FLPD History

Fair Lawn Police Department History Page
(Click on the thumbnail photos for a full image!!)

We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable help of the following members of the Fair Lawn Police Department family.

The late Chief Louis Risacher (Ret./Dec.), Deputy Chief (ret.) Vincent DiPentima, Captain (ret.) Robert and Marie Gajarski, Captain (ret.) Christopher Freitag Captain (ret.), Detective Captain Anthony Serrao, Lieutenant (ret.) Nicholas Vanore Detective Lieutenant (ret.) Robert Boogertman, Detective (ret.), Roger Rysz, Officer (ret.) Michael "Mike the Cop" Dudziak, Mrs. Ella Hoeffner (widow of retired/Dec. officer John Hoeffner), Ms. Patty Hoyt (granddaughter of retired/Dec. officer John Postma), Toby Van Buren (nephew of retired officer Milton Capwell), and Ms. Maureen Sayers, FLPD Administrative Assistant

F.L.P.D. Chief's Honor Roll
Chief Michael Vanore	Chief 1930 - 1955
Chief Louis Risacher	Chief 1955 - 1979
Chief Robert Van Houten	Chief 1979 - 1987
Chief Richard Polhemus	Chief 1987 - 1990
Chief William Gormanns	Chief 1990 - 1998
Chief Rodman D. Marshall	Chief 1999 - 2004
Chief Erik W. Rose	Chief 2004 - Present

The F.L.P.D. is assembling an all-time roster by badge number. Click to see the roster - updated 01/17/08 If you are aware of any corrections or additions, please e-mail Capt. Joseph Cook.

Prior to 1924, Fair Lawn was part of the Saddle River Township. The area was policed by constables, who were elected by the people. In 1921, the constables were appointed by the Township Committee.

The Borough of Fair Lawn was incorporated on April 5, 1924 and at an organizational meeting held on June 2, 1924, The Borough Council appointed Michael Vanore as "Chief Marshal" and four subordinate Marshals who were part-time, hourly, on call employees. The Marshals were assigned to traffic duty on Sundays and holidays and sometimes patrolled at night. Travel was by foot, Erie Railroad, or by the Hudson River Trolley (which ran from Paterson to the Hudson River along what is today Broadway and South Broadway).

This department photo is from 1924. Mike Vanore, who became Fair Lawn's first Police Chief, is seated on the left. Judge George W. Maines is seated on the right. Samuel Greydanus, is standing sixth from the left in the photo. He was also Justice of the Peace in Fair Lawn at that time.

The Bergen Avenue School was used as a makeshift police headquarters. In 1928, development of the Radburn section began and special police, paid for by the corporation, was hired to handle the large crowds coming from all over to see the "Town of the Motor Age". In 1929, the Borough purchased the Acker estate (called Fair Lawn) and renovated it for Borough Hall and police headquarters. This building stood where the Fair Lawn Senior Citizen's Center is today. This Borough Hall was used until 1962, when the Borough moved into the current municipal building.

The residents petitioned the Borough Council to establish a full time, paid police force. The petition is 22 pages long and contains 316 signatures. So, in 1930, the FLPD was born. The 1930 U.S. Census showed Fair Lawn with a total population of 5,590.

Chief Marshall, Mike Vanore, was appointed as Fair Lawn's first Chief of Police on September 1, 1930. On October 1, 1930, Elijah Duddleston, Emil DeWilde, and William Grunstra were appointed as Fair Lawn's first Police Officers. The first two traffic lights were installed; one at Fair Lawn Avenue and River Road, and the other at Maple Avenue and River Road.

In 1931, the Borough purchased it's first police car. Prior to that, the officers used their own cars for patrol. The officers communicated to headquarters by way of "call boxes" scattered throughout the Borough.

In 1932, two more officers were hired.

In 1933, a County Police one way radio system was installed in headquarters and in the police car. Police Chief Mike Vanore (left) with the members of the Fair Lawn Police Department.

In 1934, three more officers were hired and an additional car was purchased.

Fair Lawn Police Car #2 was a 1934 Willy's Night Roadster.

Fair Lawn Police Department - 1935

This photo from the late 1930's was taken in front of Police Headquarters (where the Senior Citizens Center stands today), consisting of the original police department, Mayor Nicholas Kuiken, and Judge George Maines.

Awards presented to Officer John Postma.
The safety award (on the left) was presented February 1941 for a successful resuscitation.

The Fair Lawn Police Department - early 1940's.

In 1943, the police department purchased it's own two-way radio system and formed the Detective Bureau.

