The North Bergen Police Department expanded when they swore in five new officers during a ceremony at Township Hall on Friday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The new officers are Christopher Arce, Erick Rodriguez, Jorge Palaguachi, Julio Noriega and Mayco Diaz and state Senator (D-32)/Mayor Nick Sacco detailed the great strides the NBPD made since he first took office.
“Thirty years ago, we had only two police cars for 79 officers,” Sacco said in a statement.
“If we’re going to keep our rating as the best in Hudson County, then we’re going to have to keep our department as strong as possible. This is what makes the community as strong as it is.”
Also on hand were Police Chief Robert Dowd, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual, Deputy Police Chief Peter Fasilis, Revenue and Finance Commissioner Julio Marenco and Freeholder Anthony Vainieri (D-7).
“It’s great to see our police department continue to grow and the Mayor and Board of Commissioners are fully committed to keeping North Bergen safe by making sure our officers have the resources and manpower they need,” added Pascual.
Dowd also praised Sacco and his administration’s efforts to keep the department continually improving.
“With the Mayor’s guidance and leadership the North Bergen Police Department is among the most diverse in the state and it is a true reflection of the community we protect and serve,” stated Dowd.
“I would like to thank Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Pascual and the entire township for their continued support for the North Bergen Police Department.”
The new officers begin the Bergen County Police Academy later this month and Dowd spoke of his own experiences there 25 years ago when addressing the families in attendance, particularly how home-cooked meals from his mother and his father taking his uniform to the dry cleaners made a huge difference at the time.
“They’re going to need your help. They’re in for some long days and they are grueling. They’re going to need to lean on you,” explained Dowd.
