Nine officers within the Paterson Police Department were promoted to various ranks on Wednesday. The promotions recognized the exceptional leadership, dedication, and hard work of the officers, officials said.
Among those promoted were Steven Rooney to the rank of Captain; Erick Colondres, Claude Mineo, and Karen Rayfield to the rank of Lieutenant; and Thomas Giaquinto, Giuseppe Giordano, Wilson Lazu, Ariel Sandoval, and Christopher Polankay to the rank of Sergeant.
“Each officer before us is tasked with imparting the experience, knowledge and wisdom they developed onto the officers they will supervise,” police chief Engelbert “Bert” Ribeiro said during a promotional ceremony at City Hall.
Public safety director Jerry Speziale congratulated the newly promoted officers and expressed gratitude for their commitment to serving and protecting the community.
“It is a distinct honor to administer the oath of office to those who have proven themselves worthy, who are partners in Paterson’s progress,” mayor Andre Sayegh said. “It’s not easy being a police officer, especially not in the current environment. But it is important to be a police officer in this environment, because you will be tested so that we know you can be trusted.”
Sayegh swore in Ribeiro as the new police chief earlier on Wednesday, he said.