A pregnant woman cried tears of pride as she pinned her husband’s new badge on his uniform on July 23. Her husband, former Guttenberg police investigator Leonardo Ramirez, was promoted to sergeant by the Guttenberg Town Council at their meeting, and several of his colleagues also received appointments.
Fellow officer Mark Depew was promoted to sergeant. Travis White was sworn in as a new police officer for the department, and will serve a probationary period for 12 months starting July 24. He must first pass the New Jersey State Police Training Program.
“The officers that were made superiors have been working here [Guttenberg] a number of years, they’re well qualified for the job, and I’m more than happy to have them,” said Captain Joel Magenheimer.
Brian Eckenrode has graduated from the Essex County College Police Academy as a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer, and will perform those duties under the New Jersey Training Commission. He was appointed to his position effective July 24.
“We feel very fortunate in the individuals we had to select from.” – Mayor Gerald Drasheff
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New police contracts reached
The town has concluded negotiations with Police Superior Officers PBA Local 88 for an employment contract. The previous agreement expired June 30, 2008. The new contract covers July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013. The same contract was also made with the patrol officers.
Father Carlo Fortunato of Saint John’s Holy Redeemer Church was presented with a police chaplain badge, making him chaplain of the police department.
“Tonight was devoted almost exclusively to our police,” said Mayor Gerald Drasheff. “We feel very fortunate in the individuals we had to select from.”
Other business
Also at the meeting:
An ordinance was adopted setting a fee for updates to the municipal tax map. The approval of any subdivision will require applicants to pay the town $250 to update and amend the tax map to reflect the changes.
A lawyer for NJ Towing Company said that the towing businesses John’s Main Auto Body, Planet Towing, and Dell Auto Storage should be registered with the state of New Jersey. He asked the council to review the ordinance that allows the three companies to be authorized towers when they are all owned by one individual.
Also, the council, acting as an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, discussed a local restaurant that allegedly allowed an unlicensed person to sell alcohol on its premises on Jan. 21. This is a second violation for this licensed premises, with the first occurring on July 5, 2011. Municipal Prosecutor James Coviello recommended a five day suspension. The five days closure will be from Sept. 5 to 10.
Vanessa Cruz can be reached at vcruz@hudsonreporter.com