Upper Saddle River August 3, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 After more than 25 years of service, Upper Saddle River Police Chief Michael Fanning has retired from his post as of Monday, Aug. 1. In preparation for Chief Fanning’s departure, the council appointed Patrick Rotella to the police department’s top post. Mayor Kenneth Gabbert and the council said they took great pleasure in announcing Rotella’s appointment as chief of police. Chief Rotella began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer in 1995, followed by a series of promotions. In May 2004, he was promoted to detective. He became detective sergeant in October 2005, and achieved the rank of detective lieutenant in January 2007. Rotella is a graduate of Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Muhlenberg College and is trained emergency medical technician. He is also a graduate of the West Point Command and Technician Leadership Program. During the course of his career, he has received awards for valor and meritorious service. Rotella steps in as police chief as Fanning retires Borough officials said Rotella offers the department a level of experience, dedication, and enthusiasm that is in a class of its own. He is an innovative thinker, strategist, and implementer. Fanning, a longtime veteran of the Upper Saddle River Police Department, was appointed chief of police in June 2006. His law enforcement career included operational, managerial, and administrative experience. He began his police career in 1986 as a police radio dispatcher followed by an appointment as a police officer assigned to patrol. After serving as a patrol officer, Fanning was assigned to the detective bureau. Upon his promotion to sergeant in 1997, he was assigned to the patrol division as a supervisor. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2005 and served as executive officer in charge of the uniformed section of the police department. Fanning is active in various civic and professional organizations and with youth athletics. He has served as a member of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association and on its executive board, in addition to being a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He has received numerous awards and honors for his professional contributions. Fanning and his wife, Amy, reside in Ramsey. Their three sons are 18, 16, and 14. Mayor Gabbert and the council expressed their gratitude for Fanning’s service and wished him well. Registration is now being accepted for the 2011 fall tennis clinics offered by Upper Saddle River Recreation. The five-week session will be held at the newly renovated Wickersham Tennis Courts, located in front of the Reynolds School. The clinics will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning on Sept. 12. The cost for the session is $90. Registration forms are available at borough hall or online at www.USRtoday. org. For details, call the USR Recreation Department at (201) 327-3634 or e-mail USRRecreation@aol.com. Register for fall tennis clinics