SHPD Announces Promotions, Hire

Posted July 25th 2022

Stone Harbor Police Chief Tom Schutta announced the promotion and appointment of new officers at a recent Council Meeting. Officer Anthony Tirelli Jr. was promoted to patrol sergeant, Officer Cassandra Tirelli was appointed detective, and John VanEtten was hired as a full-time officer.

Sgt. Tirelli received a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University and began his career with the Vineland Police Department in 2010. He was hired as a seasonal officer with the Stone Harbor Police Department in 2011 and was promoted to full-time in 2012 moving up through the ranks to patrol officer, detective, and now patrol sergeant.

Detective Tirelli received a bachelor’s degree from Oregan State University and began her career with Stone Harbor as a seasonal and then a full-time officer in 2016. Tirelli has been a patrol officer until her recent appointment as detective.

Officer VanEtten received his degree from Rowan University and began his career with the Wildwood and Egg Harbor Township police departments. He was scheduled to attend the full-time basic police officer recruit training at the Cape May County Police Academy through August.

“We are blessed to have these positions filled by individuals that have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform, and put simply are great people,” Schutta said. “I look forward to working with all three officers in their respective capacities to continue our service to the community. Our sincerest gratitude goes to Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour, Borough Council, and Administrator Robert Smith for their unwavering support of the police department.”

In addition to the appointments, Stone Harbor welcomed seasonal officers graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy on June 30: Alexandra Mardell, Brandon Bess, Ryan Fanelli, and Michael McDonald.

Photo caption: Sgt. Anthony Tirelli Jr., , Detective Cassandra Tirelli, and Officer John VanEtten of the Stone Harbor Police Department.