Photo Caption - New Bayonne Police Officers: Bayonne’s sixteen new police officers were sworn in at a ceremony in the Council Chambers.  They posed with Mayor Jimmy Davis, Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, Police Chief Robert Geisler, and Deputy Chief Joseph Scerbo.  Pictured left to right: Deputy Chief Scerbo, Director Kubert, Mayor Davis, P.O. Adam Podwysocki, P.O. Jordan Quilca, P.O. James Ashe, P.O. Dayne Sabo, P.O. Nicholas Konopka, P.O. Edwin Zorrilla-Poueriet, P.O. Jean Candelaria, P.O. Mark Dworzanski, P.O. Christian Cella, P.O. Ramoncito Mauricio, P.O. Vincent Crawford, P.O. William Borke, P.O. Jason Petrakian, P.O. Christopher Bilak, P.O. Anthony Scalia, P.O. Brian Baranok, and Police Chief Robert Geisler

On December 20, the Bayonne Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for sixteen new officers.  The event took place in the City Council Chambers. 

The Bayonne Police Honor Guard and the Bayonne Police Pipes and Drums led the entrance procession.  The Pipes and Drums played The Minstrel Boy, Amazing Grace, and Scotland the Brave.   Rev. John Fencik, Pastor of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and Bayonne’s former 9-1-1 Coordinator, offered the invocation.  City Clerk Madelene Medina swore in the new police officers.

Addressing the families of the new officers, Mayor Jimmy Davis said, “This is one of the best days you will have.”  He added, “Your sons and daughters will be right in the middle of everything that happens.”  Mayor Davis said that he and the City Council have the goal of giving the new officers “everything they need.”  Mayor Davis, a retired police captain, called being a police officer “the greatest job in the world.” He urged the newly sworn officers to treat people “with compassion” and “like you would want your family to be treated.”

Public Safety Director Robert Kubert thanked Mayor Davis and the City Council Members for supporting the Department of Public Safety, which includes both the Police Department and the Fire Department.  Director Kubert, a former Police Chief, served as master of ceremonies for the event. 

Police Chief Robert Geisler welcomed the new officers, saying that they would be held to “a higher standard.”  He said that being police officers would give them “a front row seat to life.”  Chief Geisler advised the new recruits that police officers have both “awesome powers” and “great responsibilities.” He thanked Mayor Davis and the City Council for supporting the need to hire new police officers. 

Council Member At-Large Loyad Booker, a retired police officer, told the new officers that the ceremony was “a life-changing moment for you and your families.”  His advice to each new officer was “respect yourself” and “respect the citizens of this town.” 

Speaking of his own career in law enforcement, Council Member At-Large Juan Perez said, “I loved it.” He called policing “an excellent job.” Council Member Perez urged the new officers, “Do not disrespect that badge.”

Rev. Dorothy Paterson, Pastor of the Wallace Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, offered the benediction.

The new police officers are Adam Podwysocki, Jordan Quilca, James Ashe, Dayne Sabo, Nicholas Konopka, Edwin Zorrilla-Poueriet, Jean Candelaria, Mark Dworzanski, Christian Cella, Ramoncito Mauricio, Vincent Crawford, William Borke, Jason Petrakian, Chistopher Bilak, Anthony Scalia, and Brian Baranok.

Police Officer Adam Podwysocki is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at Hudson County Community College and Liberty University, where he studied Aviation and Nursing.  He is a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Police Officer Jordan Quilca is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Hudson County Community College.  He is a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Police Officer James Ashe is a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep.  He earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Tampa.

Police Officer Dayne Sabo is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Iona University.

Police Officer Nicholas Konopka is a graduate of Bayonne High School. 

Police Officer Edwin Zorrilla-Poueriet is a graduate of Emerson High School.

Police Officer Jean Candelaria is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management at St. Peter’s University.

Police Officer Mark Dworzanski is a graduate of Colonia High School.  He received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Hudson County Community College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Kean University.

Police Officer Christian Cella is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his studies at Montclair State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Police Officer Ramoncito Mauricio is a graduate of Bayonne High School. He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he pursued a degree in Psychology. Before joining the Bayonne Police Department, he was a Correctional Police Officer with the Hudson County Department of Corrections. 

Police Officer Vincent Crawford is a graduate of North Arlington High School.  He continued his education at Bergen County Community College and Rowan University, where he pursued a degree in Computer Science.

Police Officer William Borke is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degre in Political Science at Seton Hall University.  Prior to joining the Bayonne Police Department, he was a Correctional Police Officer with the Hudson County Department of Corrections.

Police Officer Jason Petrakian is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  Prior to joining the Bayonne Police Department, he was a Sheriff’s Officer with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department.

Police Officer Christopher Bilak is a graduate of Bayonne High School. 

Police Officer Anthony Scalia is a graduate of County Prep High School. 

Police Officer Brian Baranok is a graduate of Bayonne High School. He continued his education at Ramapo College, where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice.