HACKENSACK, NJ – The Police Department has received reaccreditation, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. The self-examining process comes after recent internal strife that was announced publicly at a January city council meeting.
"We’re proud to announce that the Hackensack Police Department has successfully achieved reaccreditation!"
"Police accreditation is a self-initiated process of adopting and maintaining standardized policies and procedures," according to cops.usdoj.gov.
The voluntary process guides police departments through maintaining standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession.
"We’re proud to announce that the Hackensack Police Department has successfully achieved reaccreditation!" according to the Facebook post. "Accreditation is a progressive and time-proven method of assisting law enforcement agencies to evaluate and enhance their overall performance."
This "accomplishment," attained every three years, department officials said, "underscores our commitment to excellence and dedication to serving our community with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Thank you to our officers and staff for their hard work and commitment to keeping Hackensack safe."
The department has gone through public turmoil recently, outlined by Director Raymond Guidetti's presentation at the January 23 council meeting. Since that meeting, the department brass and its officers have been quiet, at least publicly.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for March 19.
There's No Love Loss Between Hackensack Police Brass & Rank and File
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ – The Hackensack Board of Education approved the preliminary budget with total appropriations of more than $154 million for the 2024-2025 school year.
On March 12, the board approved a preliminary tax levy of $93,389,606.
Last year's tax levy was $89,151,864, an increase of 2% or $1,748,076.
State aid for 2024-25 is $38,300,187, up 4.56% or $1,668,813, according to NJ.gov.
The approved budget signals a tax levy increase to $93,389,606, a reflection of the district's efforts to maintain educational standards amid financial constraints.
"This time around it was extremely challenging. The rate of increases in mandatory expenses has outpaced by far the increase in our state aid," said Business Administrator Lydia Singh.
Despite the budget's impact on taxpayers, the board exhibited restraint by not fully leveraging available "banked cap" funds. "We will not use banked cap funds this year, but it will be available," Singh said.
"Using our limited resources, we were able to construct a viable plan of action to educate our children," Singh said.
Enrollment in the district, according to its webpage, has been decreasing. In October 2021, enrollment of full-time regular students: 4,568; in October 2022, 4,332; and in 2023, the estimate was 4,302.
The next Board of Education meeting is March 20. The budget hearing is on April 17 and the special meeting to adopt the budget is on May 1. All meetings are at Hackensack High School, located at First and Beech streets.
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - Each preseason practice and scrimmage is of value to the Hackensack High School baseball program as they prepare diligently for the fast approaching regular season.
The Comets are scheduled to travel to play Northern Highlands in the season opener on April 1. Two days later, they are scheduled to host Northern Highlands.
“Our goals are to make the County and (NJSIAA) State Tournament,’’ Hackensack head coach Frank DiLorenzo said. “Last year we made the County Tournament for the first time in 13 years and won the first round game at Ridgefield Park. The team lost a close second round battle 2-1 to powerhouse Old Tappan.
“We hosted a (NJSIAA North 1 Group 4 Sectional) State playoff game last season and will once again aim to make noise In the State Tournament. Two years ago, our team made it to the final four of the Group 4 playoffs for North Jersey Section 1. We hope to follow in those footsteps.’’
Among the top returning student athletes helping guide the Comets toward success this year are seniors Alex Bulger (senior, pitcher and first base), Leo Spitalerri (senior, catcher), Thomas Ghostlaw (senior, pitcher and outfielder), Martin Calderon (senior, pitcher), Joe Farrington (senior, second base), David Nunez (senior, outfielder) and Christian Paleaz (junior, short stop).
Promising newcomers aiming to be of great help for Hackensack this spring include Carmello Sanchez (junior pitcher), Gabe Ramirez (junior, outfielder), Thomas Ingalinera (junior, outfielder), Holden Cohen (sophomore, pitcher) and Matthew Feehan (sophomore, first base).
Leadership will be crucial for the Comets to attain their goals this season.
“Our leaders this year will be Joe Farrington, Alex Bulger, Leo Spitaleri, Thomas Ghostlaw and Christian Palaez,’’ DiLorenzo said. “These are all players that have played for multiple years on varsity and are our most experienced players. They will lead by example, lead all of the practices and demonstrate good character on and off the field.’’
In 2023, Hackensack finished with a winning overall record of 14-13, and they collected three victories in the considerably strong Big North Conference Freedom Division.
This season they compete in the Freedom Division along with Northern Highlands, Ramapo, Paramus and Ridgewood.
“We will be a spoiler/contender this year as we have a lot of experience returning to the team,’’ DiLorenzo said. “We will look to continue our development over the last two seasons and be a tough opponent for everyone we play.’’
“Hackensack has seen its win total rise in each of the last three years and this year the Comets are looking to make it four years in a row of a growing win total.’’
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - A 26-year-old local man was arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred on October 1, 2023, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi.
Christopher Thomas, 26, from Hackensack, was arrested on March 13 in connection to the October 1, 2023 homicide that took place in the area of Van Houten Street and Cianci Street in Paterson.
