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| Lombardo Promoted to Warden |
| By shorenewstoday.com |
| Published: 07/13/2009 |
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Lombardo promoted to warden at county jail By Carole Mattessich Staff Writer CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – When Don Lombardo was sworn in as the new warden for the Cape May County Correctional Center on July 2, he already was a familiar name and face to many. Lombardo worked as a Lower Township police officer for 25 years, serving as patrolman, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant before retiring as a captain in 2002. During his tenure, he also served as Crisis Response Team Commander, SWAT Team Commander, Internal Affairs Supervisor and Training Supervisor. For several years after retiring from the police department, Lombardo worked in both real estate and teaching, but in 2005 he was persuaded to serve as work release administrator at the county Sheriff’s Department, supervising the programs that provide for labor assistance by inmates and the electronic monitoring of inmates. In early May, Lombardo moved to the position of acting warden when former Warden Richard Harron retired. Working under the direction of the sheriff and executive undersheriff, the warden has full responsibility for administration of the Correctional Center. Currently the jail is licensed to hold 181 inmates (including 30 females), and has a staff of some 83 sworn officers and civilian personnel. “This is law enforcement, of course, but a totally different aspect,” Lombardo said in an interview this week. “In corrections, every day’s a new experience, and many don’t realize how tough a correctional officer’s job is,” Lombardo said. “It takes a certain kind of person, with a lot of character. These officers work 12-hours shifts, and basically they’re ‘locked in’ for that duration.” Lombardo said he’ll be honored to oversee administration with that cadre of officers at work. In addition, Lombardo said he’s enthusiastic about the transitional nature of the jail, which is planning construction of a 104-bed addition beginning some time next year. “That’ll be a great step,” Lombardo commented, “because, like every correctional center in the State of New Jersey, we’re overcrowded.” Lombardo has completed numerous specialized police school programs providing management background relevant to his new challenges. A Certified Public Manager, he also graduated from the New Jersey Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Program, where he received the Harry Wilde Academic Achievement Award for finishing with the highest academic average. He offered an interesting analogy for the Correctional Center. “It’s a miniature city: it has its own medical department, its own food service department, and so forth,” Lombardo said. “Our officers are responsible for maintaining safety and security in that city, and, again, it takes special officers to handle that kind of responsibility.” In connection with the induction ceremony, Sheriff Schaffer said that Lombardo, and three other individuals promoted to the ranks of captain, lieutenant, and sergeant, will represent constructive change at the Correctional Center. “These new leaders have the knowledge and ability to assist me as we continue to make improvements not only to the physical plant but to management philosophy as well,” Schaffer said. Read More. |
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