Union City may soon see a historic change in its police leadership. This December, Captain Walter Laurencio is alleged to be the next acting Chief of the Union City Police Department (UCPD), following the long-overdue retirement of disgraced Chief Anthony Facchini.

Chief Facchini departs in full disgrace, leaving behind what many consider the darkest legacy in the history of the UCPD. Under his watch, morale within the ranks plummeted, favoritism ran rampant, and the chief’s allegiance appeared not to the men and women in uniform nor to the public they serve, but to the political machine of Mayor Brian Stack. Facchini will be remembered not as a protector of law and order, but as a willing participant in turning a proud police department into a tool for political control.

The Rise of Captain Laurencio

Captain Walter Laurencio now stands at the threshold of leadership. His story is one rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and freedom. On social media, Laurencio shared his family’s journey to America from Cuba, a story that resonates deeply with Union City’s immigrant community and underscores his values:

“41 years ago (June 12, 1980) my parents and I along with some of my other family arrived in Florida on a boat named God’s Mercy. The boat was chartered by episcopal priests from Louisiana to bring Cuban families seeking freedom in the US. My family was temporarily sent to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin while our immigration documentation was processed. Shortly thereafter we were reunited with our family in Queens, NY and a few months after that we settled in WNY/Union City area. That’s a brief history of the start of my personal American Dream. I can’t express how thankful I am for my parents’ brave decision to leave our homeland with a 3 and 6 year old and only the clothing on our backs. I love this country!!! 🇺🇸🇨🇺”

This testimony reflects a man who understands firsthand the value of freedom and the dangers of tyranny. His family escaped communist dictatorship in search of liberty — and now, he has the chance to ensure that Union City’s police department does not continue to fall victim to a different kind of political dictatorship at home, even if it falls under the disguise of “democracy”.

Laurencio’s heritage matters because it signals the potential for him to be the first chief in decades to resist becoming just another puppet of Mayor Brian Stack’s iron grip over law enforcement.

Stack’s Power Play: The Return of Captain Archer Cuellar

But Brian Stack may already be aware of the challenge Laurencio represents to his control. In a sudden and puzzling move, Captain Archer Cuellar—who had officially retired only a few weeks ago and an ally of Stack—was abruptly brought back. The timing cannot be ignored. Why would a captain who had just left the department suddenly return? The obvious conclusion is that Stack fears he cannot control Laurencio and is positioning Cuellar as a backup candidate for chief.

This maneuver raises serious questions about whether Union City is once again witnessing an attempt by the mayor to manipulate the future of the police department for political ends. If Stack’s influence continues to dictate the top ranks, the cycle of puppet chiefs will never be broken.

The Controversial Role of Captain Omar Hernandez

Also looming in the background is Captain Omar Hernandez, who has long aspired to be chief of police. However, Hernandez carries a heavy cloud of controversy. He is widely known for his role in the highly controversial and illegal arrest of an investigative journalist, a case stemming from a misinterpretation and ignorance of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The arrest was not only beyond his jurisdiction but also a blatant overstep of his authority. The charges were ultimately dismissed, leaving a stain on his record and raising questions about his judgment, his respect for the law, and his suitability to lead.

If Hernandez were to ascend to chief, it could signal another dark age for the UCPD. His controversial past and questionable actions, already widely circulated online, make him a dangerous candidate to place at the helm of Union City’s police force.

Rivals and Friends: A Brewing Battle

Laurencio, Cuellar, and Hernandez share long careers within the UCPD, once colleagues and even friends. But with the looming vacancy for chief, these ties may be tested. Could this become a rivalry reminiscent of history’s great betrayals? The whispers of political intrigue draw comparisons to the Ides of March, where loyalty gave way to ambition and betrayal. Union City politics is no stranger to betrayal, just ask Former Mayor Rudy Garcia and how Stack first placed himself in power, not by votes but with betrayal.

Union City may soon see the true colors of its top captains emerge, as each one navigates ambition, loyalty, and political pressure in the fight for leadership.

Civilian Director vs. Chief of Police: Who Really Holds the Power?

One of the biggest issues facing Union City today is the confusion — and sometimes abuse — of the balance of power between a civilian Director of Public Safety and a sworn Chief of Police. On paper, the law is crystal clear: under New Jersey Statute 40A:14-118, the Chief of Police is the head of the police department and is directly responsible for the “efficiency and day-to-day operations” of the force. That means the Chief alone decides assignments, oversees discipline, enforces rules, and runs the department on a daily basis.

A civilian Director of Public Safety, on the other hand, is an “appropriate authority” — a position a mayor can create to set broad policy, pass rules, and provide oversight. But here’s the key distinction: a civilian director does not have police powers. They are not sworn officers, cannot make arrests, and cannot interfere with the daily decisions of the Chief. Their role is limited to policy, not policing.

New Jersey courts have had to step in multiple times to protect chiefs from political interference. In Gauntt v. Bridgeton, the Appellate Division actually barred a civilian director from meddling in police assignments, ruling that the law gives those powers solely to the Chief. In Falcone v. De Furia, the New Jersey Supreme Court said the statute was written specifically to prevent undue political interference — allowing politicians to set policy but leaving day-to-day operations to the Chief. Even as recently as 2020, the Court in FOP v. Newark reaffirmed this same framework: oversight is fine, but running the department is the Chief’s job.

The State Legislature has also recognized the problem. Bills have been introduced (like S-750 in 2024) to make it absolutely clear that civilian directors have no police powers. The very fact these bills keep coming up shows there’s a constant tension in New Jersey between political bosses who want control and the statutory independence of police chiefs. Unfortunately, videos have surfaced online of Mayor Stack deliberately interfering with police operations including broadcasting over the police radio frequency barking orders. Additionally, having a history of driving a city vehicle fully equipped with police emergency lights, sirens and radio without being a first responder.

For the public, the bottom line is simple:

A Chief of Police is a sworn law enforcement officer who commands the force and answers only to the law and the “appropriate authority” on broad policy matters. A civilian Director of Public Safety is a political appointee with no badge, no gun, and no power to order police officers around.

That separation exists to stop exactly what Union City has seen for years — politicians trying to pull the strings of the police department for their own benefit. If Walter Laurencio becomes Chief, he has the legal authority — and the family history — to stand firm against political manipulation and finally restore integrity to the UCPD.

The Future at Stake

Union City deserves a police chief who is not afraid to stand up for what is right, even when pressured by politicians. The residents deserve leadership that prioritizes safety, justice, and professionalism over backroom deals and political favors.

As Chief Facchini exits in disgrace, and as Brian Stack continues his long-standing attempts to dominate every institution in the city, all eyes will be on Captain Walter Laurencio. The question is clear: Will he bow down like those before him, or will he rise above and break free from the cycle of political puppetry?

If Laurencio remains true to his family’s legacy of rejecting tyranny, he may very well be the leader who restores honor to the Union City Police Department. But as Cuellar’s suspicious return and Hernandez’s ambition muddy the waters, Union City must be vigilant. The stakes are nothing less than the future of law enforcement in this city.