Florham Park police chief announces departure after 28 years; new chief to be sworn in Jan. 15
FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando said he is stepping down after 28 years of service to the borough, calling for “fresh ideas and new leadership” and urging residents to remain vigilant amid ongoing public safety concerns.
Orlando announced his departure in a message dated Tuesday, saying community partnerships have helped strengthen safety in the borough.
“Your commitment to working hand in hand with our officers, building relationships, opening lines of communication, being force multipliers, and adhering to that crucial notion that the police are the public and the public are the police, has played a critical role in creating a safe community for all of our residents and visitors,” Orlando wrote.
Orlando said speeding remains a persistent issue on residential streets and warned that criminal activity continues to target businesses and residents. He also said schools, daycares, houses of worship and other critical infrastructure remain “soft targets,” urging residents to report suspicious activity to police.
“It is imperative now, more than ever, that we all remain vigilant within the community and care for your friends, family, and neighbors by reporting suspicious activity, persons, and/or vehicles to the Police immediately,” Orlando wrote. “I implore you all to continue what we have started together and build upon that foundation of safety, everyone plays a role in its maintenance and growth.”
“Complacency undermines effectiveness!” he added.
Orlando said the borough plans to swear in Karl Svenningsen as its next police chief on Jan. 15, 2026.
“Karl is a dedicated public servant who will carry the Police Department forward with fresh ideas and new leadership,” Orlando wrote, adding that the agency is “one the best Police Departments in Morris County and the State of NJ.”
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this Borough and all of you for last 28 years,” Orlando wrote. “Florham Park has been a second home to me and has accepted me as part of its community. For that I am eternally grateful.”
Orlando closed his message with a brief sign-off: “Stay safe!”
