Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • November 28, 2012 Ramsey Ramsey Police Chief Bryan Gurney reported last week that the department is pulling together to share the responsibilities that have been handled by Captain Raymond P. Bailey for the last decade. Captain Bailey is now in the midst of an extended recovery after having been seriously injured during the height of Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29. At 9:21 p.m. that day, Captain Bailey was attempting close off Oakridge Road at the intersection of Darlington Avenue due to trees that had fallen across the roadway. A tree that was located on the northeast corner of this intersection fell on top of Bailey. Members of the Ramsey Police Department and Ramsey Rescue used chainsaws to cut the tree and extract the captain, who was transported to the hospital with leg and back injuries. “It’s difficult to fill his shoes,” Chief Gurney said of Bailey. “All of the officers are trying to pick up the slack.” Bailey has been a member of the Ramsey Police Department for 26 years, and has been serving as captain for the last 10 years. Gurney explained that the captain’s numerous responsibilities within the department include acting as internal affairs offi- Police department regroups as captain recovers cer, firearms instructor, and accreditation manager. The chief pointed out that the department is currently undergoing the accreditation process. “He has a lot on his plate,” Gurney said of his captain. “It’s difficult to replace a guy like him. All of the officers have rallied and are doing a great job.” Asked about Bailey’s prognosis, the chief said, “If he makes up his mind to do something, he’ll do it!” The police department will have an on-site assessment in December as part of the accreditation process through the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, which is administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Successful completion of the process will also result in national recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The assessors are trained members of the New Jersey Public Safely Accreditation Coalition. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status. The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with 112 standards that represent the best practices in law enforcement. The rigorous review process includes a close examination of the agency’s written directive system, operation, and facility. As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the accreditation assessors assigned to the onsite assessment by calling (201) 327-1700) on Monday, Dec. 17 between 10 a.m. and noon. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the accreditation standards. Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with the standards under which it was initially accredited. A copy of the standards can be obtained through the Ramsey Police Department’s assistant accreditation manager, Sergeant Kevin Kelly, at (201) 327-2400. A time for giving Smith School students in Ramsey collected over 3,000 food donations and 40 turkeys for the Center for Food Action in Mahwah. Pictured are Mary Pless, Student Council Advisor Sabina McGuirl, and Angela You sorting, checking, and packing up the donations.