Action Center
Monday July 21, 2008
WPPD Welcomes Two New Officers
by Tom Boud
Two new faces are now on the borough police force.
At the July 16 Borough Council meeting, Michael Boudaher, 22, and Joseph Domicolo, 21, both of West Paterson, were sworn in as local police officers in council chambers, before a gallery of more than 75. The audience included family members, fellow first responders, and citizens.
Both newcomers will start the Passaic County Police academy on July 28, and finish in mid-January.
Lepore spoke about Boudaher and Domicolo. He said Boudaher has demonstrated his suitability for police work as a former Passaic County Juvenile Detention Officer.
“Mike has an outstanding work ethic. If you ever talk to him, you see those values come out. You see the sincerity in the words that come out of his mouth.”
The mayor added that Boudaher has wanted to become an officer ever since his youth.
Continuing on, Lepore said Domicolo’s U.S. Air Force Reserves background indicates he is solid law enforcement material. Lepore said Domicolo is a senior airman with an air transportation specialty and has also served in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom.
“The very fact that Joe decided to serve his country, I can end it right there,” Lepore said, summing up Domicolo’s qualities.
The mayor added the military’s discipline hones one’s ability to handle the police academy.
Lepore separately administered the oath of police officer to Boudaher and Domicolo. Each candidate, upon completing the recitation, was treated to a resounding standing ovation. Neither rookie commented before the assembly, but did speak after the formalities.
The ceremony ended on a graceful note from the mayor.
“Once again, gentlemen, welcome aboard. Looking forward to seeing you in uniform, and by the way, have fun in boot camp,” he said, referring to the Passaic County Police Academy.
Afterwards, both Boudaher and Domicolo were seen shaking the hands of well wishers. Boudaher said going into law enforcement has been an all-time dream.
“I always wanted to be a police officer, ever since I watched ‘Cops’ on television. The chief and the West Paterson police officers were a great influence on me. I want to serve my town, and give back to the community.”
Domicolo said he is attracted to police profession because of its core values. He cited honor, integrity, pride and community service. As such, Domicolo said he eagerly awaits hitting the streets.
“I’m looking forward to finishing boot camp.”
Chief Robert Reda said both Boudaher and Domicolo were chosen from a narrowed down list of 20 hopefuls. He said both individuals will make fine police officers.
“They’re all good candidates. Their marks are a little higher on the overall evaluation,” he said, about the overall battery of police tests.
Reda said the two newcomers would technically bring the department’s roster back to full strength at 28. He said the actual number is 27, since one officer is on military assignment. The chief added the novel hires will boost the department’s proactive policing capability.
Reprinted with permission. (c)2008 Passaic Valley Today (Passaic Co., NJ) Tom Boud
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