Westwood Hires Three New Police Officers

Westwood hired three new police officers this week after officials narrowed down a pool of more than 200 candidates.

The council officially voted to hire the new officers during their sine die meeting Thursday and the officers were sworn in during an informal ceremony Friday afternoon so the can begin training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute.

The new officers are Kevin Mullaney, Tristan Ganter and Keith Bott.

"I look at these soon-to-be police officers and members of the Westwood Police Department and I just couldn't be prouder," Mayor John Birkner said.

Police Chief Frank Regino said the three had been chosen from an initial pool of 217 candidates who were all "extremely" impressive. After a written test, physical exam and four interviews with Regino, Councilman Rob Miller and Council President John J. Sciara, Mullaney, Ganter and Bott were picked.

"Today is the culmination of a very comprehensive process," Regino said.

The new officers will begin training at the police academy later this month and will be out in Westwood later this year.

There will also be a formal oath of office ceremony at the Westwood Council meeting January 15.

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