Groundbreaking Occasion As REPD Install First Female Officer

Monday evening before a crowded room of residents, friends, family and the , the borough welcomed its newest patrol officers to the force during a groundbreaking event. Officer Renata Sanches became the first female officer in the 100-year history of the borough.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have so many talented, well trained officers in the department," Police Chief Thomas Cariddi said. "I am proud tonight to welcome our newest officers. I'm overly confident that they are great additions to the force."

The 20-man department will now feature 14 patrol officers with the inclusion of Sanches and Anthony Roman. Sanches of North Haledon and Roman of Secaucus will each make an annual salary of $27,500 as they begin their careers in River Edge. The addition of the two patrol officers is believed to help offset

"Renata is incredibly enthusiastic and this is long over do," Cariddi said.

Councilwoman Kathleen Murphy called Sanches' swearing in a "groundbreaking moment" in the borough's history.

The department began searching for new patrol officers in September after Cariddi and Borough Administrator Alan Negreann estimated that police overtime costs could rise to a minimum of $225,000 by the end of 2010.

"I wish Officers Roman and Sanches a long, safe career with the ," Councilman Alphonse Bartelloni said. "This has been a long process but I'm glad to see these two officers selected to be part of the department."

Sanches and Roman officially became a part of the police rotation on Tuesday.