October 1, 1946 - Officer John Postma

In 1948, the department grows to 21 officers.

Early Borough Hall, located at 11th Street and Gardiner Road (where the Senior Citizen's Center is today)

Officer John Postma at the F.L.P.D.'s 2nd Pistol Range dedication October 1, 1946
The second range is where Memorial Middle School is today.
The first range was on River Road near where Tanis Concrete is today.

The Fair Lawn Police Department - June 1, 1949

1950 - Officer Milton Capwell

Fair Lawn Police Car from the 1950's

June 25, 1952 - Det/Sgt. John LaGrossa (standing) questions Edward M. Stafford, a.k.a. the "Pea Jacket Bandit"

June 25, 1952 - Det. Andy Troy (l) and Officer Vincent DiPentima with evidence obtained during the capture.

September 24, 1952 - Members of the F.L.P.D. Pistol Team pose with their trophy. Pictured from left are: Captain Louis Risacher, Sgt. Nicholas Vanore, Officer Nicholas VanDeMoere (Team Captain), Officer Larry DeVuyst, Officer Vincent DiPentima.

Fair Lawn Police Department Pistol Range and Training Center (1954 - 1955)

June 7, 1954 - Officer Vincent Di Pentima on the department's first 3-wheeled motorcycle. It was used for parking enforcement and crowd control.

Police Chief Michael Vanore remained Police Chief until his death in 1955. On February 1, 1956, Louis J. Risacher, who was appointed to the force on December 23, 1938, became Fair Lawn's second Chief of Police. He remained as Chief until his retirement from the department on October 1, 1979. In 1938, when Chief Risacher was appointed as a patrol officer, the starting salary (for full time work) was $1,600.00 per year (about 60 cents per hour).

March 1956 - Auxiliary Police Officer Alfred Callons (left), father of Fair Lawn Community Policing Officer Glen Callons, at the range.

1957 - Officer John Postma as seen in the Herald News.

1957 - Fair Lawn Police Pistol Team

Bicycle Safety "Willie" 1959

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1960 - Fair Lawn Police Department Weapons Display

In May 1963, New York City Police Department Detective John Keeney, who was mistakenly believed to be a Jewish war veteran, was beaten during a riot between the Jewish War Veterans and the Neo-Nazi Renaissance Party in New York. Det. Keeney was quoted in the paper as saying he, "... was honored to be thought of as a Jewish war veteran, even though he is Irish and a member of the Catholic war veterans". When Fair Lawn Post #651 of the Jewish War Veterans read Det. Keeney's comments in the newspaper, Post #651 unanimously passed a resolution making him the first honorary member. Shown in this June 23, 1963 picture (from the left) are Lt. Edward Kuiken (Fair Lawn Police Department), Det. Keeney, and Post #651 Commander Martin Cain.

As of January 1, 1964, the Fair Lawn Police Department had a sworn strength of 43 officers. Under Chief Risacher there were 3 Lieutenants, 7 Sergeants, and 32 police officers. All of the officers lived in Fair Lawn.

This photo was taken on May 8, 1964. The police cars are parked along Parmalee Avenue, next to the two-year old Municipal Building. The officers (from left to right) are P.O. Sid Borduin, Sgt. Kenneth Vandenberg, P.O. Frank Van Leeuwe, and P.O. Saul Thau.

Fair Lawn Police Department Range and Training Center

By 1972, the Fair Lawn Police Department had grown to 50 sworn officers.

Fair Lawn Police Department - May, 1973

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1973 - Officer Vince DiPentima was the "Top Shot in the County".

Chief Robert Van Houten was appointed to the force on November 1, 1950. He worked his way through the ranks, last having obtained the rank of Detective Captain. He was appointed Chief of Police in October 1979, and remained there until his retirement in 1987.

Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police - 1975

Chief Richard Polhemus was appointed to the Fair Lawn Police Department on July 1, 1960. He worked his way through the ranks, last having obtained the rank of Patrol Captain. He was appointed Chief of Police in 1987, and remained there until his retirement during July 1990.

April 1992 - Police Officers Walter Sudol and Henry Michalski get ready to patrol.

Officer Anthony Serrao 1982

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July 1983 - (from left) Officers Richard Mc Walters, George Naugle, and John Nazzaretto outside the rear of police headquarters.

1986 - Fair Lawn Police Department

Chief William Gormanns was appointed Chief of Police July 1990. He was appointed to the Fair Lawn Police Department on December 2, 1965 and had worked his way up the ranks with his last assignment being Detective Captain prior to his appointment as Chief. Chief Gormanns retired on December 31, 1998.

