Springfield Hires Public Safety Director

Springfield has appointed its first Public Safety Director. Richard G. Rosell, a retired captain from the New Jersey State Police, assumes the office this week after being appointed by the Township Committee earlier this month.

As the Public Safety Director, Rossell will oversee Springfield's police and fire departments, as well as its Office of Emergency Management. The job will also involve administrative functions formerly taken on by the now eliminated deputy chief positions in the fire and police departments.

Springfield's government passed an ordinance to create the position of Public Safety Director in November of 2009. The job was seen by many observers to be a move to impose oversight on then chief of police William Chisholm. After Chisholm's retirement in February, some thought the job was no longer necessary.

The press release from Springfield Mayor Ziad Shehady's office touts establishing the position as an organizational improvement that will "reduce costs, eliminate redundancies and combine shared supervisory functions."

Rosell served with the New Jersey State Police for 27 years before retiring as a captain.  In addition to his work in law enforcement, he is a former Marine and a current member of the New Jersey Army National Guard. He also holds a Master's Degree in Homeland Defense & Security from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master's in Human Resources from Seton Hall University.

"I am honored that the Township Committee has put their faith in me to lead the charge to unify the care-taking efforts of the Springfield's public safety divisions under a cohesive strategy, ensuring the safety of residents for years to come," Rossell said in the release. "I invite Springfield residents to feel free to contact me at the municipal building to discuss their concerns so that I may integrate them into our plan."