Mayor Bhalla stated, “I congratulate all seven of the honorees today, on their well-deserved promotions. I am proud to support, and am eternally grateful for, every single member of the Hoboken Police Department for their ongoing commitment to upholding safety and serving our community.”
“As we publicly honor and thank these seven brave men for their dedication today, we extend that gratitude to their families,” said Public Safety Director Ferrante. “Policing is not an easy job, but these new lieutenants and sergeants have not let that stop them from going above and beyond to keep Hoboken safe.”
Police Chief Aguiar said, “These seven individuals are leaders, mentors, and role-models, who I am proud to call my colleagues, partners, and brothers. These promotions and the quality of these candidates are a glimpse into the future of the Hoboken PD, and right now that future is shining bright.”
In addition to the promotion ceremony, the City and Police Department honored retired Lt. Walter “Wally” Wehrhahn for his fifty years of service to Hoboken. Lt. Wehrhahn spent 36 years as a member of the Hoboken Police Department. During his career, he earned five commendations for distinguished performance of duty. Following his retirement in 2010, Wehrhahn continued to serve the community in a civilian capacity by managing the Police Department’s vehicle fleet.