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Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio addresses the media a day after former Director Garry McCarthy stepped down. DeMaio will retire at the end of February.

(Patti Sapone/The Star-Ledger)





NEWARK — Newark police director Samuel DeMaio will retire from the department he has led for three years by the end of February, law enforcement officials confirmed today, adding that Police Chief Sheilah Coley will be the acting director.

"The departure of director DeMaio is a void in the police department however he has a good chief that he worked hand-in-hand with over the last three years," said Anthony Ambrose, chief of detectives for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

DeMaio took over the department in 2011, when former director Garry McCarthy left to run the Chicago Police department. He has been widely praised by city leaders and fellow cops for his street savvy as well as his openness to reform the department, which came under federal investigation toward the end of McCarthy's tenure.

Ambrose graduated from the police academy with Demaio and served with him in the Newark Police department for close to three decades. He said DeMaio earned the respect of the department in short order.

“Sam came in at a time when department morale was at an all-time low due to layoffs, a DOJ audit, and crime was rising,” Ambrose said. “He came in at a time when he was needed and he navigated through the tough times and brought stability.”

Coley, who has served as chief since 2011 will take over immediately as DeMaio goes on leave. Coley was the first woman to be chief and will be the first female director.

DeMaio declined to comment. Coley could not be reached for comment.

Staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.

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