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Released: 7/15/2022 

DRPA Police Department Announces New Hires and Promotions

Department’s first two female Lieutenants are among the promotions



The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) swore in three new police officers and promoted 16 current officers to mid-level and senior-level supervisory positions during a ceremony held on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

History was made when DRPA Police Chief Edward W. Cobbs, Jr. promoted police Sergeants Allison Mankoski and Jessica Gabe to the rank of lieutenant, making them the first two women to hold the rank in the history of the 170-member department.

“Today is not just a special day for the officers being sworn in, it’s a special day for the entire DRPA Police Department,” said Chief Cobbs. “Among this diverse group of highly talented men and women, we have three new officers who recently graduated from the Camden County Police Academy and 16 officers who are getting promoted to mid-level and senior-level supervisory positions. This includes the first and second female lieutenants ever promoted in the department’s history.”

The new hires and promotions include:

  • Newly sworn Officers: Spencer Brooks, Daniel Grace, and Michael Tegan
  • Promoted to Corporal: Barjam Hoxha (to be sworn in at a later date because of a scheduling conflict), Justin Palmer, and Andrew Simko
  • Promoted to Sergeant: Brian Bullion, Joseph Ebling, Francis Fullerton, Kevin McClintock, Jonathan McDonnell, John Meiler, and Jonathan J. Michel
  • Promoted to Lieutenant: André Brown, Jessica Gabe, Sean Longfellow (who was sworn in prior to the event because of a scheduling conflict), Allison Mankoski, John Santry, and Michael Voll

Chief Cobbs encouraged the officers to be the best version of themselves as they face the challenges and responsibilities of their new ranks.

“Listen and learn, be contributors and become difference-makers,” said Cobbs to the officers. “Your career path is honorable and, at times, will be difficult. You are the future of our police department and should always lead by example.”

The DRPA Police Department is the third-largest police department in South Jersey. It is responsible for protecting life, property, and public assets spread across an extensive area, including four Delaware River toll bridges and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) transit line with 13 train stations. The department handles more than 80,000 calls for service annually.

DRPA CEO John T. Hanson congratulated the officers and also recognized their responsibilities.  

“A DRPA police officer’s mission is that of a guardian, to protect,” said Hanson. “The DRPA goes through a careful process in hiring and promoting individuals with a guardian mindset. They are protectors of the people who travel our bridges and train line, as well as of our transportation infrastructure. This group of officers exemplify that mission.”

(L to R) DRPA CEO John Hanson, Chairwoman Cherelle Parker, Lt. Allison Mankoski, Lt. Jessica Gabe & Chief Edward Cobbs.

Chief Edward W. Cobbs, Jr. administering the oath of office to Corporal Justin Palmer and Corporal Andrew Simko.


Newly sworn Officers Spencer Brooks, Daniel Grace, and Michael Tegan



Chief Edward W. Cobbs, Jr. administering the oath of office to the newly promoted Sergeants.

Chief Edward W. Cobbs, Jr. administering the oath of office to the newly promoted Lieutenants.

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