SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — On Tuesday, July 26, Township Manager Al Mirabella announced the appointment of Police Capt. Theodore “Ted” Conley as the new chief of the Scotch Plains Police Department at that night’s township council meeting. Conley was appointed officer in charge of the department and has served since the retirement of former Chief Brian Mahoney. Conley began his career as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks over the years.
In 1998, Conley began his career as a patrolman before he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2006. He became a lieutenant in 2012 and captain in 2015. He’s served as a DARE officer, field training officer, firearms instructor, department accreditation manager, patrol supervisor/commander and support services division commander.
Conley was raised in Cranford and graduated from Cranford High School in 1987. He played football and wrestled before moving to Scotch Plains in 1988. He attended college at Montclair State University where he played football and graduated with a B.A. in psychology. He was employed by Union County College when he decided to earn an associate’s degree in criminal justice and was certified as an emergency medical technician.
“Ever since I named Ted as the police department’s officer in charge, I have noticed improved morale, more public interaction and community policing, hard work and renewed pride within the department,” Mirabella explained to the council. “Together we unanimously felt it was the right decision for Scotch Plains, the police department and the residents of our community. I couldn’t be more proud to be in a position to support Ted Conley for chief of the Scotch Plains Police Department.”
“My brothers and sisters in blue, it is an honor and privilege to pursue this position,” Conley said after thanking the mayor and council as well as the dozens of family, friends and colleagues in attendance. “It wouldn’t be the same without guys like you on this force. It really makes it easy when you have people that actually want to come to work and care about the town.”
Scotch Plains Mayor Kevin Glover swore in Conley, who was joined by his family, including his wife, Sharon, and two children. Conley also received the support from Fanwood’s former Police Chief Mahoney, who spoke about the achievements of his successor. Conley pledged his commitment to doing the job to the best of his ability for the residents of Scotch Plains, to continue providing the highest level of service to them.
“As the chief of police from the neighboring town of Fanwood, and as a Scotch Plains resident, I commend the mayor and council on the selection of Ted Conley as chief of police,” said Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo.
“I spent a long career here in Scotch Plains, and Ted Conley was my right hand man,” said a proud Mahoney, who served the community for 30 years. “There’s nobody that could have been better for this job. The tradition will carry on, and I’ve said it before, Ted, I love you. You deserve this, congratulations.”