Yesterday, February 25, 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill named retired State Police Lieutenant Colonel Jeanne Hengemuhle as her nominee to serve as superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. As of today, Hengemuhle has stepped into her new role as acting superintendent. However, she still needs to be confirmed by the state senate before she can formally claim the title.
In her statement announcing her nominee, Sherrill said, “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. I look forward to working alongside Jeanne to continue our mission of keeping New Jerseyans safe.”
Hengemuhle became a state trooper in 1997 and served in the State Police for 26 years before retiring in 2024. She became interested in law enforcement due to her father’s role as an FBI agent. She graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1991, where she majored in criminal justice and earned a master’s in education. She made her way up through the ranks, working in several commands, including as a public information officer and a branch commander, where she “oversaw recruitment, personnel development, and training strategy”. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th class. If confirmed, she will not only become the state’s first female superintendent but also the first openly gay person to serve in that position as well.
In her statement accepting the nomination, Hengemuhle said, “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. 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”.
Hengemuhle is replacing Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, who, following the retirement of Patrick Callahan on December 31, 2025, has been serving as interim superintendent since January 1, 2026. Sierotowicz has also been serving as the head of the Office of Emergency Management, which has been working diligently to coordinate storm recovery and maintain public safety amid the huge winter storms that have hit the state this year.
Her nomination is supported by many in the state, including Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, State Troopers Fraternal Association President Wayne Blanchard, and New Jersey State Police Chaplain Rev. John R. Taylor. Sherill’s Attorney General, Jennifer Davenport, has also shared her endorsement, saying Hengemuhle has “dedicated her career to making New Jersey safer.”