1990 - Headquarters at night

1991 - From left: S. Wassel, M. Uttel, T. Franco, B. Shore, G. Callons

1994 - Seated from left: M. Dudziak & A. Serrao, Standing from left: D. DeLucca, J. Welsh, L. Evangelista, W. Sudol

Officer Joseph Cook and Fair Lawn 6th grade teacher Alexis Palinkas at a D.A.R.E. graduation.

From February - May 1997, Sgt. Joseph Cook attended the 10-week Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. This class was offered through the N.J. Office of Highway Traffic Safety and was held at the N.J. State Police Training Center in Sea Girt.

Mr. Robert Martin was appointed as Fair Lawn's first civilian Police Director in March 1998. Director Martin had risen through the ranks in the Jersey City Police Department. He remained as Director until December 31, 1998

August 1998 - from left Officer Ron Patterson, Officer Steve Cannizzaro, Cop Card Photographer Jim Lord, Officer Lou Failla, & Sgt. Joseph Cook

1999 - Officers Lonnie Mergler (L) and Officer Brian Simpson behind headquarters

1999 - Fair Lawn Police Department Range and Training Center (click for larger image)

On May 21, 1999, Captain Rodman D. Marshall was sworn in as Fair Lawn's 5th Chief of Police. Chief Marshall had been Acting Chief since January 1, 1999. Chief Marshall had worked himself up through the ranks in the department, serving as Patrol Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, Traffic Officer, and Captain of the Operations Division prior to his appointment to chief. Also promoted were Anthony Serrao to Captain, Joseph Cook to Lieutenant, and Richard Schultz to Sergeant.

1999 - D.A.R.E. Officers (from left) P.O. Derek Bastinck, P.O./Chaplain David Boone, P.O. John Opalka, Sgt. Joseph Cook

With the successful applications for funding under the "COPS Office" in Washington D.C., additional officers were hired to supplement the department, specifically to further and expand the Department's Community Policing initiatives. Though the authorized strength of the department was 53 sworn officers. By August 1999, the Department had 57 sworn officers on it's roster. The population of the Borough was 30,538.

On January 1, 2000, the officers of the FLPD said goodbye to their gray uniforms as the department underwent a uniform change. The gray uniforms, used since 1971, were be changed to blue. The new uniform consists of Navy blue pants with a gold stripe down the leg and French blue shirts. The dress blouse is French blue. Officers holding the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, or Chief will wear white shirts. Patrol officers and Sergeants wear French blue shirts. The patch was also changed. Additionally, a small patch will be worn on the collars of the patrol officers' and Sergeants' shirts, replacing the metal F.L.P.D.'s. Supervisors with the rank of Lieutenant and above will still wear metal rank insignias on their collars. View the evolution of the Fair Lawn Police patch.

With retirements and resignations, on February 10, 2000, the department hired 4 additional officers (James Corcoran, Gerard Graziano, James Krizek, and John LaDuca), bringing the size of the force to 58 sworn officers.

On February 14, 2000, Capt. Walter Sudol was reassigned as Commander of the Operations Division and Capt. Anthony Serrao was reassigned as Commander of the Administrative Division.

On August 1, 2000, the Millennium Edition of the Fair Lawn Cop Cards became available. There were 60 cards in the new set.

The first half of 2001 was very busy for the F.L.P.D. The department re-organized, moving the Detective Bureau from the Operations Division to the Administrative Division. P.O. John Ietto and P.O. David Boone were re-assigned to the Detective Bureau. Det. Ietto will be heading up the newly formed Burglary Squad and Det. Boone will be doing general investigations. Det/Lt. Raymond was reassigned to the Chief's Office on a special assignment. Sgt. Messina was re-assigned to the Detective Bureau as a supervisor. P.O. Glen Cauwels was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned as a Patrol Supervisor. The just released 2000 census showed Fair Lawn with a population of 31,637 residents.

In July 2001, Officer Sara Toro and Officer Joseph Dawicki sworn in as Fair Lawn's newest officers. Additionally, Sgt. Richard Schultz was reassigned from Community Policing to patrol and Sgt. Robert Boyle was reassigned from patrol to Community Policing.

In early 2002, Officer John LaDuca resigned and accepted a position with the Bergen County Police Department

On August 1, 2002, the Fair Lawn Police Department hired Officer Michael O'Brien through the New Jersey Intergovernmental Transfer Program. Officer O'Brien had previously worked for the Kean University Police. With Officer O'Brien, the force had 56 officers.

