WOODCLIFF LAKE—With Police Chief John Burns retiring at the end of 2023 — and his terminal leave beginning approximately May 1 — the department celebrated four command staff promotions at the March 20 Borough Council meeting, held at Tice Senior Center.
Burns is scheduled to retire on Dec. 31 He was sworn in as chief on March 5, 2019 after 31 years with the department, and will retire after nearly 36 years with the department.
At a ceremony attended by family, friends and fellow officers, Capt. Stephen Regula was appointed as Deputy Police Chief effective April 1 — he’ll be acting police chief as of May 1.
Other official promotion ceremonies were held for the swearing in of newly promoted officers and supervisors.
- Lt. Chad Malloy was appointed to captain.
- Sgt. Craig DeGeorge was promoted to lieutenant.
- Police Officer Michael Charnesky was promoted to sergeant.
All received applause and congratulations.
Resolutions approved by the council for the promotions noted they were each recommended by Burns. Both of the newly promoted positions of deputy chief and captain will not incur salary increases for this year, said the appropriate resolutions.
However, the new lieutenant and sergeant positions “will be as set forth in the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) contract for said position,” stated the resolution. No salaries were provided on the appointment resolutions.
Each promotion resolution noted, “Whereas Police Chief John Burns has notified the governing body of his intention to commence his terminal leave on or about May 1, 2023 with his full retirement and separation of employment with the Borough effective Dec. 31, 2023; and Whereas, in an effort to promote a smooth and effective transition of leadership,” Burns had recommended each of the newly promoted officers for their new positions.
Mayor Carlos Rendo posted afterward, “This round of promotion solidifies our organizational structure and allows us to better supervise and direct our young department. Congratulations, gentlemen.”
Residents added their congratulations and wishes for safe service, with one saying “Great crew we have.”
On the department’s Facebook, many more residents cheered the news. A sampling:
- Jennifer Wilder-Charnow: “Congratulations to all of the well-deserving WCLPD members.”
- Donald Regula: “Congratulations deputy chief Regula and all the members of the Woodcliff Lake police department.”
- Lisa Volpe Yakomin: “Congratulations! Woodcliff Lake has the BEST police force, hands down! I’m so impressed by the strong leadership and continuity we have in our law enforcement. Thank you for all that you do!”
- Bonnie Funabashi O’Keeffe: “Congratulations to all! One of the many reasons why I love Woodcliff Lake is because I feel SAFE living here! I am so grateful to our police force for protecting our citizens, their duty and dedication, and making WCL a safe town. Thank you!”
During the ceremony, technical glitches hampered the ceremony’s Zoom transmission from Tice Center, despite approximately $80,000 in recent audio-visual upgrades at the facility. The council moved its remaining 2023 meetings to Tice to take advantage of the upgrades and additional room capacity for in-person meetings due to COVID-19 concerns.
Other council business
In other news, Resolution 23-87 was approved, allowing the borough to use $60,000 in 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for COVID-19-related HVAC upgrades at Tice Senior Center.
Moreover, the council passed resolution 23-88 to authorize a consulting contract with Bergen County United Way to investigate “whether and what types of affordable housing can be feasibly developed at the property located at Block 2502, Lot 1 (the VFW site).
This was required under the recently amended borough affordable housing agreement, approved by council on Dec. 22 and by the Superior Court at a fairness hearing on Jan. 24, 2023.
No contract cost was included on the resolution and efforts to request the agreement and amount were not returned by press time.