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An EMT who has served with the Saddle Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps the past seven years, Rebecca Sanchez got her Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University last year. She’s also been an intern with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Outreach Unit.
“We are so, so happy and pleased to have Rebecca join our department,” Police Chief Robert Kugler told CLIFFVIEW PILOT this afternoon. “Her appointment brings well-overdue and much-needed diversity to the ranks.
“I am extremely proud of Officer Sanchez,” the chief added. “I and wish her the very best and continued success for her as well as her family. She will be an asset to our department.”
Medical screening and psychological exams are required by this Friday, which is Orientation Day at the police academy. The department also needs to get Sanchez a complete set of academy clothing and equipment.
“We’re feverishly moving forward to get it all done,” Kugler said. “It would have been better to be able to do this sooner, but we just received the information on the mayor’s decision this morning. We’ll get it done, though.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: On July 16th, HoHoKus swore in Jessica Kirsch. She is a college graduate and previously worked as a dispatcher.
“Becky” Sanchez, 25, is the third female officer appointed to the job in Saddle Brook. One didn’t make it through the academy, and the other, Kimberly (Chamberlain) Perrelli, served for five years.
Kugler declined to discuss the candidacy of his daughter, Shayna, for the position.
SEE: Saddle Brook police chief’s daughter thanks officials for chance to become officer
Rather, the chief said, he was “glad the township finally realized that public safety for our community trumped all over considerations.
“Bottom line: We need more cops for the safety of our police officers and the residents and citizens we so proudly serve.”
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