past chiefs

Chief Josiah Murphy

Chief Murphy was born and raised in Palmyra and is a graduate of Palmyra High School. He earned a B.A. Degree in Law and Justice from Rowan University. Chief Murphy began his career in law enforcement in 2000 as a SLEO-II Officer for the city of North Wildwood. He was hired by the Palmyra Police Department in 2001. He was promoted the rank of sergeant in 2012. He was a member of the department's S.W.A.T. Team from 2006-2011. He was sworn in to the rank of Lieutenant in October of 2020. He was sworn in to the rank of Chief in May of 2024.

Chief Meghan Campbell

Chief Campbell began her career with the Palmyra Police Department in April of 2001 as a patrol officer. prior to that she briefly worked for the Burlington County Sherriff's Department as an officer and the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office doing secretarial work. Since the start of her career in Palmyra, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2012. She was Palmyra's first full-time female police officer and the first female to make rank in the department. She is happily married to her husband, Tom, and they have three children (Benjamin, Grace, and Brien) that keep her busy when not at work.

Chief Scott Pearlman

Chief Pearlman started with the Palmyra Police Department in 1984 as a Special Officer. In 1994 he was appointed as a full-time officer. In 2001, Chief Pearlman was promoted to Seargant and supervised a patrol squad and oversaw the department's traffic operations. In 2008, Chief Pearlman was promoted to Lieutenant overseeing all of Patrol operations. In 2010, Mayor and Council appointed Chief Pearlman to Chief of Police. During his career, Chief Pearlman has been involved in starting the department's Adopt-A-Cop program and Public Safety Day. Chief Pearlman also served two years as President of the Burlington County Chiefs of Police Association.

Chief Richard K. Dreby

Chief Dreby joined the Palmyra Police Department in 1974 as a part-time Patrol Officer. In 1976 he was appointed as a full-time officer. In June of 1981, Chief Dreby was promoted to Seargant. In June of 1983, Chief Dreby was promoted to Lieutenant for 15 years. In June 1998, he was appointed to Chief of Police where he remained for over 10 years. During his tenure, Chief Dreby attended the State Police Basic Municipal Academy and the FBI National Academy Police Executive programs.

Chief Robert Fow

Chief Fow started with the Palmyra Police Department in 1972 as a Patrol Officer. In 1974, Chief Fow attended the State Police Municipal Officer Academy. In 1976, Chief Fow was promoted to Seargant. In 1978, Chief Fow was promoted to Chief of Police and retired in 1998.

Chief Payton I.
Flournoy, Sr.

Chief Flournoy served the borough of Palmyra Police Department from 1950 - 1975 and was the Chief of Police from 1959 - 1975, the first African - American Chief of Police in the Nation. He was the president of the Burlington County Chiefs Association in 1969, the first African - American President of that organization. Chief Flournoy continues to be an example to us all and a reminder to follow your dreams and treat everyone with respect. he was proud of his home town and palmyra is proud to honor him.