Sheriff Anthony Cureton Presents Lifesaving Award to Officers for October Response on Route 80

Officers LaBarbera, Maietta, Moussavian, and McGuinness recognized at new hiring ceremony

Hackensack, N.J. – This afternoon, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton presented lifesaving award ribbons to BCSO Officers LaBarbera, Maietta, and Moussavian at a swearing-in ceremony for new hires.

The ceremony took place at Two Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack and was attended by family, friends, and local dignitaries including Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, NJ State Senator Paul Sarlo, Bergen County Freeholder Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, and Freeholder David Ganz.

The lifesaving instance occurred on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, when Bureau of Police Service Officer McGuinness overserved a driver on Route 80 experiencing a possible medical episode. She immediately notified Communications and Sheriff’s Officers LaBarbera, Maietta, and Moussavian for assistance. Officers LaBarbera, Maietta, Moussavian, and McGuinness all responded and assisted in the administration of CPR and nasal Narcan. The driver regained consciousness and was then transported to Hackensack University Medical Center.

Officer McGuinness, who assisted in the save by making the initial call, was not available to attend the ceremony but was presented her ribbon afterwards.

During his remarks, Sheriff Cureton stated “the actions taken that night by Officer McGuinness, LaBarbera, Maietta, and Moussavian were truly exemplarily. Using their training and instincts, these four officers were able to identify and respond quickly to the situation with the aid necessary, ultimately saving the driver’s life. Please wear these lifesaving ribbons as a token of appreciation on behalf of our entire agency.” said Sheriff Anthony Cureton.

After the award presentation, Sheriff Anthony Cureton administered the oaths of office to three Sheriff Officer Intergovernmental Transfers, two Corrections Officer Intergovernmental Transfers, and nine Sheriff’s Officers off the Civil Service Examination List.

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office welcomes the following officers to its ranks:

Sheriff Officer New Hires

Kyle D. Ryan

Adam R. Velazquez

Justin M. Romero

Craig J. Spliedt

Brian A. Dowling Jr.

David Longo

Matthew J. Hart

Daniela Gambino

Kley J. Peralta

Sheriff Officer Intergovernmental Transfers

Ken Charleenea

Dana DelGrosso

Robert Freeney

Corrections Officer Intergovernmental Transfers

Jeffrey Hilbert

Jones Pointdujour

“I will never jeopardize the safety of my officers. That is why these hires are essential to sustain the necessary level of manpower required to continue our operation’s high quality of service to the residents of Bergen County. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office takes pride in serving as the most desired agency to work for in the State of New Jersey and I welcome these fourteen new hires to our agency’s ranks.” said Sheriff Anthony Cureton during his remarks.