Haddonfield Sun

By ROBERT LINNEHAN | The Haddonfield Sun
After nearly a three-month search, Captain John Banning was named the next chief of police for the Haddonfield Police Department.
Commissioner Ed Borden announced last week in a press release that the veteran of 26 years would assume the position of police chief. Banning was to be formally sworn into his position at the Borough Commissioner Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
The new chief began his career at the Wildwood Police Department in March 1983. He transferred to the Haddonfield Police Department several months later as a patrol officer.
Both Mayor Tish Colombi and Commissioner Jeff Kasko approved of the appointment made by the public safety commissioner.
Banning thanked the commissioners and said he would uphold the traditions and values that the department has upheld over the years.
“Our department has a fine reputation but we can’t rest on our laurels. I am determined to ensure that the departmental slogan, ‘Exceptional Service and Protection,’ is more than just words painted on our patrol cars,” he said. “It’s what the members of this community expect and deserve, and on my watch it is what they will get.”
Former Police Chief Rick Tsonis announced his retirement in early August. After announcing his decision, he levied several criticisms against Borden for his handling of the police chief’s new transition. Tsonis said he hoped to be able to have the new chief shadow him for a few weeks before taking over the position, making the transition smoother for the department.
He also criticized the decision to have an OIC – officer in charge – but not have the title of chief, which Tsonis said would be difficult for the captain. Banning served as that OIC until he was promoted last week.
“We have a good department. I’m not unhappy with what we have; we have a good base to work with. As far as changes, I don’t see large changes in the department,” Banning said. “We’ll have some immediate promotions. Hopefully we’ll get some new people in on new spots and at least one hire.”
Four other candidates applied for the position, Borden said, and all were viable candidates for the chief of police position.
“It’s a great testament to our department that we had such a strong field of candidates,” Borden said in a press release. “I am confident that they and the other members of the department will give our new chief their unqualified loyalty and support.”
Banning began his career in the department in 1983 and was promoted to senior patrol officer in 1988. In 2000, Banning reached his former ranking of captain.
In addition to training at the state police academy, Banning has studied at Camden County College, Glassboro State College and Thomas Edison State College. He has completed six levels of the NJ Department of Personnel’s certified public manager program, and various management and executive courses offered by the state Association of Chiefs of Police, the NJ Division of Criminal Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.