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Released: 3/12/2026 

DRPA Police Officers and Leadership Recognized for Service and Professional Achievement

Recent honors highlight heroism, leadership, and professional development within the DRPA Police Department.

Members of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Police Department continue to demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and service throughout the region. Recent recognitions highlight the department’s commitment to public safety, professional development, and collaboration with regional law enforcement partners.

Officer Richard Ridolfi Recognized for Heroic Actions

DRPA Police officers attended the 59th Annual Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund Awards Dinner on March 6. The annual event recognizes acts of heroism and raises scholarship funds to support the children of first responders.

During the ceremony, Officer Richard Ridolfi received the Distinguished Service Award for his heroic actions on July 18, 2025. On that day, Officer Ridolfi intervened and safely assisted a woman who was attempting to jump from the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Officer Ridolfi has demonstrated a long record of service and compassion throughout his career. In June 2016, he rescued a kitten, later named “Bridgette,” that had been thrown from a moving vehicle into traffic on the Walt Whitman Bridge. In December 2022, he was also the first responder to a medical emergency on the Ben Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walkway and used an AED to help save a life.

His actions reflect the professionalism, courage, and dedication demonstrated every day by members of the DRPA Police Department.

Chief Cobbs Installed as 2nd Vice President of Camden County Chiefs Association

DRPA Police Chief Edward W. Cobbs Jr., Ed.D., CPM, was sworn in as 2nd Vice President of the Camden County Association of Chiefs of Police during the organization’s 59th Annual Installation Dinner on February 13. Members of the DRPA Police Department attended the event in support of Chief Cobbs and to recognize this professional milestone.

Chief Cobbs’ installation reflects his continued leadership and engagement within the regional law enforcement community, helping strengthen collaboration and partnership among law enforcement agencies throughout Camden County.

Sergeants Silberstein and Espino Complete Command and Leadership Academy

Sgt. Tim Silberstein and Sgt. Jose Espino graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy on February 2.

The rigorous 14-week program, delivered in partnership with the United States Military Academy at West Point, provides advanced leadership and management training designed to prepare law enforcement professionals for command-level responsibilities.

Their successful completion of the program reflects the DRPA Police Department’s continued commitment to professional development, leadership training, and maintaining the highest standards of policing.

These achievements highlight the dedication, professionalism, and leadership demonstrated every day by members of the DRPA Police Department in service to the traveling public and the communities they protect.

Learn more about the DRPA Police Department at www.drpa.org/police.

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