Palmyra Has a new police chief.
Lt. Josiah Murphy was sworn in on May 20 surrounded by family and friends. He succeeds Meghan Campbell, who became chief in 2020. She was the borough’s first full-time female police officer and the first female to make rank in the department.
Murphy was born and raised in Palmyra and is a graduate of its high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Rowan University and began his career in law enforcement in 2000 as an officer in North Wildwood. He was hired by Palmyra police in 2001 and was promoted the rank of sergeant in 2012.
Murphy was a member of the police department’s SWAT team from 2006 to 2011 and was sworn in as a lieutenant in October 2020. He has also served as the department’s senior firearms instructor.
“As the chief of police, it is my goal to continue our mission of providing a professional and ethical public safety service to those that live and pass through our community,” Murphy promised. “As the chief, I will make sure that each and every officer is provided with the best training available so that we can provide the best service possible to our community.
“We will continue to host and participate in as many community programs and events as possible to continue building positive relationships between the police and the community,” he added. “I believe that it is my responsibility as the chief to ensure a healthy work environment for all of our officers and staff, while focusing on employee morale, officer retention and training the future leaders of this department.
“I am honored that Mayor (Gina) Tait and the Palmyra borough council have given me this opportunity, and it is my privilege to lead the men and women of the Palmyra police department.”
