North Bergen Police Department Celebrates Promotion of Officers

January 23, 2026
The Township of North Bergen proudly recognized the promotion of three members of the North Bergen Police Department during a formal ceremony held at Town Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual, and Police Chief Robert Farley presided over the oath of office, marking an important milestone in the careers of these dedicated officers.
 
The following officers were promoted in recognition of their service and commitment to public safety:
  • Captain Alex J. Barrios: A 14-year veteran of the North Bergen Police Department, Captain Barrios has served in Patrol, the Detective Bureau, and Field Operations, and currently commands the Community Relations Unit. He is a PTC-certified police instructor, executive logistics officer with the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, president of the Superior Officers Association, and a decorated officer with multiple departmental and regional awards.
  • Lieutenant Edgar Mendez: Lieutenant Mendez joined the department in 2005 and has extensive experience in investigative and specialized units, including Narcotics, Detective Bureau, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Task Force. He also serves as deputy commander of the Hudson County Regional Crisis Negotiations Team and the department’s ABC liaison.
  • Sergeant Samantha Sexton: A North Bergen native and Monmouth University graduate, Sergeant Sexton has served in the Detective Bureau, Street Crimes, and Patrol divisions. She is an active PBA Executive Board member and has been recognized with multiple awards for her investigative work, including closing a 20-year-old cold case.
 
Also in attendance were Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Claudia Rodriguez, and Anthony Vainieri; County Commissioner Robert Baselice; Deputy Chief Jimmy White of the Weehawken Police Department; Chief Frank Pelez of the Guttenberg Police Department; Captain Archer Cuellar of the Union City Police Department; Chief Yakup Zoklu of the Cliffside Park Police Department; and Regional SWAT Team Commander Carlos Clavijo, along with members of the North Bergen Police Department, township officials, and the officers’ families.
 
The Township of North Bergen congratulates Captain Barrios, Lieutenant Mendez, and Sergeant Sexton on their well-earned promotions and thanks them for their continued service and dedication to the safety and well-being of the community.
 

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