West Deptford Honors Retiring Chief Mangano, Approves Acting Chief DiSimone

West Deptford Police Chief Craig Mangano will formally transfer his authority over the department to Acting Chief Samuel DeSimone at 4:30 p.m. on August 16.

Mangano's recommendation that the township appoint DiSimone to assume the command vacated by his retirement was approved unanimously by the township committee at its Thursday meeting.

The committee also resolved that DiSimone would likewise take on additional responsibilities as Acting Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, a role which Mangano had also handled as chief.

“Chief, welcome to the dais,” Chintall told DiSimone, and the room applauded.

To open the meeting, the committee issued a formal proclamation congratulating Mangano on his 25-year law enforcement career, the final seven of which have been spent as the chief of police in West Deptford.

Mangano thanked his fellow officers and his family in his remarks, but he was foremost complimentary of the West Deptford government for always providing him with the support he said the department needed to achieve its goals. 

Mangano said that he and Chintall, a retired New Jersey State Police Lieutenant, “have spent many days in the office talking about the police department,” and that he has “come to build a lot of respect for the mayor.

“It’s nice to have the support from the entire committee and the mayor for the police department going forward,” Mangano said. “I thank the prior committees for that as well.”

The retiring chief also thanked the residents of West Deptford for their support of the police department in “the common goal of making this community a better community and a safer community.

“We have one of the best police departments in this county,” Mangano said. “I don’t think anyone can argue that. I think it’s because the men and women of this police department are so committed.”

In closing, Mangano addressed the crowd directly to remind them that he's not going anywhere. 

“I’m not turning my back on this community,” he said. “In the future, if there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be around.”

On other police matters, the committee also formally approved second readings of policies governing the department’s handling of internal affairs investigations and the testing process that governs the promotion of lieutenants (DiSimone’s current rank).

Special appropriations

On behalf of the West Deptford Committee on the Disabled, which was not scheduled to meet during July and August, the township committee also approved a $250 cash donation to sponsor a trip to the Nebraska finals for Miss Pre-Teen Amazing New Jersey Kayla Baylor. 

The motion was introduced by Committeewoman Denice DiCarlo, seconded by Committeeman Sam Cianfarini, and passed unanimously. 

Its passage also afforded Chintall an opportunity to offer a few words of peacemaking to his colleagues and the community at large. 

“In light of what has been happening in this township and on this dais, what we’re doing [to support Baylor] just shows…that we are a caring community,” the mayor said. 

“Thanks for everybody’s support on that.”

Finally, the committee also released a $246,180 performance bond posted by Wawa Store #480, which expanded its operations to include a multi-pump service station on April 17.