The North Bergen police union that represents the ranking officers, as well as two township officials, came out in support of embattled Police Chief Robert Farley at last night’s board of commissioners meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
North Bergen PBA Local 18A President Alex Barrios, who represents the superior officers, noted the room was full of off-duty officers who wanted to show their support for Farley.
“We all came here to support the chief. We all have the utmost confidence and faith in the leadership abilities of our chief,” he stated, noting that his union had this discussion at a meeting they held on Tuesday evening.
“ … It was unanimously decided by everyone in attendance [at the union meeting] that we have full confidence in the chief’s ability to be our leader,” he said to applause from the room and commissioners.
Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual echoed that sentiment.
“… It really means a lot to him. It really means a lot to the township. Chief, just so you know, we fully support you. This is why. We know what kind of man you are. The support your men and women are showing you here today speaks volumes,” he stated.
Township Attorney Thomas Kobin reiterated that the administration fully supports Farley and that the salacious tort claims made by five officers don’t pass the smell test.
“The town is fully behind the chief on this. These allegations are motivated and intended to gain retribution against the chief for implementing overtime cuts in the department dealing with extra duty details,” he argued.
“We look forward to proving these allegations false. Thank you all for coming.”
After the meeting was adjourned, Farley, who was seated in the audience, briefly addressed the crowd.
“Thank you guys for being here. It really means a lot to me,” he said to great applause and cheers.
Last Wednesday, Lt. Alex Guzman, retired Officer Michael F. Derin, Det. Michael A. Derin, Officer Rasheed Siyam, and Officer Christopher Bowen made tort claims public via their attorney Patrick Toscano, making bold accusations against Farley.
They alleged he turned the police department into a frat house since he took over as chief in February 2024, stabbing an officer in the genitals with a hypodermic needle, defecating on floors, as well as sending masturbation creams and LGBTQ flags to officers’ homes, among other things, Toscano explained at a press conference last Thursday.
The salacious claims have gone national, getting reported on the likes of NBC, the NY Post, People magazine, and TMZ, along with many other news outlets.
