Atlantic City Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers After Graduation

The Atlantic City Police Department proudly announced the graduation of 15 new officers from the Atlantic County Police Training Center, marking a significant milestone in their journey to serve and protect the community. The graduation ceremony took place on July 24, 2025, at the Atlantic City Convention Center, celebrating the completion of Class #30.

Each officer successfully completed the rigorous training required to join the force, a testament to their dedication, discipline, and resilience. During the ceremony, Chief James Sarkos, along with Deputy Chiefs Andrew Leonard and Christian Garofalo, presented the graduates with their official certificates of completion, formally welcoming them into the department.

The officers will now begin their assignments within the Operations Division, where they will apply their skills on the streets of Atlantic City and contribute to community safety and law enforcement efforts.

Several members of Class 30 received special recognition for their outstanding performance:

• John DeFeo earned the Sergeant Thomas Jerdan Firearms Proficiency Award.
• Nicholas Leone was honored with the Officer Thomas J. McMeekin Award for Proficiency in Vehicle Operations, Physical Fitness, and received the Intensity Award.
• Desiree Perez was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award - Most Improved.
• Russell Lindsay served as Class President, a leadership role among peers.

Other graduating officers included Dominic Fornarotto, Russell Gilliam, William Hoff, Ethan LaMaina, Nicholas Leone, Seth Martinez, Rodriguez Moreno, Aayush Patel, Nimit Patel, Alexander Smith, Armando Valdivieso, and Eric Vargas.

The Atlantic City community looks forward to the fresh energy and commitment these new officers bring to the department. Their diverse backgrounds and strengths reflect the evolving needs of modern policing and the city’s dedication to safety and inclusion.

‍

Photo Credit: Ed Lea / City of Atlantic City