Sea Isle City Police Department Promotes Two Officers

Sea Isle City’s police department promoted two veteran officers to the command ranks – and the police chief immediately made it clear that he has high expectations for both of them in their leadership roles.

Shawn Lesniewski was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and Michael Mol was promoted from patrolman to sergeant during a ceremony Monday filled with cheers from a roomful of family members, friends and fellow police officers at City Hall.

“As you’ve heard me say many, many times, I am so very, very proud of the Sea Isle City Police Department. I do believe it is the No. 1 police department in the state of New Jersey,” Mayor Leonard Desiderio said in opening remarks.

Police Chief Anthony Garreffi, who presided over the ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the mayor and other city officials for their support of the department.

“I could not do my job to the best of my ability if it weren’t for their continuous backing,” Garreffi said.

    Police Chief Anthony Garreffi presides over the promotions ceremony.
  

Addressing all of the police officers in the room, Garreffi thanked them for their hard work, loyalty, dedication to public service and commitment to protecting the community. He noted that he was honored to be the leader of the Sea Isle police department.

“I especially express my gratitude to the men and women of the SICPD. All too often, we fail to realize and recognize the value of our police officers who brave the odds on a daily basis and ensure the public’s safety and well-being,” he said.

“I also want to acknowledge the law enforcement family members. We would not be who we are or be able to do the work we do without your reinforcement and unwavering support. Thank you,” he added.

With that, Lesniewski and Mol were called to the front of the room to be sworn into their new positions by the mayor. Holding the Bible for Lesniewski was his wife, Sarah, a detective with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. Mol was joined by his parents, Janet and Bruce Mol.

    Joined by his family members, Sgt. Michael Mol, hand raised, is sworn in by Mayor Leonard Desiderio.
  

Underscoring the importance of their leadership, Garreffi told Lesniewski and Mol that their positions will entail hard work, accepting new challenges and personal sacrifice.

“You are being given an opportunity to stand out and lead others,” Garreffi said. “You now have the responsibility to not only live up to the expectations the mayor, city officials, the public your subordinates and I have for you, but to go above and beyond those expectations.”

Garreffi urged them to use their experience, knowledge, discipline and guidance from others “to become role models to your people.”

“Time goes by quickly – take advantage when you can – and use such opportunities for even greater achievements in your professional careers. Do the right thing and you’ll be OK,” Garreffi assured them.

Lesniewski, 36, was hired by the department fulltime in 2011 and has served as a patrolman, detective and sergeant. Among his accolades, he has been selected as Officer of the Year and helped to deliver a baby during his career.

    The audience applauds during the ceremony.
  

In an interview after the ceremony, Lesniewski said he felt good about his promotion and noted that he had been waiting for it for a long time.

“There are a lot of expectations,” Lesniewski said of the added responsibilities that come with his promotion.

Mol, 40, was hired as a full-time officer in 2009 after serving as a summer officer in Sea Isle beginning in 2004. He said he was ready for his new duties as a sergeant.

“I feel great. I’m proud of myself and Lieutenant Lesniewski. This is a great day for the department,” Mol said in an interview.

    Members of the Sea Isle Police Department join with Mayor Leonard Desiderio, center, front row, for a group photo.