ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Four new police officers were officially sworn-in to the city’s police department Nov. 12 by the mayor and police chief to applause and all-around congratulations from friends, family and fellow officers.
Another officer, Ronald Layne, was promoted to detective, and received heartfelt congratulations, handshakes and hugs from fellow officers and family.
Chief Lawrence Suffern thanked the city manager and mayor and council for their support in hiring the new officers.
‘Finest police department’
“What you see before us are four new additions to our finest police department and I do mean that sincerely, no disrespect to the other officers here, the Englewood police department is the finest police department in the state of New Jersey,” said Suffern.
“And they work hard and tirelessly every day to go out and keep the public safe,” he added.
Suffern said despite police departments locally and nationally coming under criticism for certain actions, “rest assured that our officers go out every day and put their 100 percent into keeping the residents safe and I expect the four new additions are also going to give their wholehearted interest in doing the same thing,” he added.
One by one, joined by family members, the four new officers—Brian J. Havlicek, John R. McConnell, Edwin S. Sanchez and Paul A. Schluter—were inducted into the department with Mayor Michael Wildes administering the oaths of office.
Dozens of family, friends and fellow police officers lined the council chamber’s sides and seats to support the new officers.
Wildes introduced the new officers and offered brief biographies before each was sworn in.
Officers introduced
Havlicek is a 2013 Kutztown University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
He previously worked as a dispatcher for several Bergen County police departments and graduated in 2014 from Essex County Police Academy as an alternate route recruit.
Following graduation he spent two years with New Jersey Institute of Technology as a police officer, and then joined the Sheriff’s Department as an officer. He spent 2-plus years as a patrol officer, and received training in multiple areas including traffic crash reconstruction.
McConnell, a city resident, is a Fairleigh Dickinson University graduate. He also graduated from Morris County Police Academy. McConnell served as a member of Teaneck Citizens Police Academy, where he was elected president. McConnell has worked with his father for 10 years in a family business, and also volunteered as a coach for local baseball and basketball teams.
Sanchez, currently working toward a master’s degree in administrative science, served in the U.S. Navy for four years. After his enlistment ended, he enrolled in Essex County College under the alternate route program.
Upon graduation he was hired as a Hanover Township police officer before joining the Englewood department.
Schluter received a bachelor’s degree in legal studies with a minor in business and homeland security from St. John’s University. He graduated from Camden County Police Academy’s alternate route program near the top of his class.
Layne was hired as a police dispatcher in 2009 by the city. In 2012 he deployed to Afghanistan, receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat operations. In June 2013, upon his return from service, Englewood Police Department hired Layne.
Since 2013, he has served in the motorcycle unit, firearms training unit, and emergency services unit, received two honorable service awards and an outstanding law enforcement award.
‘Very proud’ of police
Wildes said he was “very proud” of Englewood’s police department and thanked family members for “the sacrifice” that they make by allowing officers to serve and protect city residents.
Englewood’s department website notes 79 sworn officers serve the city, including six civilian dispatchers. The department also oversees and manages school crossing guards.
It includes a patrol division, traffic bureau, detective bureau and juvenile bureau.
It did not appear the city’s new residency preference ordinance was used in hiring the officers, but Council President Katharine Glynn advised a reporter to check with senior police officials for an answer.
Efforts to reach Deputy Chief Gregory Halstead and interim City Manager Jewel Thompson-Chin for comment were not returned by press time.
Photo by Michael Olohan
