Jessica DeJesus, a Perth Amboy Police Department officer with a U.S. Secret Service background, made history at the department’s swearing-in ceremony as Perth Amboy’s first female Lieutenant of Dominican descent.

“We proudly recognize a historic milestone with the promotion of the first female Lieutenant of Dominican descent in the history of the Perth Amboy Police Department. Representation matters, because trust is built one interaction at a time, and this moment reflects a department that continues to grow alongside the community it serves.”

— Mayor Helmin J. Caba

In her new rank, DeJesus joins Lieutenant Emma Cabrera, who made history in 2022 as the City’s first female of Latina descent promoted to Lieutenant.

DeJesus’s promotion was one of seven recognized during the ceremony. The department also welcomed three new officers.

Police Chief Larry Cattano delivered opening remarks and thanked the families and community members in attendance.

“This is not an easy job, but as everyone here knows, it is an unparalleled way to serve and protect the community that we love. Thank you to everyone here today for supporting the great men and women who keep Perth Amboy safe.”

— Chief Larry Cattano

Promotions

The ceremony recognized officers moving into key leadership roles within the department:

• Lieutenant David Guzman — 25-year veteran of the department (joined in 2000) who now oversees patrol operations.
• Lieutenant Michael Bucior — 17-year veteran and former Detective Bureau investigator; has served as a Field Training Officer since 2015.
• Sergeant John Marcinko — former SWAT operator and multi-certified instructor in defensive tactics and firearms.
• Sergeant Alberto Rivas — former Rutgers University Police Officer who previously served in Perth Amboy’s Office of Professional Standards.
• Sergeant Luis Marte — former member of the Perth Amboy Board of Education (2023–2025) and recipient of the 2021 Officer of the Year award.
• Sergeant Davis Salazar — highly decorated officer and recipient of the Police Medal of Valor and Life Saving Medal.
• Sergeant Riscardo Rosado — veteran with extensive experience in the Juvenile Aide and Special Victims Bureaus.

New Officers

The department officially swore in three new police officers:

• Felix Vicente — Woodbridge High School graduate and former Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer in Seaside Heights.
• Edwin Espinal — 2021 Perth Amboy High School graduate and recent graduate of the Cape May County Police Academy (August 2025).
• Jaden Cruz — Perth Amboy High School graduate currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Middlesex College.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Rev. Gilles Njobam, CMF, of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.