New Chief of Police and Acting Captain appointed
Borough of Madison
At their regularly scheduled council meeting, the Mayor and Council confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant John R. Miscia as acting Chief of Police and Lieutenant Joseph M. Longo as Acting Captain for the Madison Police Department. Acting Chief Miscia brings 20 years of service to his new role, which he will begin immediately following the retirement of Chief Darren P. Dachisen Sr. after his 30 years of service to Madison.
During his time with the Madison Police Department, Acting Chief Miscia has risen through the ranks, starting out as a Patrolman and later moving to positions of Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant in charge of the Patrol Division, Emergency Service Unit, and Internal Affairs before his appointment as Acting Chief of Police.
“It is truly my greatest honor to be able to continue to serve my hometown as the Acting Chief of Police for the Madison Police Department,” said Acting Chief Miscia. “This department is, and will continue to be, based on trust, honor, and transparency. I look forward to leading the amazing group of officers who are comprised of dedicated professionals who are committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Madison residents through strong partnerships with our residents and community stakeholders. We believe in the value of human life, the courage to do what is right, fairness, compassion and approachability in the performance of our duties, and striving for continuous improvement,” continued Miscia.
Joseph M. Longo will assume the role as Acting Captain, adding to the leadership team. Before he joined the Madison Police Department, he was a career firefighter with the Madison Fire Department, which he still serves as a volunteer member today. He then graduated from the 65th Basic Police Class at Morris County Public Safety Academy and joined the Madison Police Department in 2004. Since his start with the Madison Police Department, Longo has served as a Patrolman and later moving to positions of Sergeant and Lieutenant in charge of the Support Services and Traffic Safety.
“Assuming the role as Acting Police Captain of the Madison Police Department is truly an honor,” said Acting Captain Longo. “Together, with Acting Chief Miscia, I look forward to further serving the residents of the great Borough of Madison with a goal of deepening our relationship through community policing, while strengthening the department so that we can continue to serve and protect,” continued Longo. “I want to reinforce with residents that we believe communication and high visibility is important in today’s day and age. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” said Longo.
“Acting Chief Miscia and Acting Captain Longo both together possess the education, experience, skills and maybe more importantly decades long connection to Madison necessary to successfully serve as the leadership of the Madison Police Department,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley. Under their leadership, they will continue Madison’s commitment to build a deep community involvement and relationships with residents, while building on the legacy of guardian first, warrior second. “Miscia and Longo will be a tremendous team as they lead the police department forward. I look forward to watching them achieve their initial goals and aspirations for the department during this interim acting period, including the re-launch of National Night Out this August,” continued Conley.
In addition to the appointments of Acting Chief and Acting Captain, Patrolman Renato F. Capillas Jr. and Patrolman Vincent J. DiLandro III. were appointed to fill vacancies within the department. Swearing in ceremonies for all four appointments took Tuesday, April 27 in a small internal ceremony.
John R. Miscia was born and raised in Madison and is a graduate of Madison High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he was inducted into FDU Athletics Hall of Fame for his time on the football field. He began his career with Bedminster Township Police Department in 2001 before he took a position with Madison in 2002. He is also a graduate of West Point Command & Leadership Academy, FBI Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, and is currently on track to complete Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
Joseph M. Longo was raised in Harding Township and is a graduate of Madison High School. He began his police career with the Morris Township Police Department before taking a job with the Madison Fire Department, which he still serves as a volunteer member, and began his time with the Police Department in 2004. He is a graduate of the 65th Basic Police Class at Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, and serves as an active member of the Police Unity Tour as well as a member of the Morris County Vehicular Homicide Unit, is the Madison Department Accreditation manager and most recently graduated from the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute. He is currently attending Fairleigh Dickinson University to extend his education.
Photos by Borough of Madison
