EMERSON—Scores of friends, family and fellow officers crowded Borough Hall council chambers March 15 to celebrate as the Emerson Police Department promoted three officers, including one captain and two lieutenants.
The session’s first half-hour was filled with the swearing-in of new Captain Mark Savino, and official oath-taking by newly promoted lieutenants Rocco Duardo and Ryan Sokerka. Mayor Danielle DiPaola officiated before a packed chamber.
Police Chief Michael Mazzeo told Pascack Press, “First of all, I am proud of all of the officers that participated in the captain and lieutenant process. They all did a great job interviewing in front of the mayor and council.”
He said, “They presented themselves as true professionals and leaders that represent the department with distinction. I wish I could promote all of them but as you know that is not reality and tough decisions must be made.”
He thanked DiPaola and the Borough Council “for doing a great job.”
Savino, promoted from lieutenant, has 25 years of experience as an Emerson police officer, nine years of supervisory experience, and 11 years of emergency management experience.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, in Massachusetts, and was an active motorcycle officer, department chaplain, and Bergen County Arson Squad member.
Mazzeo said, “He is best known for having a positive attitude, a commitment to getting the job done, has a great work ethic and rarely ever misses a day of work. We are happy to have him as our new captain.”
Following the ceremony for Savino, the department’s two new lieutenants were sworn in and received their badges from the mayor and police chief.
Sgt. Rocco Duardo, a 20-year Emerson Police veteran with six years of supervisory experience as a patrol sergeant, was sworn-in first.
Mazzeo told Pascack Press that “a peer review had him rated most ready to be a lieutenant. The officers believe that he is a knowledgeable supervisor that has strong leadership skills and genuinely cares about their development.”
The chief said Duardo “puts a lot of time into training the officers in the area of firearms and active shooter and has a pride in taking on an assignment and getting it completed on time and done right. He is very deserving of being selected as the first lieutenant.”
Sgt. Ryan Sokerka, with 13 years of experience as an Emerson police officer, has a bachelor’s degree from John Jay College and five years of supervisory experience.
He was a supervisor in the Detective Bureau, a former juvenile officer, Police Benevolent Association (PBA) delegate, and a Rapid Deployment Team member.
Mazzeo said Sokerka “possessed the highest overall evaluation scores in the department and has earned the respect from his peers and supervisors for being one of the most well-rounded and knowledgeable officers that goes out of his way to help and teach others.”
He added, “His knowledge, hard work, attention to detail and organizational perspective has earned him the right to be recognized. We are proud of his accomplishment in becoming the second lieutenant.”
The newly promoted officers each offered thanks to the mayor, council members, Mazzeo — and other former officers of all ranks who acted as mentors and counselors to them over the years.
Budget notes
During a brief budget hearing that followed, Mazzeo noted the department was awaiting the September Police Academy graduation of two new officers, which should help to reduce overtime costs. He said overtime increased to $168,000 in 2021 from $120,000 in 2020.
He said increased overtime was required to cover officer sick callouts and also dispatcher callouts. The police department’s 2021 budget listed personnel costs for 21 officers at slightly over $4 million.
He said Savino would be investigating what new radio communication system would be best for local police, fire and ambulance and inter-municipal emergency communications.
And he said funds from the federal American Rescue Plan appropriation may be able to fund the new radio system.
Moreover, Mazzeo said his 2022 budget included new Watchguard dash cameras for six patrol cars, and a new Ford all-wheel-drive police vehicle. Prices were not discussed during the hearing.
The municipal budget will be introduced at the April 5 council meeting.