Letter to the Editor: Chief Commends Police Response

The following is a letter from Paramus Police Acting Chief Christopher Brock:

I cannot comment on the specific events that occurred on Sunday evening as theinvestigation into the incident is being investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. It is my opinion that Officer Morgan, Officer Hayo and all of the responding Paramus officers acted efficiently, effectively and professionally before, during and after the events of Sunday evening and continue to do so.

All of the officers were forced to contend with a situation that was not of their choosing and all of the officers performed in a manner that far exceeds what could be expected from the average officer. To use the word “exemplary” would not even come close in my attempt to describe the actions of these officers nor the respect and admiration I have for them, both professionally and personally. From the beginning of this engagement to the later hours spent at Hackensack University Medical Center, I observed and have heard of countless actions of active courage, fortitude, compassion and respect exhibited by police officers, dispatchers, emergency service personnel, friends and family. To say that I stand in amazement of all these people who were involved and continue to be involved with this incident would be an understatement.

I need to thank everyone for their support and concern for our officers and department. From phone calls, to visits, to offers of food and lodging, the response from the community has been overwhelming. The department continues to provide the service that is expected of us by our community and that we expect of ourselves. Please keep Officer Rachel Morgan in your prayers as well as Officer Hayo and all of the officers who responded to this occurrence on the evening of February 6, 2011. They need your continued support in these trying times. They also deserve your unyielding respect for thejob that they did during this crisis and the job that they continue to do every day – I know they have mine.

Christopher J. Brock