The community filled the council chambers to witness the swearing in of the Paramus Police Department's newest leader - Kenneth Ehrenberg who was promoted from captain to deputy chief of police Tuesday night.
Ehrenberg is the first to hold the title of deputy chief in a number of years. Now that Chief Christopher Brock has announced his retirement, it's expected Ehrenberg may be next to lead the department after Brock's departure.
Ehrenberg promised the citizens of Paramus he will give his "110 percent keeping this police department the finest in the nation." He thanked his wife Sondra and his children for putting up with his weird hours between the police department and the fire department.
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Mayor Richard LaBarbiera called Ehrenberg "well respected within the borough" and is "not one to take responsibility lightly."
"With the parting of the chief, he will now in my opinion, be the man in charge of what I like to believe is one of the finest police departments not just in Bergen County, in the entire state," said the mayor.
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"I know you will rise to the challenge and I know with the fine men and women in the department you will continue to make this department the best it can be," he told Ehrenberg.
Councilwoman Maria Elena Bellinger said Ehrenberg's promotion is "yet another example of what Paramus produces and keeps here to take care of our own and I'm happy to see that continue."
Councilman Ralph Amato called Ehrenberg "extremely confident, compassionate and very dedicated" adding that he is a "tremendous credit to the police department."
Mayor and council made the decision at a previous council meeting to offer the vacant position to Ehrenberg on the condition that there will be no salary increase. LaBarbiera had stated the reason the position had not been filled was due to salary concerns.
Prior to the swearing in ceremony, the council moved to advertise for the position of captain which is now vacant due to Ehrenberg's promotion.
Although a police promotion ordinance, which intends to set a policy for promotions, is still in discussions with the PBA, officials stated the need to fill the captain position is immediate and are looking to move ahead.
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