On March 18, 2003, Det/Sgt. Robert Kneer was promoted to Lieutenant and was re-assigned to the Patrol Division. Officer John Annazone was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Doug Helmers was reassigned as a Detective Sergeant to the Detective Bureau. Lieutenant Erik Rose was reassigned to the Detective Bureau and was given the responsibility of strategic planning for the department.

During April 2003, new firearms were purchased for the department. The new .40 caliber P-226 Sig-Sauer handguns replaced the 10 year old Sig-Sauer 9mm handguns. (click for larger image)

On April 17, 2003, Officer Mary Ann Collura was shot and killed by a suspect she was trying to arrest on Morlot Avenue. She was Fair Lawn's first female police officer and is deeply missed by the department. Her murderer was killed in a shootout with police in Florida 3 days later.

On April 30, 2003, the Fair Lawn Police Department hired Officer Ian Manelis through the New Jersey Intergovernmental Transfer Program. Officer Manelis had previously worked for the Passaic Police Department. With Lt. Bruce Raymond retiring, Officer Manelis brought the force to 55 officers.

During May 2003, the Fair Lawn Police Department began enhancing their technology. NCIC 2000 was added to the Communications Center and a "live scan" fingerprint system was installed. This new fingerprint system "scans" the person's fingerprints similar to a computer scanner. Live scan technology replaces traditional ink-on-paper fingerprints by scanning the prints of a person�s fingers electronically. The live scan system then allows for the prints (in digital format) to be rapidly forwarded to the appropriate national and state law enforcement databases for criminal background checking. This has proven to significantly speed up this process, reducing the time necessary from days to minutes.

   May 30, 2003 - Lt. William Yirce, Lt. Joseph Cook, and Captain Anthony Serrao at police headquarters before participating in the
     Special Olympics Torch Run.

On June 11, 2003, the Fair Lawn Police Department hired Officer Kevin Wood through the New Jersey Intergovernmental Transfer Program. Officer Wood had previously worked for the Paterson Police Department. Officer Wood brought the force to 57 officers.

Xplore Technologies Xplore GeneSys II (01-05603) PC Notebook

In August 2003, the department installed laptop computers and "Info Cop" in the police cars. Info-Cop is a software technology that provides law enforcement officers real-time access to local, state, and federal crime databases via wireless in-car laptops and wireless hand-held PDA's. These laptops allow the officers check driver's licenses, registrations, wants and warrants, property for stolen, etc. right from the vehicle. It also allows officers to communicate with headquarters without using a radio. In the future, it is expected that officers will be able to use the laptops to complete reports in the car and send them electronically to headquarters. For the unmarked cars, the small "PDA" type devices have been purchased. These devices have the same capabilities as the laptops, but in a smaller, handheld version.

On October 28, 2003, Lt. Erik Rose was promoted to Captain and was assigned as the Acting Chief of Police. Chief Marshall had announced his retirement effective March 1, 2004 and will be utilizing accrued time until his retirement date.

From January 2004 - March 2004, Captain Anthony Serrao attended the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The "NA" is one of the premier law enforcement training classes available.

On February 2, 2004, Paul J. Donahue and Stanislav Tovbin, both of Fair Lawn, were sworn in as Fair Lawn's newest police officers. These officers were hired to replace officers that will be retiring later in 2004. With the hiring of these two officers, the force had 59 officers.

On May 25, 2004, Captain Erik W. Rose was sworn in as Fair Lawn's 6th Chief of Police. Chief Rose had been Acting Chief since October 2003. Chief Rose had worked himself up through the ranks in the department, serving as Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Lieutenant in the Administrative Services Division in charge of Strategic Planning, and Captain in the Operations Division prior to his appointment to chief. Also promoted were Lieutenant Joseph Cook to Captain, Sergeant Glen Cauwels to Lieutenant, and Police Officer Ronald Patterson to Sergeant.

July 2005 - newly promoted Captain Joseph Cook (l) and soon to be retired (October 2005) Captain Walter Sudol.

On July 23, 2004, Eric Leitman, Luis Vasquez, and Christopher Chan, all of Fair Lawn, were sworn in as Fair Lawn's newest police officers. These officers were hired to replace officers that would be retiring later in 2004. With the hiring of these officers, the force had 58 officers.

In September 2004, six new Ford police cars were put into service. These cars signaled a return to the traditional "black and white" police cars. Go to the "Police Vehicle" page to learn more.

