Virtual Promotions: 24 Passaic Police Officers, Firefighters Sworn To New Posts Via Zoom

It wasn't the NFL draft, although it looked somewhat like it when two dozen promoted Passaic police officers and firefighters were sworn in to their new positions Monday via Zoom.

Passaic police show their new shields during virtual promotions on Monday.
Photo Credit: *PASSAIC COUNTY CITY HALL*

Passaic's virtual promotions on Zoom.
Photo Credit: *PASSAIC CITY HALL*

Jerry DeMarco

04/27/2020 4:00 p.m.

Mayor Hector Carlos Lora presided over the unprecedented virtual ceremony, during which 19 police officers and five firefighters were officially promoted amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The firefighters were delayed but made it to the show after responding to a four-alarm fire on Dayton Avenue during which they and their Clifton colleagues rescued a 4-year-old girl and her mother, Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost.

SEE: Firefighters Rescue Mother, Child From Burning Passaic Building (w/PHOTOS)

"Be safe, be smart, be well," Trentacost told the promoted firefighters.

All but one of the 19 promoted police officers has at least 15 years of experience on the job, Police Chief Luis Guzman said.

"A very, very smart, dedicated group of people are taking a step up," the chief said.

"Leadership is about making others better in your presence and making sure when you are not around and in your absence they will continue to lead," Guzman told the promoted officers."

Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik and Prosecutor Camelia Valdes were among the virtual guests.

Gov. Phil Murphy sent a recorded message. “God bless you for your selfless service,” Murphy said. “Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

“New Jersey is counting on you now more than ever,” Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. added via a phone call.

WATCH the ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/PassaicCityHall/videos/

Those sworn to their new positions:

Deputy Police Chief Jonathan Schaer
Police Capt. Ralph Denna
Police Capt. Ricky Rivers
Fire Battalion Chief Robert Munier
Fire Capt. Damien Pilipski
Fire Capt. Jabob Hrywniak
Fire Capt. James Kovacs
Fire Lt. Mark Mastaj
Police Lt. Claudia Aguirre-Cruz
Police Lt. James Lane
Police Lt. Patrick Burnett
Police Lt. Michael Kisfalvi
Police Lt. Alexander Castellon
Police Sgt. Dianne Ortiz
Police Sgt. Jason Cancel
Police Sgt. Joanne Garcia
Police Sgt. Marvin Eugene
Police Sgt. Roberto Cancel Jr.
Police Sgt. Daniel Cohen
Police Sgt. Juan Clavijo
Police Sgt. Miguel Cruz
Police Sgt. Edgar Morales
Police Sgt. John Rodriguez
Police Sgt. Katie Velarde

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