Governor Sherrill Nominates Jeanne Hengemuhle to Serve as New Jersey State Police Superintendent

TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced Jeanne Hengemuhle as her pick for Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). Hengemuhle, who spent 26 years with the State Police, rising to the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel, brings deep experience and understanding of the NJSP’s mission and its central role in safeguarding communities across New Jersey.

Hengemuhle will assume the position of Acting Superintendent, effective Thursday, February 26, 2026, filling the role of Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, who has served as the Interim Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police since January 1, 2026.

“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,” said Governor Sherrill. “I look forward to working alongside Jeanne to continue our mission of keeping New Jerseyans safe.”

“I also want to thank Lieutenant Colonel David 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,” continued Governor Sherrill.

"Jeanne Hengemuhle dedicated her career to making New Jersey safer. 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,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “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.”

“Our State Troopers play a vital role in keeping New Jersey communities safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. “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.”

“It is an honor to once again answer the call to protect and serve the State of New Jersey. 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,” said incoming Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle. “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.”

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.”

“As Chief Chaplain for the New Jersey State Police, I look forward to working closely with incoming Superintendent Hengemuhle and the over 3,000 enlisted members of the State Police to serve all of New Jersey’s communities. I am confident that, working together, we will not only make New Jersey safer, but stronger,” said Rev. John R. Taylor, Chief Chaplain for the New Jersey State Police, President of the Trenton Capital City Community Coalition, member of the Executive Board of the State Interfaith Advisory Council, and Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church and the New beginnings Christian Worship Center.