New Jersey Governor Selects Historic First Female Leader for State Police
New Jersey’s leading law enforcement agency will undergo a historic leadership transition. The first woman to lead the New Jersey State Police is former officer Jeanne Hengemuhle, selected by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
The announcement is crucial for state law enforcement. Lieutenant colonel Hengemuhle retired in 2024 after 26 years with the New Jersey State Police. She will start as acting superintendent immediately while awaiting New Jersey State Senate confirmation for the permanent position, according to the governor’s office.
Hengemuhle said it was a pleasure to serve New Jerseyans again in a statement. She noted her personal experience with state troopers’ daily work to develop community connections and safeguard residents. In addition, she promised to lead the department by its longstanding ideals of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
In her second month in office, Gov. Sherrill called Hengemuhle a seasoned and dedicated public servant. The governor emphasized that her decades of State Police expertise qualify her to grasp both the job’s operational duties and the deeper duty to protect communities across the state. The selection shows the government seeks seasoned leadership and continuity in public safety.
Hengemuhle will replace Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has been acting as interim superintendent since Patrick Callahan retired in December. The change marks an agency leadership stability milestone.
Hengemuhle held several key State Police positions. She oversaw administration, recruitment, personnel development, and training as branch commander. Her leadership experience includes leading the State Police academy, where she shaped incoming trooper training and professionalism. Her previous job was as a public information officer, connecting the department to the public.
Her academic background shows a longstanding commitment to public service and leadership. The College of New Jersey (previously Trenton State College) awarded Hengemuhle her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was inducted into the college’s softball hall of fame in addition to her police enforcement career. Middlesex County is her home after Bergen County.
Law enforcement backs her nomination. Wayne Blanchard, State Troopers Fraternal Association president, publicly supported her appointment. He recalls training with Hengemuhle at the State Police academy and complimented her discipline, professionalism, and concern for trainees. Blanchard said her distinguished career has given her the capabilities to improve internal operations and public service.
Additionally, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and State Police Chaplain the Rev. John R. Taylor have supported her leadership and vision for the department.
Now the New Jersey State Senate must confirm the nomination. If confirmed, Hengemuhle will become superintendent, marking a milestone for the agency and a new era.
This leadership transfer is likely to alter the State Police’s future as New Jersey prioritizes public safety, community trust, and professional standards. After over three decades with the organization, Hengemuhle takes over at a time when solid, experienced leadership is crucial to public confidence and operational effectiveness across the state.
Sources
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
New Jersey State Police
