From Patrolman to Police Chief: A Career Defined by Service & Struggle

Over 30 years ago, David Strumolo began his service with the Harrison Police Department as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks to lieutenant. His leadership and qualifications earned him widespread respect among his peers. In 2018, when then-Chief Derek Kearns announced his retirement, the Town administered a civil service examination for candidates vying to replace him. Lt. Strumolo scored first on the exam by a significant margin over other exam takers.

But instead of a straightforward appointment based on merit, politics intruded.

Documents and public statements from that time reveal that Mayor James Fife and Councilman Doran had shown a clear preference for another candidate who had scored lower than two other candidates on the test. This revelation sparked a firestorm at the February 6, 2018, Mayor & Council meeting, where the Harrison Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) delivered an impassioned public defense of Strumolo’s candidacy. The PBA wasn't the only voice in defence of Stumolo's candidacy.  Then 2nd Ward Councilman Anselmo Millan had already raised concerns at a Mayor & Council meeting that the top-scoring candidate was being bypassed in favor of a candidate with a lower score. Millan's objection to moving the appointment resolution without additional review allowed time for others to voice their opinion on who should be the next Harrison Chief of Police.

According to the then PBA State Delegate Joseph Nigro, the union had sent a letter on January 2, 2018, urging the Mayor and Council to respect the results of the test. In a second letter dated January 22, 2018, Vice President Sgt. Paul Yarznbowicz directly challenged Doran’s handling of the process, accusing him of trying to sideline the union’s input and ignore the integrity of the civil service system.

“Councilman Doran further stated that any future communications with the PBA regarding the chief of police would be disregarded,” Yarznbowicz told a packed council chamber. “Disregard the civil service condition experts. Disregard the police officers whose judgment you trust to protect the community.”

In a move viewed by many as intimidation, Doran even sent a January 12 letter to the union president that critics said sought to silence dissent and control the narrative within both Town Hall and the Police Department. Despite public pressure and overwhelming support for Strumolo among the department—with over 97% of officers backing his promotion—Doran maintained that there was “no front-runner” and continued pushing his own selection criteria behind closed doors.

2025: A Familiar Pattern Emerges with Police Director Proposal

Fast forward to April 1, 2025, and the shadow of the past returned when the Harrison Mayor & Council introduced an ordinance without prior public notice to add a civilian Police Director position to the Police Department’s Table of Organization. The ordinance was not included in the published agenda, nor was it formally announced at the start of the meeting. Only when a member of the public asked whether anything had been added to the Agenda was the ordinance acknowledged by Town Clerk Paul Zarbetski, who confirmed that it was an addition to the Agenda and would be posted online the next day. The updated Agenda was not posted online, although it is now public knowledge.

This procedural sleight-of-hand sparked immediate outrage from both the public and the Harrison police unions, who condemned the move as a violation of transparency and a dangerous politicization of police leadership.

“The ordinance wasn’t on the agenda. It was quietly added after publication and only revealed when questioned by a member of the public,” wrote PBA Local 22 President David Burke and PBA 22A President Lt. Marc Silva in a joint statement. “That’s not transparency—it’s evasion.”

Even more troubling to many was the fact that the ordinance gives the Police Director oversight over internal affairs, a role reserved under New Jersey law for certified law enforcement professionals, not political appointees. The unions have warned that this change opens the door to replacing career law enforcement leaders with political allies—a concern that mirrors the 2018 episode.

Councilman Doran’s Role Under Renewed Scrutiny

At the heart of both the 2018 and 2025 controversies is Councilman James Doran, whose actions have repeatedly been described as attempts to control the department and suppress dissent. In 2018, he was accused of ignoring civil service results and attempting to bypass the will of both officers and the public. In 2025, Doran has taken it a step further by pushing for a civilian oversight position that could functionally diminish the authority of future police chiefs or eliminate them completely, as the Harrison Police Union Presidents stated jointly in their letter in opposition to the Police Director title.

Critics say Doran’s habit of seeking power and withholding information is becoming a pattern. His support of EPA’s Plan to bring toxic sludge on land across the street from a residential community is another example where he lied to the community. The April 1, 2025 Police Director ordinance last-minute Ordinance addition was not just a surprise—it was, to many, a calculated power grab. When asked at a subsequent public meeting to identify the individual slated to become Police Director, Mayor Fife admitted he knew but refused to disclose the name. Mayor Fife is a close associate of Doran. This lack of transparency only fueled suspicions that the ordinance was crafted to install a political ally in a position of power.

The Police Director ordinance passed on its second reading at the Mayor & Council meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Residents and police officers attended in large numbers to voice concerns about both the process and the precedent it sets but the Mayor & Council passed the ordinance change nonetheless.

A Moment of Honor Amid Institutional Uncertainty

In contrast to the political tumult, the mood surrounding Chief Strumolo’s retirement remains one of deep respect and gratitude. At the April 15 Council meeting, both union leaders and community members took time to recognize Strumolo’s decades of service. Even Mayor Fife acknowledged that it might be “his last Harrison town meeting as an official of the town.” It was.

Still, the celebration comes with a sense of foreboding. With Lt. Stanley Titterington expected to become Acting Chief, some fear the role could become largely symbolic if the Police Director position is used to sideline or override the operational leadership traditionally held by the Chief.

Harrison’s Crossroads Moment

As Harrison prepares to honor the outgoing Chief on April 30, the town is once again at a crossroads.

The parallels between 2018 and 2025 are too glaring to ignore: a respected police leader undercut by political interference, a council majority accused of secrecy, and a community demanding answers. At the center is James Doran, whose leadership style—some say domineering—has drawn scrutiny for prioritizing political expediency over institutional integrity.

The legacy of Chief Strumolo will remain a testament to the value of merit, service, and dedication in a profession that demands public trust. The question now is whether Harrison’s elected leaders will uphold those same values—or continue down a path where political connections trump transparency, law, and merit.

The ceremonial "walk out" for Chief David Strumolo will take place Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Harrison Police Station rear entrance. The public is encouraged to attend.

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