On October 12, 2004, Sgt. Richard Goetz was promoted to Lieutenant and officers Derek Bastinck and Brian Metzler were promoted to Sergeant. Lt. William Yirce and Officer James Corcoran were assigned to the Detective Bureau.

During the October 2004 budget hearings, Chief Erik Rose requested 6 additional police officers. As a result of his request, the Mayor and Council agreed to add 2 additional officers to the department. This is the first time since the 1980's that the department increased in size, absent a Federal grant.

On January 28, 2005, Christopher Siano, of Fair Lawn, was hired as a police officer. With the hiring of Officer Siano, the department had 57 officers.

On July 22, 2005, four new officers were sworn in. Sean Nagle, Michael Franco, Sean Macys, and Timothy O'Shaughnessy became the newest members of the F.L.P.D. The four new officers have begun training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute with an expected graduation date of December 2005. Michael Franco is the son of the Fair Lawn Police Department's Traffic Safety Officer Timothy Franco and Sean Macys is the son of retired Fair Lawn Police Sergeant George Macys. With the hiring of these new officers, the department had 61 officers.

On October 1, 2005, Sgt. Robert Boyle, Fair Lawn Police Department's Community Policing/Traffic supervisor retired and Sgt. Derek Bastinck was assigned as the new CP/Traffic supervisor.

On August 5, Officer Brian LaRosa was given the position of interim sergeant, to fill the supervisor vacancy made by the retiring Sgt. Boyle. Sgt. LaRosa will be remain in the Operations Division as a supervisor. He was permanently promoted to Sergeant September 30, 2005.

On August 21, Sgt. John Annazone was assigned to the Detective Bureau. Det/Sgt. Annazone will replace Sgt. Bastinck, who was reassigned to Community Policing.

On October 1, 2005, the Fair Lawn Police Department turned 75 years old

On October 25, 2005, the Fair Lawn Police Department held an "Open House" in recognition of the Department's 75th Anniversary. Go to the 75th Anniversary page for more information and photos

On December 16, 2005, the department took new photos. It had been 20 years since the last departmental photo was taken.

Department

Supervisors

Capt. Serrao, Chief Rose, Capt. Cook

On January 31, 2006, three new officers were sworn in. Eric Eleshewich, Kenneth Cavanagh, and Anthony Lugo became the newest members of the F.L.P.D. The 3 new officers began training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute with an expected graduation date of June 2006. These 3 officers were hired to replace P.O. Tovbin (who resigned to accept a position with the Bergen County Police) and two retirements scheduled for late 2006. With the hiring of these new officers, the department had 61 officers.

On April 2, 2006, the Fair Lawn Police Department began their Traffic and Quality of Life squad. P.O. Louis Failla and P.O. Mark Wyka were assigned to the squad. Those positions are expected to rotate every six months or so.

On July 6, 2006, Jeffrey Miller, Michele Luscombe, Joseph Cecere, and Manan Naik were hired as police dispatchers bringing the total number of dispatchers to 9. This was an addition of 1 to each shift with the intent to rely less on police officers for dispatching duty.

On July 11, 2006, P.O. Sara Toro resigned to accept a position with the Bergen County Police. With the resignation of P.O. Toro, the department had 60 officers.

On August 1, 2006, P.O. Steven Cannizzaro retired. P.O. Cannizzaro had been assigned to cross school children across Route 4 at 30th Street (a post he had held for the past 5 years). The entire Warren Point school hosted a "Goodbye Officer Steve" party in June 2006 where the WP band played and the entire school sang for him. P.O. Cannizzaro was presented with a goodbye card from each student and Principal McGinnis presented him with a plaque. With the retirement of P.O. Cannizzaro, the department had 59 officers.

On September 15, 2006, P.O. Jeffrey Blumenfeld retired. P.O. Blumenfeld had worked patrol throughout his career and spent his last year in the Traffic Division. P.O. Blumenfeld was also a firearms officer. With the retirement of P.O. Blumenfeld, the department had 58 officers.

On November 09, 2006, the Fair Lawn Police Department hired Officer Mark Roskowsky through the New Jersey Intergovernmental Transfer Program. Officer Roskowsky had previously worked for the Jefferson Township Police Department. Officer Roskowsky brought the force to 59 officers.

