Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

Ho-Ho-Kus May 26, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Wanamaker to be sworn in as police captain by Jennifer Crusco John Wanamaker, a 26-year veteran of the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, has officially been promoted to the rank of captain. The council approved the requisite resolution at last week’s work session to allow Wanamaker to be sworn in at the May 25 public meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. at Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Hall. Originally hired as a dispatcher, Wanamaker later became a patrolman. He was named sergeant in 2000, and remained in that position until 2002, when he was promoted to the lieutenant’s post. “It’s long overdue,” Ho-Ho-Kus Police Chief Gregory Kallenberg said of Wanamaker’s promotion to captain. “He has been my second-in-command since I’ve been chief.” Asked how Wanamaker’s promotion would affect department operations, Chief Kallenberg said, “Nothing will change drastically, but John will be recognized as a captain, and that rank carries a lot of weight.” Kallenberg added, “The top half of us in the police department are all reaching retirement age, and this is preparing for the future.” He pointed out that Patrolman Mike Tuttle has already announced that he will retire this year, and five other officers are eligible to retire. During his service to the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, Wanamaker has received two Life-Saving Awards: one for assisting a man who was experiencing cardiac arrest while working out at Wanamaker’s gym, and another for assisting in the standoff on Hollywood Avenue last fall. In the 2009 incident, an armed resident threatened to take his own life while he kept police at bay. He has also received a number of commendations, multiple physical fitness awards, and the END DWI Award. “His file is thick with letters of appreciation from citizens,” Kallenberg said of Wanamaker. Commenting on his impending promotion, Wanamaker said he and the chief have been splitting the captain’s responsibilities since the post has been vacant. He said that, as captain, he will now be able to delegate some of his duties. The structure of the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department allows for the positions of chief, captain, lieutenant, sergeant, and patrol officer. The captain’s post, the chief’s second-in-command, has been vacant since Harold “Bud” Minchin left the department several years ago. Wanamaker has been in charge of the Ho-Ho-Kus Traffic Bureau for approximately 10 years. He has also served as Terminal Access Coordinator, a post that has since been assumed by Officer M Mosca. Wanamaker remains in charge of in-service training for the department’s personnel, scheduling classes for Ho-Ho-Kus officers who wish to attend courses at the Law & Public Safety Institute, and for scheduling all shifts for the department. “It feels great to be recognized. I still enjoy my job; we have a good department, and I appreciate the chief’s support,” Wanamaker added. Wanamaker is a graduate of Waldwick High School, where he met his future wife, Meg. The two have been married for 20 years and still reside in Waldwick. They have two sons, a seventh grader and a sophomore. When he is off duty, Wanamaker coaches the local lacrosse program. �� Women’s Sandals Now Open! 396 Franklin Ave Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-5500 Across from Aldo’s Restaurant Wyckoff Cycle LLC �� We Repair ALL Bicycle Brands Bikes for the Whole Family and the Pros �� Randy’s Auto Repair 11 Crescent Ave, Waldwick (Formerly located at Citgo Station in Midland Park) �� ® �� Randy Mayo, proprietor 201-445-2722 Complete Auto Repair All major credit cards accepted. ASE Certified