By Berit Ollestad
If the town had sold tickets, it probably could have bought another police car.
This week’s ceremony promoting Darnell Richardson to police captain drew one of the largest crowds in memory to a Morristown council meeting.
With his wife Nikki and sons Conor and Noah by his side, the Morristown native was sworn in by Town Clerk Kevin Harris before a throng of friends and officers. Richardson succeeds Capt. Michael Ubertaccio, who has retired.
Stressing Richardson’s local roots, Police Chief Pete Demnitz called it a “true pleasure” to introduce the new captain.
“Community policing is cops from their communities that know their communities and have a stake in their communities,” Demnitz said. “I don’t think I have to tell you, but he’s from Morristown, grew up in Morristown, was a volunteer Ambulance squad member, a Morris Township volunteer firefighter.”
Photos by Berit Ollestad. Please click icon below for captions.
Richardson is the patrol division commander.
“Essentially, he’s in charge of every uniformed officer you see on the street, it’s a huge responsibility,” the chief said. “I’ve never had to say community policing. It’s just policing, it’s the way we do business. We get to know the community. Not only is important for our police officers, but it’s especially important for our commanders that are going to lead.”
“This is one of the proudest moments I’ve had sitting here these past 15 years. I’m very happy,” said Councilwoman Raline Smth-Reid, who knows the Richardson family well.
Richardson, a Morristown High School graduate, said he never anticipated such a night.
“I’m am fortunate enough to be born and raised in Morristown,” he said. “My ambition in life was to be a police officer, I never had any ambition to be a commander. I never imagined that I’d be a sergeant, lieutenant and now captain. I’ve made it to where I’m probably gonna stay. I’m happy being a captain.”