Captain Michael J. Bergbauer

Captain Michael J. Bergbauer joined the Union City Police Department in 2004 after previously serving as a Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer and Corrections Officer. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of assignments within the department, spending much of his time assigned to the Patrol Division.

Captain Bergbauer has held several key leadership roles, including Commander of the Internal Affairs Unit and Commander of the Community Policing Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2011, Lieutenant in 2016, and Captain in August 2021.

He currently serves as the Investigative Division Commander, where he oversees the department’s investigative operations. Captain Bergbauer also serves as the Director of Union City EMS, providing leadership and administrative oversight for the city’s emergency medical services.

Captain Bergbauer earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Training and Development from the Seton Hall University Police Graduate Program.

Raised in Union City, Captain Bergbauer is a second-generation police officer. His father, retired Inspector Michael H. Bergbauer, also served the Union City Police Department.

Captain Bergbauer is married and the proud father of three children.

Captain Omar Hernandez

Captain Hernandez was promoted to Sergeant in 2008 and continued serving in the Patrol Division before being assigned in 2011 to lead the Narcotics Division. In 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving in Patrol, and later the Training Division. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and once again served in the Patrol Division as the Morning Shift Commander, overseeing daily field operations, supervisory personnel, and operational readiness. Captain Hernandez is currently serving as Commander of the Training Division, overseeing departmental training initiatives and officer development programs.

Captain Hernandez is also an original member of the Union City Emergency Services Unit, having served with the unit since 2004. Throughout his career, he has commanded the ESU in both Lieutenant and Captain ranks, providing leadership during high-risk operations and specialized deployments.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University–New Brunswick and maintains multiple instructor certifications, including rifle, submachine gun, shotgun, pistol, Taser, CPR, baton, OC spray, and ABLE/ICAT.

Captain Hernandez’s career reflects a strong commitment to service, leadership, and professional excellence. Through his decades of experience in patrol, investigations, training, and specialized operations, he remains a vital part of the Union City Police Department’s ongoing progress toward its mission.

Captain Archer Cuellar

Captain Archer Cuellar was born in New York and raised in Union City, where he developed deep roots in the community he now proudly serves. He attended the Union City school system and graduated from Emerson High School. Following high school, he attended the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, where he earned an Airframe and Powerplant Degree. He later continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.

Captain Cuellar began his law enforcement career with the Union City Police Department in 1995. He attended the John H. Stamler Police Academy and graduated in June 1995, beginning a distinguished career dedicated to public service and community safety.

Throughout his tenure with the department, Captain Cuellar has served in several key assignments, including the Patrol Division, the Detective Bureau, the Juvenile Aid Bureau, and the Training Division. He has also been a member of the Emergency Services Unit since its formation in 2004 and currently serves as one of its Commanders, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to specialized operations and emergency response.

Acknowledging his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the department, Captain Cuellar was promoted to Sergeant in 2012, Lieutenant in 2018, and Captain in 2023. In addition to his command responsibilities, he is a PTC Certified Police Instructor and has served as an instructor at the Bergen County Police Academy, helping to train and mentor future law enforcement professionals. He also previously served as the Acting Executive Director of the Union City Parking Authority.

Captain Cuellar is currently assigned to the Chief’s Office, where he serves as Chief of Staff, supporting executive leadership and helping guide departmental operations, coordination, and strategic initiatives. His career reflects a strong commitment to service, leadership, and professional excellence. With decades of experience, specialized operational skills, and strong connections to Union City, he remains a key figure in supporting the mission of the Union City Police Department.

Captain Steven Matulewicz

Captain Steven Matulewicz is a lifelong Union City resident whose family has long been deeply rooted in service to the community. The son of a local business owner and philanthropist, Captain Matulewicz comes from a family with a strong tradition of civic commitment and public service in Union City. His sister has dedicated many years to teaching in the Union City public school system; his brother previously served as a patrol officer with the Union City Police Department; and his nephew currently serves on the department.

Captain Matulewicz attended Holy Rosary Academy Grammar School and graduated from St. Peter’s Preparatory School in 1981. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Master’s Degree from Florida National University.

A graduate of the 194th Class of the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Captain Matulewicz joined the Union City Police Department in 1996. Throughout his career, he primarily served in the Patrol Division on the night shift, where he developed extensive operational experience and a strong connection to the community he serves.

In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Captain Matulewicz was promoted to Sergeant in 2011 and to Lieutenant in 2018. As a Lieutenant, he served as Commander of both the Communications Division and the Patrol Division, overseeing operations, supporting personnel, and advancing the department’s mission of public safety and service. In 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Captain Matulewicz’s career reflects a deep commitment to Union City, its residents, and the principles of professional policing. His longstanding ties to the community, combined with decades of service and leadership within the department, continue to make him a valued member of the Union City Police Department command staff.

Captain Richard Perez

Captain Richard Perez has proudly served with the Union City Police Department since January 1993, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to public safety, leadership, and community service. A lifelong connection to Union City has shaped his career, and throughout his years of service, he has remained dedicated to protecting the residents of the community where he was raised.

Captain Perez attended Hudson Grammar School and graduated from Emerson High School. He continued his education at Saint Peter’s College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. During his youth, he excelled in athletics, developing the discipline, teamwork, and determination that would later serve him well throughout his law enforcement career.

A graduate of the Somerset Police Academy, Class 10-1993, Captain Perez began his career in the Morning Patrol Division. He later served in Community Policing, where he became one of the first members of the department’s Bike Unit. He also served as a Detective in the Narcotics Task Force, gaining valuable investigative experience and broadening his knowledge of specialized enforcement operations.

In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Captain Perez was promoted to Sergeant in December 2004 and went on to command the Union City Gang Unit. In 2015, he was promoted to Lieutenant, overseeing the Power Shift and later the Quality-of-Life Unit. In 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and currently serves as the Night Patrol Commander for A-Squad, overseeing evening operations and helping ensure the safety and security of Union City.

Captain Perez’s career reflects a strong commitment to service, leadership, and professional excellence. Captain Perez’s experience in patrol, investigations, and community policing shapes the important role he serves as a vital member of the Command Staff.