Thomas is charged with Murder, first degree; Conspiracy to Commit Murder, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Certain
Persons Not to Possess Weapons, second degree.
On October 1, 2023, at approximately 9:22 p.m., a Paterson Police Officer heard several gunshots in the area of Van Houten Street and Cianci Street. At that time, additional patrol units were dispatched to the scene where they located a victim, Mary Taylor, 22, from Paterson, with an apparent gunshot wound.
The victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where she was subsequently pronounced deceased, according to the prosecutor. During the investigation, detectives learned that Thomas was one of the shooters involved in the incident.
Thomas will be scheduled to appear at Central Judicial Processing for his First Appearance. The State will file a motion for pretrial detention which will be heard by a Superior Court judge at a date and time to be determined by the court.
The crime of Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment; the crimes of Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (First Degree) have a sentencing range between 10 years and 20 years in prison; the crimes of Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (Second Degree), and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons each have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - Practices have just begun and soon the regular season will get underway for the high school spring sports all across New Jersey.
That’s welcome news to the players, coaches, and fans of the Hackensack High School softball program.
Sure, they are faced with a challenging schedule, yet the Comets are rightfully enthusiastic about their prospects on the field this spring.
Hackensack is set for their season opener home game versus Passaic County Technical Institute on April 3.
“Our goal for this season is to finish over .500 and make the (NJSIAA) State playoffs and qualify for the County Tournament,’’ Hackensack head coach Brian Hooper said.
Among the key returning varsity-tested student athletes helping the Comets towards their goals this year are Grace Abraham (third base, senior), Gianna Bruno (center field, senior), Ava DeBaar (left field, senior), Rihanna Hernandez (pitcher, senior) and Briana Darling (short stop, sophomore).
Newcomers hoping to make a positive impression at the varsity level this season for the Comets include Isabella King (first base, freshman), Janae Neal (catcher, sophomore), Giada Oates (third base and catcher, freshman), and Chelsea Pemberton (outfield, freshman).
Leadership will be vital to Hackensack’s success this spring.
“I am looking for the whole senior class to display leadership and lead by example and exhibit positivity every day,’’ Hooper said. “Specifically Grace Abraham, Olivia Schaadt, and Giana Bruno, who will be the captains to ensure everyone is ready to work every day and guide our team to its potential.
“Briana Darling finished in the top of five in the state in stolen bases last year as a freshman. She is one of the most underrated players in the state.’’
The Comets posted eight overall victories last spring and this season they compete in the very tough Big North Conference Freedom Division along with Ridgewood, Northern Highlands, Ramapo and Paramus.
Coach Hooper is well aware that each opponent in the Freedom Division presents a unique and considerable challenge.
He believes that Ramapo and Ridgewood are among the top teams to beat in the Freedom Division.
Hackensack is scheduled to play Ramapo at home on April 19 and again on the road on May 13. They are slated to travel to face Ridgewood on April 22. On May 10, they are scheduled to host Ridgewood.
“We play in the toughest Division in the County,’’ Hooper said. “We look to take strides and surprise some teams this year.’’
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - It's Youth Art Month at the library and the City Council has recognized it.
Mayor John Labrosse read a proclamation on March 5, noting art offers alternative ways for students to express feelings and ideas.
The Johnson Public Library is offering its own chance for teens, grades 7 to 12, to paint on Teen Tuesday, March 12 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. All supplies will be provided.
The best part? The art produced by local teens will be displayed throughout March in celebration of Youth Art Month.
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - Nearly two inches of rain has fallen in the borough as of Sunday, and now, heavy winds of up to 60 mph are forecast into Monday.
The heavy rains, 1.68 inches in Hackensack according to the National Weather Service, have ripened the conditions for fallen tree limbs over flooded streets in the city, and now a gusty wind warning.
The High Wind Watch is in effect until 11 p.m. Monday, March 11.
According to the National Weather Service, northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York are forecasted to be affected from Monday morning through Monday evening. This includes eastern and western Bergen and Passaic counties.
The damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
HACKENSACK, NJ - Reading is an invaluable tool to experience the world outside our homes and now The Johnson Public Library will provide a free Books by Mail service to Hackensack residents who are homebound or have a disability.
Books are sent to patrons in a reusable book bag that contains return postage and label. When the books arrive back at the library, another bag with more books will be mailed.
Patrons who are homebound or have a visual or physical impairment that prevents them from handling conventional books can complete this form and return it to the Johnson Public Library. If you have any questions, please contact us at bbm@johnsonlib.org or call (201) 343-4781.
]]>HACKENSACK, NJ - Noting "countless women whose courage and resolve have contributed to the character and success" of the nation, the world, and most certainly Hackensack, the City Council recognized Women's History Month.
On March 5, several members of the council gave the nod to women, especially those that work for the city.
Deputy City Manager Jackie thanked "all women I worked with and who I admire for their leadership and supportive roles."
]]>