Chief Joseph Rooney began his Law Enforcement Career in 2006 with the Wildwood Police Department. He also served with the Washington Township Police Department before joining the Wayne Police Department in 2008.
During his career Chief Rooney has served as a DARE/LEAD instructor, a Firearms and Taser Instructor, and has been a member of the Honor Guard, Motorcycle Unit and Proactive Patrol Enforcement Unit.
Chief Rooney was promoted to Sergeant in 2017. As a Sergeant he was a supervisor of a patrol shift. He then served as a Detective Sergeant in the Special Operations/Narcotics Bureau.
Chief Rooney was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019. As a Lieutenant he was the Commander of the Patrol Divisions “B” shift and later was the Commander of the Traffic Bureau.
Chief Rooney was promoted to Captain in 2022. As a Captain he was the Commander of the Department’s Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Bureau.
In June of 2024 Chief Rooney was appointed Deputy Chief of Police and named Officer in Charge of the Department. Chief Rooney was officially sworn in as Chief of Police in February of 2025.