New Scotch Plains Officer Sworn-in at Council Meeting

Mayor Josh Losardo swore in the Scotch Plains Police Department's newest officer, Anthony Ricerca, at the Township Council meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Ricerca took the oath of office alongside his father, sister, and grandfather. His father, John Ricerca, is a captain with the Westfield Police Department, overseeing the Operations and Investigations Division. His sister, Gianna, is a police officer in Cranford.

Chief David Lavery highlighted Ricerca's military service and law enforcement background before the swearing-in ceremony. Lavery, a retired Marine, noted that after Ricerca's high school graduation in 2020, he attended college for a semester before enlisting with the United States Marine Corps.

Union County Life is covering this Scotch Plains Police Department milestone. During four years of service as an infantry rifleman, Ricerca developed extensive experience with a wide range of weapons systems, infantry tactics, and military operations. He was deployed to Australia, where he participated in multiple joint exercises and trained in jungle warfare. He also participated in hundreds of military ceremonies and funeral honors for service members and veterans.

Chief Lavery said Ricerca's transition from the Marines to law enforcement was a natural next step given his family's history of service.

Ricerca's path to the Scotch Plains Police Department began with the New Jersey civil service exam, where he placed as the No. 1 recruit for the township. He next attended the John H. Stamler Police Academy and successfully completed six months of rigorous training before graduating last month.

Chief Lavery said Ricerca is honored to begin this chapter with the Scotch Plains Police Department and looks forward to serving with integrity, protecting the residents of Scotch Plains, and making a positive impact in the community.

For more information about the Scotch Plains Police Department and community news, stay informed on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who is the newest Scotch Plains police officer?
A: Anthony Ricerca was sworn in as a new officer with the Scotch Plains Police Department at the Township Council meeting on July 7, 2026. Mayor Josh Losardo administered the oath.

Q: What is Officer Ricerca's background?
A: Ricerca attended college for one semester after high school graduation in 2020, then enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He served four years as an infantry rifleman, developing experience with weapons systems, infantry tactics, and military operations. He was deployed to Australia for joint exercises and jungle warfare training.

Q: How did Officer Ricerca join the Scotch Plains Police Department?
A: After his Marine service, Ricerca took the New Jersey civil service exam and placed as the No. 1 recruit for the Township of Scotch Plains. He then attended the John H. Stamler Police Academy, successfully completing six months of rigorous training before graduating last month.

Q: Does Officer Ricerca have family members in law enforcement?
A: Yes. His father, John Ricerca, is a captain with the Westfield Police Department overseeing the Operations and Investigations Division. His sister, Gianna, is a police officer in Cranford.

Q: Who administers the oath for new police officers?
A: The mayor administers the oath of office at the Township Council meeting. In this case, Mayor Josh Losardo swore in Officer Ricerca.