Chester Native Newest Township Police Officer

When Chester Township Police Chief Wayne Martini went looking for another officer to round out his police force, he didn't have to look far. Nick Salamone, a Chester resident and officer with the Morris County Sheriff's Office, was looking to get involved in policing his hometown. And at last week's meeting of the Chester Township Mayor and Council, Salamone was sworn in as the newest member of the CTPD.

"It really is an honor to be able to work here in my home town," Salamone said. "I remember the Chester Township Police being around when I was growing up and when I was in school. They were a presence here."

The 30-year-old officer graduated from West Morris Mendham High School and attended Rutgers University before joining the Sheriff's Office. And while he is grateful for his time in the Sherrif's Office, Salamone said that Chester was where he wanted to be.

"I always wanted to work where there was community policing and a community atmosphere," Salamone said. "And as great as the Sherrif's Office was, it didn't have that hometown feel."

There were no hard feelings on either side, as Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford attended the council meeting in Chester.

"The Sheriff swore me in," Salamone said. "And he said Chester was a great department."

Salamone said that he is proud to be serving in his home, and that his fellow officers have welcomed him like a member of the family. 

"I really need to thank the chief for giving me an opportunity to serve in a proactive and progressive department that doesn’t lose the community feel," Salamone said. "I know the area and the people here and look forward to working here."