Families, police officials, commissioners, and the mayor were all on hand to announce four new lieutenants and one new sergeant.
Among those promoted to the rank of lieutenant were Sgts. Mark Jeffery, Frank Kennedy, Brian Fava, and Mark Flores; police officer John Gadino was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
"I know the effort it takes to get here and the toll it takes on the officers and their families," said Police Director Oscar Fernandez.
"I've known Mark Flores since he was a little kid," said Commissioner of Public Safety Lawrence Riccardi, laughing, "which means I'm getting older."
The mayor also spoke of his relationships with members of the department.
"We have gotten to know everyone promoted," said Mayor Sal Vega, adding, "some as students, friends, and others as classmates."
Vega joked, speaking of Gadino, his graduating classmate.
"Mark [Flores] was involved in the student body," said Vega, "I thought he was one day going to be West New York's mayor."
The police department's Honor Guard also performed a presentation of colors to kick off the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with Mayor Vega's vow that "public safety will always be first" in West New York.
w your officers
Just who exactly are these promoted officers? Most of them are average community members with families and hobbies.
For example, Lt. Frank Kennedy has been on the force for 24 years and is also a motorcycle enthusiast. In addition to owning a 1995 Harley Davidson he cruises on the weekends, he is also an instructor at Bergen
County's Police Academy. He also heads West New York's Traffic Division, a unit of officers that patrol on motorcycles.
Lt. Mark Jeffery has been on the police force for 19 years and grew up in West New York. The former Memorial High School graduate considers himself a "simple" man.
"I like to spend time with my two kids," said Jeffery, who has an 11-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl.
A former long-time resident of West New York and a 17-year veteran in the police department, Lt. Brian Fava said he wasn't "very good" with quotes although he was able to describe what he likes to do in his spare time.
"I like to spend time with my kids," said Fava, adding, "I also coach baseball, football, and soccer for a recreation league in Union County where I live."
One of Fava's children, 10-year-old Sean, would like to become a police officer like his father whereas his 12-year-old son Matthew aspires to be a marine biologist.
Sgt. John Gadino, born and raised in West New York, is currently serving his 27th year as an officer and took a novel approach to his new position as sergeant.
"It will give me the opportunity to help the younger guys on the job as a supervisor," said Gadino, adding, "The [younger] guys see me as a mentor."
Like their father, Gadino's children Sean and Jenna attended West New York's Public School No. 6 and graduated from Memorial High School. When he's not spending time with his family, Gadino also rides a motorcycle opting for a 1983 black and chrome Harley Davidson.
"I've been to New Hampshire, Daytona, and Myrtle Beach with the bike," said Gadino, "I like to get out in the air and ride it wherever."
Lt. Mark Flores, a 25-year resident of West New York and 19-year veteran of the police department, also enjoys recreational activities such as basketball, baseball, and football with his two children.
Like most other officers, Flores enjoys riding his motorcycle although he wouldn't disclose which make to the Reporter.
When asked what his favorite memory has been working within the police department, Flores didn't hesitate to answer.
"For many years, I was the department's D.A.R.E. Officer [Drug Abuse Resistance Education] and I enjoyed that tremendously," said Flores, adding, "I strongly believe kids are our future. I had the ability to work with youths and influence them to make right decisions in life. It was a role I enjoyed most."
Nicolas Millan can be reached at NMillan@hudsonreporter.com.
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