Oakland Police Department Promotes Matthew Lopez
Mayor Eric Kulmala administered the oath of office for the new sergeant on October 21.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Oakland Police Department promoted Matthew Lopez to the rank of sergeant this week. Mayor Eric Kulmala officiated the ceremony by administering the oath of office.
Why it matters
The promotion brings a new leadership level to the department as it manages current staffing requirements. The organization currently supports a community of more than 12,000 residents across 9 square miles.
The department currently maintains 21 active members, with one officer in the Passaic County Police Academy and three in the Bergen County Police Academy.
The players
Matthew Lopez
He is a sergeant with the Oakland Police Department who previously served as a combat medic from 2014 to 2020.
Eric Kulmala
He serves as the Mayor of Oakland and performed the official swearing-in ceremony for the newly promoted sergeant.
The details
Matthew Lopez, an Indian Hills High School graduate and former combat medic, joined the local police department in 2020. His promotion follows a career path that included military service from 2014 to 2020 before he transitioned into municipal law enforcement.
Timeline
2013: Matthew Lopez graduated from Indian Hills High School.
2014-2020: Matthew Lopez served as a combat medic.
2020: Matthew Lopez was hired by the Oakland Police Department.
October 21, 2026: Matthew Lopez was promoted to sergeant.
Legal Context
This promotion fits into the departmental growth established during the 2020 hiring cycle, which also saw the addition of officers Jacquelyn Jensen and Jonathan Lyons. Such advancements reflect the internal career development tracks within small municipal departments.
The addition of a new sergeant provides leadership for the force tasked with covering the 9 square miles of the Oakland area. Residents can expect continued operational oversight as the department integrates its recruits currently in academy training.
The takeaway
Staff promotions within small municipal departments often coincide with long-term recruitment efforts. The Oakland department maintains a focus on training new recruits to ensure coverage for its local population.
Further reading
Learn more about local policing efforts on the Oakland Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Jersey.
