Officer of the Month
Every day, members of the PPD perform extraordinary acts in service to the community. But too often, these acts are not properly recognized. We are proud to launch a new initiative, where each month we recognize an employee who went above and beyond the call of duty. We want to ensure that Paterson’s Finest receive the recognition they deserve when they exceed our expectations and ensure that the public is aware of their distinct achievements. We hope that this will not only inspire future acts of kindness and service but also strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they protect.
Congratulations to August’s Officers of the Month, Officer Tyron Myers, Officer Jensin Burgos, and Officer Andy Polanco
While responding to a call in August 2023, Officer Tyron Myers, Officer Jensin Burgos, and Officer Andy Polanco recognized an individual who had a warrant out for his arrest and took him into custody without incident. Thanks to their awareness and vigilance, a wanted suspect was taken off the streets. For their efforts and commitment to public safety, they have been named the August 2023 Officers of the Month.
Previous Honorees
July 2023 - Detective Muhammed Dombayci and Detective Brian Culmone
Congratulations to July's Officers of the Month, Detective Muhammed Dombayci and Detective Brian Culmone
While on patrol in July 2023, Detective Muhammed Dombayci and Detective Brian Culmone recognized an individual who was wanted for a shooting following a traffic stop. The officers took him into custody without incident and recovered a gun in the vehicle he was sitting in. Thanks to their quick actions, a violent individual was apprehended and an illegal gun was removed from the streets of our city. For their efforts and commitment to public safety, they have been named the July 2023 Officers of the Month.
June 2023 - Officers Jaime and Al Mejia
Congratulations to June's Officers of the Month, Officers Jamie and Al Mejia
Officers Jaime and Al Mejia, known affectionately by the community as the Mejia brothers, have a combined 80 years protecting and serving the people of Paterson. They are fixtures in the community and known by most city residents for their compassion and professionalism. As members of Community Policing they work with residents and mentor young members of the community to keep them on the right track. Over the month of June Jaime and Al have worked tirelessly with our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative on Broadway. For their efforts and commitment to public safety they have been named the June 2023 Officers of the Month. #PPDNextGen
May 2023 - Detectives Wisam Salameh and Corey Davis
Congratulations to May's Officers of the Month, Detectives Wisam Salameh and Corey Davis
While on patrol in May 2023, Detective Wisam Salameh and Detective Corey Davis identified a wanted individual from a previously issued bulletin regarding a violent incident that had occurred in Paterson. The Detectives successfully took him into custody and safely recovered a semi-automatic handgun in his possession. Thanks to Detectives Davis and Salameh's vigilance and quick actions, a violent individual was apprehended and a dangerous firearm was removed from the streets of our city. For their efforts and commitment to public safety, they have been named the May 2023 Officers of the Month.
April 2023 - Lieutenant Jason Bernasconi
Congratulations to April's Officer of the Month, Lieutenant Jason Bernasconi
On two separate occasions in April 2023, Lieutenant Jason Bernasconi utilized his training, experience, and sound judgment to successfully coordinate the resolution of incidents involving persons in crisis who were in imminent danger of harming themselves. In one of these incidents, the person was armed with a knife.
Lt. Bernasconi acted with professionalism and compassion, at times putting his personal safety at risk to ensure a successful resolution to these incidents without harm to anyone present. For his courage and demonstration of excellence in his assignment Lt. Jason Bernasconi has been named the April 2023 Officer of the Month.
