Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-February 25, 2009 Issue

February 25, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Midland Park Department promotes sergeant, welcomes new ofﬁcer The Midland Park Police Department last week welcomed its newest officer and officially promoted Michael Powderley to the rank of sergeant. The new officer, Kenneth R. Minassian, is a new academy graduate. He is a resident of Mahwah, and a 2003 graduate of Mahwah High School. He later received a bachelor of arts degree in law and society from Ramapo College. He graduated from the Essex County College Police Academy last year. Midland Park Police Chief John Casson explained that Minassian was an “alternate route” student at the academy. Many of the individuals enrolled at the academy have already been hired by a police department, others are accepted as alternate route students, who receive training and then pursue a career in law enforcement. Minassian has worked for the Mahwah Recreation Department, where he was head lifeguard and assistant manager for Ramapo Ridge Recreation. He is the department’s fourteenth officer. “We’re anxious to get him through field training,” Chief Casson said of Minassian. The chief explained that the new officer would spend six weeks riding with another officer from the department, learning local procedures. “He seems like a good fit for the department,” Casson said, adding, “I’m looking forward to having a full complement of officers.” Powderley’s promotion filled the sergeant’s posi- At left: Michael Powderley is sworn in to the sergeant’s post. At right: Kenneth Minassian takes the oath. tion that had been vacant since Sergeant Ken Veenstra retired in December, 2007. Powderley’s salary will be $105,900. Casson previously described Powderley as a hardworking, well-rounded, and experienced officer. The new sergeant is a native of Demarest, where his father is the chief of police. Powderley began his service to the Midland Park Police Department 19 years ago as a special police officer and later a dispatcher. He was sworn in as a patrolman in January 1992. Powderley has received a number of commendations and awards for meritorious service, and received the Top Cop Award in 1998. He holds an AA degree from Bergen Community College. �� The School of Fine Arts Like the idea and philosophy behind acupuncture but are scared of needles? Why not try Tuina Massage. Let us Gift help you relax, replenish, and rejuvenate. Certificates Come on in and get your 20% off with this coupon! Available Out of the way, but worth it. Major Credit Cards Accepted �� Drawing Room L.L.C. WELLNESS CENTER �� A Neighborhood Massage Therapy 85 Hillside Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-4760 • 201-445-1164 Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Closed Sunday Schweinfurth Florist �� 2-4-09 janine WellnessCenter2x2(2-4-09) ® 2 x 2” REGISTER NOW! GOOD RIDGEWOOD YMCA DAY CAMP 2009 Y’s KIDZ 3–6 �� FUN, IN GOOD HANDS! �� PAMACKA 5 – 13 TEEN TRIP 11 – 15 �� Safe, affordable. Call for FREE brochure and scholarship application. �� Pre-Summer Fun Ages 5-10 June 22-26 9am-5pm •sports • swimming• cooking • art projects • field trips • CATCH Kids Club Ridgewood YMCA www.ridgewoodymca.org 201-444-5600, ext. 338 �� Membership is open to all. For individuals and families in need, contact John Duke ext 337 for conﬁdential assistance information and application. ��