BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
RIVER VALE, N.J.—Two new police officers joined the River Vale Police Department Dec. 10 in front of family, friends, and almost a dozen local officers and Police Chief William Giordano, who offered handshakes and heartfelt congratulations.
New police officers Ryan Berger and Michael Silano joined the 20-member force and were welcomed by every council member and the mayor during a brief ceremony.
The two officers were among over 400 applicants who applied in September 2017 and were the top candidates in written and physical exams and oral interviews.
Berger graduated from Don Bosco Prep High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in business management and criminal justice at the University of Scranton.
He is a certified emergency medical technician and volunteer fireman with Mahwah Fire Department.
He was employed as a communications officer with Allendale Police Department prior to attending the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy in July.
Silano graduated from St. Joseph’s Regional High School, where he was a standout wrestler and captain of the varsity wrestling team in his junior and senior years.
He attended the University of New Haven and earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
He was a communications officer with Saddle River Police Department prior to attending the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy in July.
Both officers, who graduated the academy Dec. 12, will receive an annual starting salary of $41,616.