The Newark Police Department and the Newark Police Athletic League (PAL) have officially announced the name of their newly developed, professionally crafted department mascot: SOAR.
Designed to reinforce positive relationships between law enforcement and local youth, the mascot embodies the department’s commitment to engagement, visibility, and trust-building. Inspired by the eagle featured on the department’s official shoulder patch, the character was developed in partnership with Character Translations, a nationally recognized mascot production company known for creating high-profile figures, including “Gritty,” the widely known mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The creation of the Newark Police Department mascot represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in the realm of community policing, utilizing a sports-team caliber character to strengthen ties between officers and children. The initiative was fully funded through a grant awarded to the Newark PAL by the Delaware Criminal Justice Council. The grant signifies statewide support for modern, impactful strategies that foster youth engagement and encourage meaningful interaction with public safety personnel.
As part of the unveiling process, nearly 2,000 elementary school students from area schools participated in the naming of the new mascot. A selection committee, composed of Newark Police officers and members of the Newark PAL Board of Directors, finalized their choice for the winning name, SOAR.
The name was revealed during a school pep rally held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Downes Elementary School. The event marked SOAR’s first official appearance and celebrated the collaborative spirit behind its creation.
