NB promotes 10 police officers Long-time vet Farley becomes deputy chief, Sullivan and Cannella become lieutenants
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The throng reached overflow proportions, and the temperature inside the chambers was hovering around 95 degrees, so Commissioner Theresa Ferraro, the commissioner in charge of public safety, announced that all 10 officers would take their solemn oaths at the same time.
The temperature didn't faze long-time North Bergen police veteran Robert Farley.
Farley, a 34-year veteran of the department, was being promoted from Captain to the rank of Deputy Chief, the second in command among uniformed officers behind Chief William Galvin.
For Farley, the return to uniform from a plainclothes detective was a long-time coming. He is currently the longest serving officer in terms of years served on duty.
"This is the fitting end to my career," Farley said after receiving the promotion to a rank that had not been occupied in the department for more than 15 years. "Getting this wasn't really a goal for me, because no one had the position for so long. It looked doubtful that it would ever happen."
But Galvin, who took over as the department's top cop a little over a year ago, pushed for Farley's promotion. "He took me in when I came on to the job and showed me the tricks of the trade," Galvin said. "He's been a great friend ever since. We have worked together and studied together. He's been so supportive of me over the years throughout both of our careers. I just thought it was the right thing to do."
Galvin approached Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Ferraro about promoting Farley to the role of Deputy Chief, even though no one had held that title for so long.
"They had no problems with the idea from the start," Galvin said. "They were all fine with it. It's a fitting tribute to a great member of our department."
Farley will be placed in charge of special projects and will oversee some of the department's divisions. He will also do random police inspections as well, to maintain his investigative expertise.
It also means that Farley will be wearing the dress blues every day to work.
"It's fantastic," Galvin said. "It's great to have another uniform in the streets. He's always been there for this department, giving of his time as a volunteer, day and night. Having him along side me is going to be a huge plus."
"It feels good to be wearing these again," Farley said. "I'm always proud to wear my uniform. It is a little different, after being a detective commander for 18 years. But I've spent the last 40 years of my life wearing a uniform, first in the Navy and then with the North Bergen police. I know that the chief and I will sit down and discuss everything together. We work so well together. Chief Galvin has done everything in bringing this department together. The morale is up and the discipline is better. A day like this sends a message throughout that there is opportunity to move up the ranks. We're all steadily moving forward."
Waited years for promotions Galvin was happy to promote all 10 members of the department.
"They've waited almost three years for more promotions," Galvin said. "It's a fantastic group. Each and every promotion was well deserved. We now have more superior officers out in the streets, and that's going to make our streets safer."
"We were able to promote these officers based on merit," Sacco said. "They're a fine group, and we're happy to be able to provide the promotions."
Two other officers made the rank of lieutenant: Scott Sullivan, who has a Master's degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University and is a 20-year veteran of the department, and Frank Cannella, who has been cited for numerous citations and awards during his 23-year career. Both were promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.
Four officers were promoted to sergeant, including 18-year veteran Vincenzo Aceti, 16-year veteran Timothy Faranda, eight-year vet Christine Dall-Klag and six-year vet Arthur F. Del III. Dall-Klag becomes only the third female superior officer in the department. Del has been one of the township's DARE instructor since 2002.
James Holsten, Roberto Maldonado and Steven Schubert were all promoted to the rank of detective. Maldonado (United States Army) and Schubert (U.S. Marines) were military veterans before joining the North Bergen police department.
"A day like this was definitely a long time coming," Galvin said.
Sure was. Just ask Farley.
"I am absolutely honored by this," Farley said. "I can't express my gratitude to the mayor, the commissioners and the chief for the support they've showed me. They're all behind me 100 percent. I truly feel fortunate for this opportunity."
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