Jeanne Hengemuhle
Jeanne Hengemuhle makes history as she steps into the role of acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police on Thursday.
The retired lieutenant colonel was nominated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill today to lead the agency where Hengemuhle spent 26 years.
“It is an honor to once again answer the call to protect and serve the State of New Jersey," the acting superintendent said. "As a veteran of the State Police, I know firsthand the critical role our Troopers play in building strong community partnerships and safeguarding our residents against potential harm. I am grateful that Governor Sherrill has entrusted me with this position, and I will strive to lead with the State Police’s core values of honor, duty and fidelity.”
She takes over for Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has served as the interim superintendent since Jan. 1.
“Jeanne Hengemuhle is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in the State Police. She understands not only the responsibilities of the job, but also the profound duty to serve and protect our communities each and every day,” Sherrill said. “I look forward to working alongside Jeanne to continue our mission of keeping New Jerseyans safe.”
She also thanked Sierotowicz "for his unwavering dedication to the people of New Jersey. In just one month, our state has seen two historic winter storms, and as the acting head of the Office of Emergency Management, Lieutenant Colonel Sierotowicz helped ensure we responded quickly and efficiently to mitigate the impact of the storms and safeguard our residents. We owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Hengemuhle "dedicated her career to making New Jersey safer," acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. "Her experience with the New Jersey State Police gives her a deep understanding of the demands of the role and the innovations and trust that modern policing requires. She believes that each of us is deserving of dignity, respect, and justice, and I welcome the opportunity to work alongside her on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”
Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell noted that “our state troopers play a vital role in keeping New Jersey communities safe. Jeanne Hengemuhle’s 26 years of service make her uniquely qualified to lead the New Jersey State Police. I am confident that with Jeanne at its helm, our State Police will be ready to weather the challenges that lie ahead, with a focus on the pursuit of justice for all.”
Previously, Hengemuhle served as the branch commander of the Administration Branch of the New Jersey State Police, overseeing recruiting, personnel development, and training strategy. She has also testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on school security, emphasizing the need for collaboration and trust between the police and the public.
Hengemuhle graduated from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and police science and a master’s degree in education. Hengemuhle is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th class. A Bergen County native, she now lives in Middlesex County.
“Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle was an academy instructor during my academy training, at which time she demonstrated great care and compassion for recruits, while instilling discipline, knowledge, and professionalism to myself and all recruits who have become enlisted into the ranks of the New Jersey State Police,” said Wayne Blanchard, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. “Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle enjoyed a dedicated and decorated career in the New Jersey State Police that will give her the tools and knowledge base to lead the State Police to its highest levels internally, while externally enhancing our police services capabilities while increasing public satisfaction of the New Jersey State Police.”
