Bergen Sheriff Recognizes Officers For Saving Rt. 80 Driver

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Four Bergen County Sheriff’s Officers received lifesaving award ribbons for rendering assistance to a driver on Route 80 who was suffering from a medical episode.

On Wednesday, Sheriff Anthony Cureton recognized officers Joseph LaBarbera, Richard Maietta, Niamh Moussavian and Sohrab McGuinness during a swearing-in ceremony for new hires.

The officers jumped into action on Oct. 8, 2019 after McGuinness observed a driver experience a possible medical episode. She immediately notified dispatch, which sent LaBarbera, Maietta and Moussavian to help.

After the officers administered CPR and nasal Narcan, the driver regained consciousness and was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center.

Cureton said, “The actions taken that night by Officer McGuinness, LaBarbera, Maietta, and Moussavian were truly exemplarily. Using their training and instincts, these four officers were able to identify and respond quickly to the situation with the aid necessary, ultimately saving the driver’s life.”

After the award presentation, Sheriff Anthony Cureton administered the oaths of office to three Sheriff Officer Intergovernmental Transfers, two Corrections Officer Intergovernmental Transfers, and nine Sheriff’s Officers off the Civil Service Examination List.

“I will never jeopardize the safety of my officers. That is why these hires are essential to sustain the necessary level of manpower required to continue our operation’s high quality of service to the residents of Bergen County. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office takes pride in serving as the most desired agency to work for in the State of New Jersey and I welcome these fourteen new hires to our agency’s ranks," Cureton said.

Sheriff Officer New Hires

• Kyle D. Ryan
• Adam R. Velazquez
• Justin M. Romero
• Craig J. Spliedt
• Brian A. Dowling Jr.
• David Longo
• Matthew J. Hart
• Daniela Gambino
• Kley J. Peralta

Sheriff Officer Intergovernmental Transfers

• Ken Charleenea
• Dana DelGrosso
• Robert Freeney

Corrections Officer Intergovernmental Transfers

• Jeffrey Hilbert
• Jones Pointdujour