
At Cherry Hill Township Council’s last meeting of 2024, Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher announced there was a new sheriff in town.
Or, more fittingly, a new Cherry Hill Police Chief.
“Now, it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of the next Chief of Police, John Ostermueller,” Fleisher said as the Dec. 30 Council meeting began. “Capt. Ostermueller shares my expectations of maintaining high standards and operating with efficiency, professionalism and accountability.”
A 21-year veteran of the Cherry Hill Police Department, Ostermueller started his new role on New Year’s Day.
Just over three weeks in, Ostermueller is leading a department of more than 175 full—and part-time employees, including 136 full-time sworn law enforcement officers, special law enforcement officers, dispatchers, administrative staff, and records personnel.
A Cherry Hill resident, Ostermueller is an expert in community-based policing and has more than two decades of law enforcement experience, according to the press release announcing his arrival.
Ostermueller was most recently chief administrative officer for the Cherry Hill Police Department.
“John has been with the department and in law enforcement for more than two decades. He has extensive experience in virtually every aspect of the department,” Fleisher said. “He has continuously dedicated himself to advancing his professional skills.
“From the moment I took office as mayor, public safety has been my top priority. John is a strong leader who will move the department forward, will deliver on our commitment to keeping our community safe, and will work in partnership with our neighborhoods and community organizations,” added Fleisher as the Council listened.
Fleisher, who had just concluded his first year as mayor, then thanked Council President William Carter and Vice-President Michelle Golkow for participating in the interview process.
Ostermueller replaced Chief Robert Kempf, who retired from the Cherry Hill Police Department on Dec. 31, 2024, after 26 years of service.
The Township Council confirmed Ostermueller’s appointment during the Dec. 30 meeting.
“Ostermueller is an excellent choice to lead the department with his years of experience and dedication to our community,” Council President Carter said. “Township Council and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Ostermueller climbed the ranks to reach the department’s top job. He joined the Cherry Hill Police Department in December 2003 as a patrol officer and has held various leadership and managerial positions over the course of his career.
In addition to being an expert in community-based policing, Ostermueller is skilled in administrative operations, strategic planning, officer development, and community relations, according to the release.
The Cherry Hill Police Department averages over 85,000 calls for service per year in a community that covers 24.1 square miles, representing a population of 76,000 residents.
There are thriving commercial and retail corridors across town—including the widely popular Cherry Hill Mall—that serve as popular destination points for the South Jersey region.
“I am honored to lead the Cherry Hill Police Department as the (new) chief and to provide the services our residents and our community expect,” Ostermueller said in a statement.
“I thank Mayor Fleisher and Township Council for their confidence, and I look forward to working closely with the mayor on initiatives focused on enhancing public safety throughout the Township.”
Ostermueller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Richard Stockton College and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management, Training, and Supervision from Seton Hall University.
Ostermueller graduated from the 2024 class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He has also completed the FBI Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive and several advanced law enforcement seminars and courses.
“Captain Ostermueller has consistently demonstrated professionalism, a proactive approach to problem solving and outstanding communication skills as he collaborated with our association on community events or items of concern over the years,” Tina Truitt-O’Neal, President of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, said in a statement.
“He has shown a deep understanding and commitment to the diversity within the Cherry Hill community and clearly possesses the attributes, experience and skills necessary to serve as the next police chief,” added Truitt-O’Neal.