BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—John Burns brought the house to its feet in a standing ovation after he expressed deep gratitude for the borough’s trust in him and pledged to work for a safe, strong, and proud Woodcliff Lake as the borough’s police chief.
At his swearing in ceremony on March 5 at Tice Senior Center, Burns ceremonially took the role he’s been filling since Jan. 1, when he replaced Chief Anthony Janicelli, who retired after 41 years of service.
Woodcliff Lake joins Montvale and River Vale in welcoming new police chiefs this year: Chief Joseph Sanfilippo in Montvale and Chief Sean Scheidle in River Vale. Westwood Police Chief Michael Pontillo was sworn in last year.
Burns, who begins his 31st year with the department as chief, served as a patrol officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was the top internal candidate and the enthusiastic preference of a two-person council screening committee.
His oath of office March 5 followed a roll call vote by Mayor Carlos Rendo and was accompanied by the Woodcliff Lake Honor Guard and a proud department.
His wife, Beverly, pinned his badge. And with Beverly, and their daughter, Shannon and sons John and Collin, at his side, Burns said he was committed to providing the highest quality of service to those who live and work here.
“Our main objective is to support and protect our community with an emphasis on honesty, integrity, compassion and sound judgment.We have to continued to build on our programs in order to provide a proactive approach to law enforcement,” he said.
He added that community policing, here and nationally, is a priority and that he plans to stay on the cutting edge of training, equipment, and personnel.
He said the department will continue to work with schools and the borough’s corporate partners to enhance security and safety. He said he plans to expand outreach to seniors and improve pedestrian safety.
He also thanked his sister Jackie for her love and support.
He told Pascack Press on March 7 that a promotion will fill the lieutenant slot and that two new officers would be hired, for a just-over-complete roster.
According to Rendo, both at the Jan. 7 reorganization meeting and March 5, Burns solidly earned the position.
“He is a consummate professional and he has been involved with Woodcliff Lake police force for years and passed the screening committee and the recommendation was unanimous,” Rendo told Pascack Press.
Lending additional words of congratulations and confidence were councilmembers Jacqueline Gadaleta, Nancy Gross, Corrado Belgiovine, and Tomas Padilla.
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To sign up for Nixle, visit nixle.com/register. To sign up for Swift911, text Swift911 to 99538.