Longtime Mahwah Cop Promoted To Detective

MAHWAH, NJ — A longtime township police officer was promoted to detective recently.

Gerald Falotico was hired as a patrol officer in 1992 after working as a dispatcher for two years. He brings a wide variety of experience to the position. He is a firearm instructor and armorer and a certified child safety seat technician.

Falotico will mostly work with juveniles, but will assist other officers working on solving crimes, said Chief James Batelli.

Falotico is already working on programs for both parents and students to address issues related to social media and cyberbullying, actions that Batelli would work to "bring about positive behavior and reform."

He also received meritorious citations and a command citation from the Essex Union County Auto Theft Task Force for apprehension of a suspect charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, theft and burglary.

He has also previously led the department in DWI arrests and is past president of the PBA Local 143 union.

Falotico is a lifelong Emerson resident. His father and uncle served with the Emerson Police Department. His brother is a sergeant with the Ramsey Police Department. He is a volunteer firefighter, coaches soccer and serves on the Borough Council.

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Pictured, from left: Mayor William Laforet, Detective Gerald Falotico, Sharon Falotico - brother Ramsey Police Sergeant Richard Falotico