Police Commander Retires After 25 Years Of Service

By Newark Police Department

Commander Donna Shearn is retiring from the City of Newark after serving over 25 years of service as a member of the . Shearn’s last work day is today.

She will enjoy her remaining vacation days until her official retirement date in March 2012.

Shearn began her career with the Newark Police Department as a police officer on August 16, 1986.

While serving as an officer, Shearn was assigned to patrol and the Special Enforcement Unit and was a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team. She was one of the first three original D.A.R.E. officers and she also held the position of School Resource Officer. Shearn participated in the drafting of the Department’s Vision Statement.

Shearn was the first female in department history to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant in July 1991. She has served as Administrative Sergeant, as well as Acting Detective Division Commander. While Shearn was assigned to the Patrol Division she held additional supervision responsibilities for the following programs:

• Field Training Program
• Acting Supervisor
• Explorers
• Hostage Negotiations
• Trauma Response Team
• Vehicle Abatement
• Citation Hearings
• Tow Hearings
• Animal Control
• Crossing Guards/Safety Patrol
• Patrol Scheduling and Staffing

In the fall of 2003, Shearn was named the Employee of the Quarter. She received this award for organizing and coordinating a jail inspection from the Board of Corrections that the department ultimately passed with flying colors. Donna also has been an instructor for our Citizen Police Academy, teaching both Trauma Support and Hostage Negotiations.

Shearn was promoted to Police Lieutenant in July 2004 and during her tenure as a Lieutenant she managed both the Administrative and the Patrol Operations Divisions. Again, Donna was the first female Police Lieutenant in the Department’s history.

On January 1, 2009 the Lieutenant position was reclassified to the rank of Police Commander. As a commander she has been in charge of Field Operations which includes patrol, traffic, K-9 unit, animal control, vehicle abatement, reserves, field training program, technology, range operations, jail operations, and graffiti abatement.

Shearn received the honor of the 2009 City of Newark Employee of the Year by Mayor Dave Smith at the annual Employee Service Awards. She received this award/recognition for her hard work and dedication through very tough economic times in the city and the department.

In March 2010, Shearn was awarded the Chief’s Challenge Coin of Special Recognition for her outstanding work, loyalty to the organization, and tireless efforts in the development and promotion of our Mission, Vision, and Values. This coin is issued only to members who consistently perform at the exemplary levels or rise above with a single act of excellence.