Report: Strumolo to be Appointed Provisional Chief of Nutley Police

After months of public conflict over the appointment, Nutley Police Captain Thomas Strumolo is set to become the provisional chief of the township’s Police Department. 

According to a report by the Nutley Sun, Nutley Mayor and Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco confirmed Strumolo’s appointment on Tuesday, saying the appointment was in the best interest of the town.

The Sun also reported that officials had agreed to a four-year police contract entailing a 2 percent annual raise.

Dozens of police and supporters turned out for the PBA rally outside a July Nutley Board of Commissioners meeting and packed into the Commission Chambers for a standing room only meeting where residents, Nutley and out-of-town cops and others blasted the mayor for not promoting Nutley Police Capt. Thomas Strumolo to chief.

Officials and PBA members have clashed over promotions in the police department. Nutley Police Union President Gerard Tusa has accused Petracco of blocking the promotion of Strumolo to chief. 

In past statements, Petracco said police chiefs and deputy chiefs cost Nutley hundreds of thousands in salary and expenses spike when they retire because personal days and sick days are accumulated.

In April, Strumolo filed a $2.5 million notice of a Tort Claim against Nutley. In the Tort, Strumolo claims Petracco retaliated against him because he told the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office about Petracco’s alleged union-busting activities.