WILDWOOD CREST – Police Lt. Denise Holt has graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy, the Police Department announced.

Holt successfully completed a demanding 13-week course at the academy that draws from the leadership model used at West Point.

According to a statement from the Police Department, throughout the program she demonstrated a commitment to excellence, completing coursework centered on leadership theory, workplace dynamics and problem-solving under pressure.

Holt started with the Police Department as a Class II officer in January 2003 and was hired full time in August 2004. She was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and became administrative sergeant that November.

She subsequently became a patrol sergeant, serving in that capacity until August 2017, when she returned to the position of administrative sergeant. She was promoted to lieutenant in January 2021 and serves as the administrative division commander.

Originally from Washington Township, Holt graduated from Stockton University with a B.A. in sociology. She is married and has two children.

“She is a great administrator. We’re happy to have her on our team,” Police Chief Robert Lloyd said.

The chief said the Command and Leadership Academy has been around for some time as a joint effort of the Chiefs Association and military the academy.

He said it is designed to prepare law enforcement leaders for the challenges of modern policing. The program integrates academic principles with real-world leadership application, enhancing the decision-making and leadership skills of its participants.

Lloyd said the course is not full time but requires a couple days a week over its 13 weeks. He said during that time the candidates are constantly working, preparing assignments and projects or studying for exams.

Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.