The Hillsdale Police Department's newest patrolman, Alex Kaplan, took his oath of office Tuesday.

Kaplan is a Hillsdale resident who graduated from Pascack Valley High School and was remembered by officials as a regular visitor to the Police Department and Fire Department during his childhood.

Professionally, he has worked as a per diem dispatcher for Hillsdale and Westwood, volunteered with the Essex County Sheriff's Department and is a member of the Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps, Westwood Fire Department and Woodcliff Lake Fire Department.

Kaplan fills the position left by Ramon Cruz, who left for a job with the Bergenfield Police Department.

Police Chief Chip Stalter previously said he hopes to have Kaplan out working solo by the end of the year.

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