Corporal James Spadola, the Newark Police officer whose Hug a Cop video made national news, is leaving the department to take a position in the technology community.
The video helped build bridges between Newark Police and the community. Other departments, after viewing the video, did their own version of the hug event.
“I am leaving Newark PD and joining Zip Code Wilmington as their Director of Business Development (starting March 13th). The City of Newark, Newark PD and law enforcement will always be close to my heart, and I intend to remain active in their affairs,” Spaola wrote in an E Mail message.
Zip Code Wilmington is a non-profit organization that operates a rigorous computer coding “boot camp” that aims to meet demand for those skills in financial technology and other tech areas in the region.
Coding requires an eye for detail and discipline, but does not necessary require a college education.
Last year, Spadola ran and lost as a Republican candidate in a State Senate race in suburban Wilmington.
Spadola has a bachelors degree from the University of Delaware and a masters from Wilmington University He is a veteran of the war in Iraq.
