The township of West New York makes history three times over with the appointment of their newest Police Director Oscar Fernandez, who was officially sworn-in last Friday, March 2, at city hall surrounded by family, friends and long time colleagues.
Also in attendance were former police chiefs, and Rep. Albio Sires.
“It’s a humbling experience, and there is no better way to end your career than at the top,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez is already demonstrating a positive influence for the community. He is now the first Hispanic police director in history of West New York, and the first Hispanic police director or chief in the history of Hudson County.
“Over the years, Hudson County has seen many proud and hardworking immigrants come here and achieve great [things],” said Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega, last week. “Our police director is someone we trust with the safety of our families, our homes, our businesses, and our community. Oscar Fernandez has gained that trust.”
Fernandez also continues to make history by being the first director or chief to actually reside in West New York in 15 years, which is of great importance to Mayor Vega.
Fernandez also is the first director appointed from within the department in the last ten years.
“It’s important to have someone who lives in the community,” said Commissioner Lawrence Riccardi of Public Safety. “It’s important that he’s Hispanic since 85 percent of the community is Hispanic, and he’s a role model that shows you can move up from within the department.”
Dedicated to law enforcement
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Fernandez immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 13 in 1967.
“We all came through the entrance port of Miami, and from there we were given $25 and a ticket to wherever we wanted to go,” said Fernandez. “I was a kid and I was impressed by the whole United States. I couldn’t believe all the stores there were and what you could buy.”
The family opted to go north and first moved to 54th Street in West New York, where Fernandez was enrolled in Public School No. 5 to study English before moving on to Memorial High School.
Fernandez began his career in law enforcement at the age of 18 when he joined the West New York Volunteer Auxiliary Police.
“My father was a cop and I have always loved police work,” said Fernandez.
He then began his professional career in law enforcement serving as a member of the West New York Park Police.
From the parks to the streets
The West New York Park Police was the secondary department, which fell under civil defense. It was established in the 1930s, but was eventually dissolved by 1991.
“It was a department onto its own,” said Vega. “Their jurisdiction was all the park areas, but they were also able to assist the West New York Police Department.”
However, the state attorney general eventually declared that no town should have two police departments.
On July 15, 1981, Fernandez then became a full-fledged member of the West New York Police Department. He took his entrance exam at the same time as recently appointed Police Director of Guttenberg Michael Caliguiro.
“We joined the department together and tied on the written score and broke it in the physical exam,” said Fernandez.
In case anyone is wondering, Fernandez won the tiebreaker. “We’ve been friends ever since,” he said.
Fernandez has spent both his professional and personal life in West New York with the exception of a short leave of absence to work with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for four months during the beginning of his career.
“Since the Cuban dream was to move to Florida, it seemed like a good idea at the time,” said Fernandez. “I loved the department and I learned a lot, but I felt like a fish out of water there.”
Through the years, Fernandez rose through the ranks and has been the recipient of several honors including 11 commendations and nine citations for his performance.
In 1996, Fernandez received the Exceptional Medal of Valor, the highest award in the department, for his service in apprehending an armed suspect on Christmas in 1984. He later earned the rank of Sergeant in 1993 and Lieutenant in 2002.
“Serving this department has been a real honor for me and I enjoy doing this work,” said Fernandez.
Throughout his impressive 30-year career, Fernandez has served as a member of the Patrol Department, Narcotics Unit, and headed the Juvenile Division.
Prior to his appointment, Fernandez was supervising the day-to-day operations of the Detective Bureau, which he was assigned to by former Director Tim Griffin.
Clean slate after ten years
Following the resignation of Police Director Tim Griffin last January, who left to head the security department at Stevens Institute of Technology, the new administration of West New York decided it was time to bring in the best from within the department.
For the past ten years West New York had requested recommendations from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office after corruption within the department was brought to light in the early 90s.
In 1995, Police Chief Alexander Oriente resigned his position amid the scandal, while at the same time the new administration of then Mayor Albio Sires took control.
After getting several recommendations from within the department, and interviewing about ten local and out of town candidates, Riccardi and Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega appointed one of their own prized lieutenants.
“[Fernandez] is highly respected by the members of the police department throughout all the ranks,” said Riccardi. “Oscar has all the experience and he lives in West New York. There was no other choice.”
“As mayor I knew that the department was ready to be led by one of its own, and not only now but going back two or three years,” said Vega. “I knew this department had turned around, and we got the blessing from the prosecutor stating that he knew for a fact that the department was ready to be led by one of its own.”
Fernandez’s appointment became effective March 2.
“I am very proud and humbled by this experience,” said Fernandez. “I will be working closely not only with the commissioners and the mayor, but with the community leadership to do the job at hand.”
Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com