On January 30, 2007, forty one Fair Lawn Police Department employees received 85 awards for their work. The following officers and dispatchers were honored during the Borough Council meeting:

D/Capt. Anthony Serrao - Certificate of Commendation; Capt. Joseph Cook- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation; D/Lt. William Yirce- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation; Lt. Richard Goetz- Exceptional Service; Lt. Robert Kneer - Honorable Service; Sgt. Michael Uttel- Exceptional Service; D/Sgt. Michael Messina - Certificate of Commendation(4); Sgt. Richard Schultz - Exceptional Service, Educational Achievement, Certificate of Commendation; D/Sgt. John Annazone - Certificate of Commendation; Sgt. Derek Bastinck- Exceptional Service, Educational Achievement; Sgt. Brian Metzler- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation(2); Sgt. Brian La Rosa - Certificate of Commendation; Det. John Ietto - Certificate of Commendation(5); P.O. Hiram Taylor - Honorable Service; P.O. Louis Evangelista - Honorable Service, Certificate of Commendation(4); P.O. Stephen Wassel - Honorable Service, Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Glen Callons- Exceptional Service; Det. Steven Cannici - Certificate of Commendation; Det. Anthony Ferreira - Certificate of Commendation; Det. Jeffrey Welsh - Certificate of Commendation(3); Det. David Boone - Certificate of Commendation, Exceptional Service; P.O. Lonnie Mergler- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Thomas Check - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Karen Censullo - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Edward Egan - Honorable Service, Certificate of Commendation(2); P.O. Joseph Mecionis - Life Saving; P.O. Mark Wyka - Certificate of Commendation(4); P.O. Paul Scott - Exceptional Service; Det. James Corcoran - Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation(4); P.O. Gerard Graziano- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation; P.O. James Krizek- Exceptional Service, Certificate of Commendation(3); P.O. Michael O'Brien - Honorable Service; P.O. Ian Manelis - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Kevin Wood - Honorable Service, Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Paul Donohue - Certificate of Commendation(3); P.O. Luis Vasquez - Honorable Service, Certificate of Commendation(2); P.O. Sean Macys - Meritorious Service, Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Sean Nagle - Honorable Service, Educational Achievement; P.O. Timothy O'Shaughnessy - Meritorious Service; Disp. Stephen Buskiewicz - Certificate of Commendation; Disp. Brian Rypkema - Certificate of Cemmendation(2).

On January 30, 2007, three new police officers were sworn in. Robert Manning, Brian Rypkema, and Stephen Buskiewicz became the newest members of the F.L.P.D. The 3 new officers will begin training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah shortly after a short agency orientation period with an expected graduation of June 2007. After graduating from the Basic Police Training Course, they will undergo additional training with a Fair Lawn field-training officer for three to four months before being assigned to a patrol shift. With the addition of these new officers, the department increased in size to 62 officers.

Memorial Day Parade - May 28, 2007

July 2007 - Officer Mark Wyka was chosen as Fair Lawn's first School Resource Officer. SRO Wyka was assigned to Fair Lawn High School effective September 2007.

On July 19, 2007, two new police officers were sworn in. Robert Iozzia and Christopher Sullivan became the newest members of the F.L.P.D. The 2 new officers will begin training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah with an expected graduation of December 2007. After graduating from the Basic Police Training Course, they will undergo additional training with a Fair Lawn field-training officer for three to four months before being assigned to a patrol shift. With the addition of these new officers (and in anticipation of the resignation of a current officer) the department had 64 officers.

On December 20, 2007, P.O. Chan resigned to accept a position with the Bergen County Police, bringing the size of the department to 63 officers.

December 2007. Pictured from left are Sgt. Derek Bastinck, P.O. Thomas Check, P.O. Paul Scott, P.O. Failla, Capt. Cook, Chief Rose, P.O. Franco, P.O. Mecionis.

On January 29, 2008, Justin Garcia, a 22 year old lifelong resident of Fair Lawn, was sworn in as Fair Lawn's newest police officer. With the hiring of P.O. Garcia, the department had 64 officers.

On March 11, 2008, Fair Lawn Police Department employees received 14 awards for their work. The following officers and dispatchers were honored during the Borough Council meeting: D/Sergeant Michael Uttel - Honorable Service; Det. John Ietto - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Louis Evangelista - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Edward Egan - Honorable Service and - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Thomas Check - Exceptional Duty; P.O. Sean Macys - Honorable Service(2); P.O. Peter Yuskaitis - Certificate of Commendation; P.O. Eric Leitman - Exceptional Duty; P.O. Luis Vasquez - Certificate of Commendation and Golden Dog Bone Award; Det. Jeff Welsh - Certificate of Commendation; Det. James Corcoran - Certificate of Commendation.