03/03/2026
Well-deserved!
Today, the Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announced County Manager Edward T. Oatman’s appointment of Captain John da Silva as the 12th Chief of the Union County Police Department, effective immediately. Chief da Silva has served as Officer in Charge since July 2024, following the retirement of former Union County Police Chief Martin Mogensen. During that time, he has overseen department operations and ensured continuity of leadership throughout the transition.
A twenty-two-year veteran of the Union County Police Department, Chief da Silva began his career as a Patrol Officer in 2003. He was promoted to Corporal in 2009, Sergeant in 2012, Lieutenant in 2016, Captain in 2021, and appointed Officer in Charge in July 2024. Throughout his career, he has served, supervised, and commanded many of the department’s functional areas, including assignments as Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, Shift Commander, Platoon Commander, and Unit Commander within the Patrol Division.
Chief da Silva has played key roles in major emergency responses and high-profile operations, including Presidential security details, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Ida, COVID-19 response efforts, and numerous large-scale public events throughout Union County. He was a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team/Union County SWAT, serving nearly 18 years as a negotiator. He is an FBI-certified Hostage Negotiator and a certified Active Shooter Instructor and has taught both active shooter response and hostage/crisis negotiations within the County. He also served as a recruit instructor at the John H. Stamler Police Academy.
Chief da Silva has also supported community-based initiatives including the Arrive Together Program and the Blue Envelope Program and is the recipient of numerous awards from the Police Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County.
Chief da Silva will have a formal swearing-in ceremony at a later date. Congratulations, Chief!