The township of Moorestown is excited to announce the appointment of Patrick J. Reilly, Jr. as the township’s director of police. Reilly’s appointment comes on the heels of Chief Walter Walczak’s retirement at the end of May 2023.
The township code was recently amended to permit the appointment of a director of police. As a result, the township conducted an intensive search and thorough interview process resulting in numerous highly qualified candidates submitting their resumes for consideration.
“This was a difficult decision because any one of these candidates could have capably led the department,” said Township Manager Kevin Aberant. “Ultimately, Patrick J. Reilly, Jr. has been offered, and accepted, the position of director of police. He is well qualified and has the demeanor and knowledge to lead the police department.”
Reilly comes to Moorestown following about 14 years with the Burlington County Bridge Commission where he served as Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Prior to that, Reilly logged 25 years with the New Jersey State Police with his duties running the gamut including field operations, investigations, administration, identification and information technology and training. He retired from the State Police in 2006 having attained the rank of Captain.
Having grown up in nearby Delran, Reilly attended Holy Cross High School before pursuing higher education at Trenton State College where he earned a bachelor of science in criminal justice. He went on to earn a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Seton Hall University, where he also served as an adjunct professor. In his personal life, Reilly has seven children with his wife of 40 years Patricia, who recently retired as a registered nurse after 42 years in the profession.
At both the Burlington County Bridge Commission and the New Jersey State Police, one of Reilly’s responsibilities was to identify employees with advancement potential and to foster their professional growth. His primary goal for Moorestown’s police department is to provide growth opportunities for those who are interested and to help guide and elevate those individuals accordingly.
“I looked at [the position] and it looked like a new challenge,” Reilly said. “That’s what struck me with Moorestown. It’s an opportunity to recharge my batteries and to assist a good department to get better.”
Reilly is expected to start the first week of June.
