HILLSDALE—Police Chief Robert Francaviglia, a second-generation Hillsdale police officer, serving since 1993, recently had the pleasure of promoting two officers: Lt. Mike Camporeale and Sgt. Matt Buesser; and swearing in three new officers: Sean Marro, Jon Luca Morzetta, and Kevin Gadomski.
Francaviglia noted his father, who served 27 years with the agency and retired as a lieutenant, was in the audience.
He also greeted representatives of the United States Marine Corps. who were in attendance, thanked the Department of Public Works for setting up the event, and introduced Father Peter from St. John the Baptist Church, who delivered the invocation.
Francaviglia said, “I would also like to express my gratitude to the mayor and council for their support for our department and law enforcement. I would like to welcome — and thank — the officers’ friends and families for coming out today, as well as the members of law enforcement who are here, both past and present.”
He said, “We all know that the past two years with the pandemic has been a challenge for all of us. The officers we are about to recognize have been in their respective positions for some time now. That being said, I believe it’s extremely important to have a formal ceremony to recognize their achievements by being promoted or receiving the honor to serve as a new officer with our agency.”
He read a letter from Mayor John Ruocco, who was home recovering from Covid.
Council President Janetta Trochimiuk swore-in the officers. According to Francaviglia:
Sean Marro was raised in Waldwick and attended their public school system. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a martial arts instructor and a section leader.
Through his hard work, accomplishments and dedication, he was elevated to the rank of sergeant. He served and was part of the amphibious assault vehicle group. During his four-year enlistment, he deployed to the coasts of Iran and Libya.
Upon discharging from the service, Marro attended the Passaic County Police Academy through the Alternate Route program, graduating with his full Police Training Certification.
Marro started his career with the HPD in December 2021 and has successfully completed his field training.
Francaviglia said, “I would like to thank Sean for his service to our nation and welcome him to our department where he can now serve our community. I have great confidence that he will make a positive impact on our town.”
Jon Lucca Morzetta grew up in South Hackensack and attended the South Hackensack school system. After graduating high school he attended Montclair State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Italian.
Morzetta is bilingual and can speak fluent Italian. He’s been a firefighter with the South Hackensack fire department since 2015, sacrificing and serving for his community as a captain.
He was a police dispatcher and held a position as a Class 2 police officer with the Hackensack Police Department, until he was successfully hired as one of Hillsdale’s newest police officers.
Kevin Gadomski grew up in West Milford and attended the West Milford public school system. After high school he attended Monmouth University, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
During his time in college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He serves as a field artillery cannoneer with the 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division out of Fort Dix.
Once he completed college and while in the Marine Corps, he was a Special Law Enforcement Officer class 2 with the Point Pleasant Police Department until he was successfully hired by the Hillsdale Police Department in March.
Matt Buesser grew up in Hillsdale and is a second-generation Hillsdale Police Officer. His father, Bob, retired as a sergeant in 1997 and served Hillsdale for 26 years.
Buesser attended the Hillsdale public school system, graduating from Pascack Valley High School.
After high school he attended and graduated from Mercy College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He received his master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Buesser has been a lifelong fire fighter and is a swift water rescue technician.
In 2012 he joined the police department as a civilian dispatcher. In 2014 he was appointed as a police officer with Hillsdale.
“Matt has taken a multi-functional role with our agency and is called upon quite frequently. Some of Matt’s assignments include: DARE instructor, special events coordinator, OEM, Homeland Security, traffic investigations Unit, hirearms unit, and finally noise and quality of life officer,” said Francaviglia.
He added, “As you can see, Matt is the Swiss army knife of the department. When I need to get something done I know I can rely on Matt to accomplish the mission.”
And he recalled, “This past fall I had the honor to promote Matt to the rank of sergeant. Matt has transitioned into his new role extremely well, I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Mike Camporeale grew up in Lyndhurst and attended their public school system. He attended and graduated William Paterson University, receiving his BA in sociology. He continues his studies at William Paterson University, working toward his master’s degree.
Francaviglia said, “Mike was a firefighter in Lyndhurst sacrificing and serving for his community. He started his law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer class 1, with the Hackensack Police Department, where he received a brief introduction and understanding of law enforcement.”
He added, “Mike continued his law enforcement endeavor with the Hoboken Police Department as a Class 2 Special Law Enforcement Officer. There, he had a brief career until he interviewed with Hillsdale.”
He said, “During his interview with the Hillsdale police department he truly impressed the interview panel. During the interview, he was asked why he should be selected as the department’s newest police officer; he boastfully expressed, while slamming his hands on the table, that this was his time and he deserves this, which ultimately set him apart from the other candidates landing him this position.”
Francaviglia said, “Mike has been involved with the DARE program, the Junior Police Academy, National Night Out, created our first department baseball card program and took part in many other community outreach projects.”
Camporeale was promoted to sergeant in 2018 and served as the assistant accreditation manager, which led to the department becoming accredited.
“I am proud to announce that Mike was promoted to the rank of lieutenant this past fall. He has been transitioning into his new role extremely well. I know he has made us all very proud,” the chief said.
Before handing the event back to Father Peter for benediction, Francaviglia took a few moments “to properly thank all of our field training officers who trained these new officers. When they display the proper guidance and instill values such as, supportiveness, perseverance and empathy it shows our new officers that they are not only a part of a team, but they are part of a very important culture that has been created.”
He said, “It reinforces that our law enforcement culture is about treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the safety to all that live and visit Hillsdale. I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women of the Hillsdale Police Department.”