The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office announced the promotion of four officers during a swearing-in ceremony held Wednesday evening, with Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy joined by Chief Craig Johnson and Undersheriff Thomas Dellane.
Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Fennessy was elevated after more than a decade of service in multiple divisions, including the K-9 and Drone units. Fennessy, a Point Pleasant Borough native and 2002 high school graduate, began his career as a Public Safety Telecommunicator before joining the Sheriff’s Office full-time in 2009. He later became a K-9 handler and certified trainer, supervised both the K-9 and Drone units, and contributed to search and rescue operations and tactical teams. In his new role, he will also oversee responsibilities within the Office of Emergency Management.
Sergeant Paul T. Kovach joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and was assigned to the Judicial Services and Traffic Safety units. He has specialized training in accident investigation, traffic enforcement, and DUI enforcement, and is recognized as a Traffic Safety Specialist Level 1. Kovach also serves with the Honor Guard, Marine Patrol Unit, and Rapid Deployment Force. He previously worked for the Seaside Heights Police Department and Norfolk Southern Railroad Police Department, where he received a lifesaving award for rescuing an off-duty officer from a car fire.
Sergeant Daniel J. Lesniakowski was promoted after nearly a decade with the Sheriff’s Office, including extensive work in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit. He has assisted in major cases across Ocean County and was honored in 2020 by the New Jersey Crime Scene Investigators Association for his role in a homicide investigation. Lesniakowski, a graduate of Lacey Township High School, has also served on the executive board of the Sheriff’s Office Policemen’s Benevolent Association since 2017.
Sergeant Daniel Donovan has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2016, serving in the Judicial Services Unit. As a Field Training Officer, he has worked on high-risk trials, background investigations, and criminal cases related to court security. He also acted as the agency’s liaison to the Ocean County Library. Donovan graduated from the University of Delaware in 2010 with a degree in criminal justice.
Sheriff Mastronardy congratulated the officers on their promotions, highlighting their years of service and commitment to the residents of Ocean County.