Crime & Safety
Viewfinder: Police Promotions at Borough Hall
A dozen officers were promoted and sworn in by Police Chief Thomas Ripoli and Mayor Mark Sokolich on Feb. 10 2011.
Welcome to View Finder, weekly column that takes a look at the community through the camera lens.
Last Thursday the Fort Lee Police Department held their promotions ceremony in Borough Hall. Hundreds of people turned out for the event, packing the room to its brim. Wives, children, friends and family as well as several local media groups crowded themselves into the historical building to watch several officers receive their new title.
“By approving these promotions, they have shown respect for the residents of the borough, the officers and their family, the chief’s office, and every officer who has ever worn a Fort Lee police uniform,” Ripoli said of the mayor and council. “I consider the Fort Lee police department to be the best in the state of New Jersey."
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The officers who were promoted are as follows:
Promoted to Captain
Stephen Gallagher, former Marine and member of the Fort Lee VFW.
Keith Bendul, founder of the New Jersey Association of Law Enforcement Background Investigators.
Promoted to Lieutenant
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Patrick Kissane, honored in 2007 as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Danny Zusi, longtime award winner currently working on his master’s degree.
Scott Bendul, in his 25th year of service with the FLPD.
Promoted to Sergeant
Matthew Hintze, born and raised in Fort Lee and a officer with the FLPD since 2002.
Steve No, who has been with the FLPD since 1999.
Ricky Mirkovic, a Fort Lee native and officer with the FLPD since 2003.
Greg Boylan, a US Veteran and member of the Fort Lee VFW.
Thomas Provenzano, born and raised in Fort Lee, and former recipient of the American Police Hall of Fame Lifesaving Award.
