Lone Lady Cop On Bergen Co. Police Force Files Suit Claiming Bullying

SADDLE RIVER, NJ — The lone female police officer on the Saddle River force is suing the borough and the department, saying she was often bullied by the police chief and his friends, and that he led a "chauvinistic" department.

Diana Golonek, who lives in Totowa, is asking for a jury trial and damages in the suit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court on Monday.

Golonek details a pattern of bullying in the 16-member department, saying that the current chief, Jason Cosgriff — who took over in 2018 — has denied her positions, mocked officers who were friends with her, and promoted "a chauvinistic atmosphere where women are disrespected and discarded."

Golonek said he "did not support the decision to hire Plaintiff and has exhibited disdain for her since she began in the Department due to his misogynistic nature."

Golonek notes that she had exposed misconduct by her coworkers and supervisors over time, which also "caused her to be subjected to a hostile and retaliatory work environment."

Golonek began working for the department in 2013.

She said that members of the department ridiculed her for "enjoying pastimes that are considered masculine," such as riding a motorcycle. She said that department members spread a rumor that she's part of a motorcycle gang, and that the teasing included leaving a book about motorcycle gangs in her mailbox.

She also said the chief made it clear that he would never start a motorcycle unit because it would be "enjoyable and beneficial" to her.

She said that she was denied perks and positions given to male officers, such as wanting to be the town's animal control officer. She said the spot was instead offered to a male officer who didn't want it.

She said that when a second female officer joined the department in May 2022, the two became friends, which caused her to be subject to more teasing comments. The second officer was "terminated during her first year after voicing complaints about the department and after becoming aligned with the plaintiff," the suit says.

Golonek said that Cosgriff also subject friends of hers in the department and even her fiance, who didn't work there, to unfair treament.

She's demanding a jury trial and damages for "injuries, including physical injuries and emotional distress, damages for reputational and career development injury" and more.

Golonek and another officer were commended by the chief last year for running into a burning house and helping douse the fire with extinguishers and a garden hose, according to a report.

Cosgriff and Mayor Albert Kurpis didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.