January 9, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus Police department begins ‘13 with promotion, new hire by Jennifer Crusco The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus began 2013 with the promotion of a police dispatcher to patrolman and the hiring of a new dispatcher for the police department. Owen Morrissey of Hawthorne has become the borough’s newest police officer, having been recommended by Ho-Ho-Kus Police Chief John Wanamaker. Morrissey’s appointment became effective Jan. 1, and is subject to his successful completion of training at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute. According to the resolution approving Morrissey’s promotion, he will begin training on June 14. Morrissey will be required to take and pass a physical exam and must meet the borough’s personnel qualifications. His appointment is subject to a one-year probationary period. Garrett Sweetman, also a resident of Hawthorne, has been appointed police dispatcher as of Jan. 1. Sweetman will be a permanent full-time employee. His appointment will be subject to a six-month probationary period. Late last year, Chief Wanamaker requested several promotions following the November retirement of Sergeant Ed Freeman. The chief is also taking action in anticipation of additional retirements that may occur in 2013. Wanamaker asked for two promotions to sergeant and asked for an officer to begin training at the Law & Public Safety Institute. The chief previously noted that the department currently has four squads, two of which are now without a sergeant at the helm. The requested promotions of two patrol officers to sergeants’ posts would allow all four squads to have a sergeant in charge. Wanamaker indicated that he is also seeking the promotions of Lieutenant Michael Pattman to the captain’s post, and the promotion of Sergeant Chris Minchin to the lieutenant’s post. All of these requested police promotions would have to be discussed and approved by the borough council. In anticipation of Freeman’s Nov. 30, 2012 retirement, the borough council decided last year to send dispatcher Brian Dench to the Law & Public Safety Institute. Dench had been dispatching for the police department since 2008, and began his six-month course at the institute in July 2012. The timing of his training allowed for a smooth transition, with Dench stepping into service shortly after Freeman’s departure. The Ho-Ho-Kus Council has reorganized for 2013 with Councilman Doug Troast continuing as council president, a post he held throughout 2012. In that capacity, Troast is responsible for chairing meetings at which the mayor is not present. Troast, who joined the borough council in 2000, is first vice president of Tishman Construction, which is Troast will remain council president based in Manhattan. He previously served as chief executive officer of the John Troast Group, a construction and real estate development company. He served on former Governor Whitman’s Property Tax Commission and as a trustee of the New Jersey Organization for a Better State. He also served three years on the Ho-Ho-Kus Zoning Board of Adjustment.