Cedar Hill Elementary School -

Gaetano “Tommy” Scala, a retired Newark Police Officer, joined the Montville Township Public Schools [MTPS] Class III SLEO team on February 19, 2025. SLEO stands for School Law Enforcement Officer.

With family living in the community, Scala is familiar with Montville Township.

“This is a great community,” Scala said during his first days as a new SLEO in the district. “Everyone here is very friendly, very helpful. The kids are excited to have an officer in the building. It’s really great.”

With a smile Scala added, “When you love what you do it’s always fun.

As with the district’s other SLEOs and the SRO [School Resource Officer], the hiring of an elementary SLEO is part of the ongoing joint initiative between MTPS and Montville Township to enhance the security of the district.

Scala comes to the MTPS district with over 25 years of service. While a member of the Newark Police Department, the dedicated officer worked in various roles including, property and evidence, the fleet division, and the Emergency Services Unit [ESU] with SWAT. Scala is a crime scene expert.

“Officer Scala – Tommy -- will have the same responsibilities as the SLEOs at Lazar and MTHS,” Superintendent Dr. Thomas A. Gorman said. “His time will be split between the five elementary schools based on a schedule worked out among the elementary principals.”

In addition to his dedication to law enforcement, Scala is happily married, is active in his community, has been a coach, is excited about his recently born first grandchild, and passionate about singing.

Video of MTPS’ new SLEO singing can be found on-line. Scala has been a guest on “America’s Got Talent,” and a contestant on “X Factor.”

The MTPS community is excited to welcome Officer Gaetano “Tommy” Scala to the district.