Woodbridge Police Promote Three Officers to Sergeant
Andrew Kondracki, Perry Penna, and Brian Vella were sworn in during a March 2 ceremony at Woodbridge Town Hall, stepping into leadership roles within the township police department.
Andrew Kondracki, Perry Penna, and Brian Vella were promoted to sergeant during a ceremony at Woodbridge Town Hall on March 2. (Woodbridge Police Department via Facebook)
Chris Howell | March 4, 2026
Three veteran officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant during a ceremony at Woodbridge Town Hall.
Andrew Kondracki, Perry Penna, and Brian Vella each took the oath of office before township officials, colleagues, and family members during the event led by Mayor John McCormac and Police Director Joseph Nisky.
The promotions recognize years of service and investigative experience within the department.
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McCormac praised the department’s reputation and the significance of earning a leadership role within the force.
“When I say we have one of the best police departments in the state of New Jersey, the professionals from outside agencies who work with our officers know that it’s true,” McCormac said during the ceremony. “To be promoted to sergeant in this department is a tremendous honor.”
Kondracki, an 18-year veteran who joined the Woodbridge Police Department in 2008, previously served in the Criminal Investigations Division and worked with the Department of Homeland Security Task Force. He will now serve as a Patrol Sergeant in the department’s radio patrol division.
Penna, who joined the department in 2013, also served in the Criminal Investigations Division and worked with the FBI Task Force during his investigative assignment. He will likewise take on a leadership role as a Patrol Sergeant in the radio patrol division.
Vella, a 20-year veteran who joined the force in 2006, served as a detective assigned to juvenile investigations. In his new role as Community Affairs / Juvenile Aid Sergeant, he will oversee programs that connect the department with local youth and families.
Police Director Joseph Nisky said the sergeant rank carries major responsibility within a department, noting that supervisors must guide officers in the field while maintaining high standards of professionalism.
“Police sergeants must know the job, make confident decisions, and lead by example,” Nisky said. “Continue to be the kind of cop others want to follow.”
Pressed to say a few words at the end of the ceremony, newly promoted Sgt. Perry Penna thanked township leaders and colleagues for their trust.
“I just want to say thank you to the town council, the mayor, and the administration,” Penna said. “I’m humbled that you trust us to be supervisors for this town.”
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