BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
RIVER VALE, N.J.—More than 500 proud family members and friends turned out to cheer on the River Vale Police Department Junior Police Academy Class of 2018, which graduated Dec. 17 to stirring words from town, police, and school officials.
At the event, held at The Estate at Florentine Gardens, the graduates—more than 130 high achieving middle schoolers—heard from keynote speaker Andrew Donofrio, a retired lieutenant from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the president of Cyberology Consultants.
“Cherish time and use it wisely. Give it to those who need it. When you become dependable and responsible to those who need it, it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give another human being,” Donofrio said in part.
His message reinforced other messages the students received on service, teamwork, and leadership from academy coordinator Sgt. John DeVoe, Sgt. John Guglielmotti, Superintendent Rory McCourt, and Council President Mark Bromberg.
Through the River Vale Police Department Junior Police Academy, recruits learn about their local police department and the criminal justice system at large.
There is no fee in order to participate. The program is co-sponsored by the River Vale Educational Fund, the River Vale Municipal Alliance, and the River Vale Parent Teacher Association.
This year, the 19th graduating class took on a 10-week curriculum including a MetLife Stadium behind-the-scenes bomb squad demonstration, physical training and positive mindset patrol techniques, gang intelligence, Criminal Identification Tactical Unit and SWAT Team demonstration, and a county jail tour.
Instructors included DeVoe, Detective Sgt. Peter Martin, Sgt. Dino Dinelli, Sgt. John Guglielmotti, Detective Jared Arcidiacono, Officer William MacRae, and members of county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Classes were held Mondays at Holdrum Middle School and included both theoretical and practical lessons.
Students who participated in last year’s academy attained the rank of sergeant and assisted the instructors in conducting class.
Donofrio, who spoke of his early success as a young officer being tempered by a medical challenge that left him reeling from depression, leavened the mood as well by relaying his favorite anecdote of his time in law enforcement: the time he tried to impress a pretty EMT only to split his pants in the process.
He urged the graduates to follow their passions to achieve great things in the service of others.
Reaching out to the students and their families, he said that, as it’s estimated each of us meets 30,000 to 80,000 people in a lifetime, it’s imperative not to wait to make an impact.
“It can change the world. Don’t take it lightly—be leaders. Be true leaders. Value people and add value to people,” he said.
‘The greatest town in the greatest country’
Bromberg, on behalf of the governing body and administration, told his audience, “It is a fact that we live in the greatest country in the world. It is my humble opinion that we also happen to live in the best town in that country.”
He added, “I believe what makes us great is citizens like you in this junior police academy class. Citizens who are engaged in becoming knowledgeable about government and law enforcement. Citizens who don’t learn are susceptible to misinformation.”
Bromberg added that the graduates were following founding father Benjamin Franklin’s ideal of the model responsible citizen and predicted they would “remain engaged and will continue to make our town and country great.”
The ceremony started on the perfect note from the Paramus Police Department Honor Guard and the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County.
Light refreshments were served following the ceremony.
Police Chief William Giordano and Mayor Glen Jasionowski called away on separate emergencies, sent congratulatory messages.
‘Success is based on teamwork’
According to DeVoe, the program’s goal was to reach out to young people and inspire good citizenship by educating them about the criminal justice system.
He told Pascack Press that the academy has proven to be a valuable experience for all involved and has provided a vital link between the Police Department and the youth of River Vale.
“The Junior Police Academy has afforded students a deeper understanding of the police function as well as an increased ability to see what the police and the community can do to serve the township,” he said.
At the ceremony, he singled out the hard work and dedication of all the officers who donated their time and talent to make this year’s effort a home run.
“Successful law enforcement is based on teamwork, and the success of this police academy is no different,” he said.
In the graduation program, the River Vale Police Department thanked a long list of individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Junior Police Academy Class of 2018.
Photos by Murray Bass
