By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill selected retired state police officer Jeanne Hengemuhle as the next superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
• Hengemuhle served 26 years with the agency and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2024.
• She will begin as acting superintendent pending state Senate confirmation.
• The appointment replaces an interim leader following the retirement of the previous superintendent.
• The change in leadership comes as the department continues efforts to serve communities statewide.
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday announced the selection of retired New Jersey State Police officer Jeanne Hengemuhle as the next superintendent of the statewide law enforcement agency.
Hengemuhle, a 26-year veteran of the State Police who retired in 2024 as a lieutenant colonel, will assume the role of acting superintendent Thursday, Sherrill’s office said.
The appointment follows the retirement of former Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan at the end of 2025 and a period in which Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz led the agency in an interim capacity.
Hengemuhle’s nomination now goes to the New Jersey Senate for confirmation, as required for formal appointment to the position.
Officials said Hengemuhle’s experience overseeing recruiting, training and personnel development during her career positions her to lead the department’s roughly 3,300 troopers.
Sherrill described Hengemuhle as a “dedicated public servant” with extensive knowledge of the State Police mission and responsibilities.