Police Personnel Recognized for Service

Six members of the were recognized Tuesday for their years of service to the borough and commendations received.

Detective Sgt. Gerard Fortunat has worked in the department for 30 years, starting out as a police officer Sept. 1, 1981. He received an apprehension award in 2005 for the successful investigation and subsequent arrest of a hit-and-run driver that killed a cyclist on Old Hook Road. He also received two other apprehension awards for catching suspects wanted for numerous local burglaries in December 1995 and August 1983.

Police Officer James Quaglino has been with the department for 25 years, hired as an officer Aug. 1, 1986. He received a lifesaving award in 2002 for pulling a victim trapped in burning car to safety. He also received a childbirth award in 1999.

Government officials recognized Officer Jeffrey Emmett for his 25 years of service and wished him luck in his retirement, which begins Sept. 1. Emmett was hired as an officer Aug. 1, 1986. During his career in the Westwood Police Department, he received an apprehension and lifesaving award. He started his career with a Bachelor of Science degree from William Paterson University and continued to attend training sessions. In March 2000, he was assigned as the department's child safety passenger technician assisting residents with proper installation of child seats in vehicles.

Emmett thanked members of the governing body for the recognition. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Westwood," he said. "In my heart I'm truly glad I was there over the years to assist the residents in their time of crisis and their time of need."

Officer Joseph Cottone received a certificate for his 15 years of service. He was hired July 23, 1996 after earning a Bach of Arts degree in criminal justice from Iona College. He served as the department's D.A.R.E. officer from 1999 to 2002 and currently serves as its traffic crash investigator.

Officials recognized Officer Mark Foley for his 10 years of service. He was hired July 30, 2001 and currently serves as the department's bike officer as well as its child passenger safety technician. He has also served on the emergency response team.

Officer Sean Roche was also recognized for 10 years of service. He was hired July 30, 2001 and currently serves as the department's Training, Advising and Counseling (TAC) officer, computer network coordinator and website coordinator.

All six proclamations were read to the public and certificates were handed out to those in attendance. Fortunat and Quaglino were both on vacation Tuesday.