Police Announce New Officers

Six new officers have been added to the Police Department to replace retiring officers. They are as follows: 
 
 Officer Dennis Dasilva:  A graduate of Rutgers University in Finance and Economics, Dennis went on to graduate from the Union County Police Academy. Dennis joined the Union County Sheriff's Office where he became a crime scene investigator for Union County for a period of four years. Dennis attended numerous training courses on crime scene investigations and is considered an expert. Dennis joined the Westfield Police Department on October 5, 2009.

Officer Nicholas Bruno: Nicholas graduated from Scotch Plains Fanwood High School and then went onto West Virginia University. In 2004 Nicholas joined the Unites States Navy where he became a combat medic. Nicholas was attached to the 1st and 4th Marine Divisions during a combat tour in Fallujah Iraq. He is the recipient of a number of Armed Services medals and ribbons. He currently volunteers for a local rescue squad. After graduation from the Union County Police Academy, Nicholas joined the department on Jan 4, 2010.

Officer Michael McCarthy:  Michael graduated from Hunterdon Central High School and then went onto Raritan Valley Community College. In 2004 Michael joined the United States Marine Corp where he became an Aviation Ordnance Technician. During 2007 Michael served a combat tour in Al Anbar Province Iraq. Michael obtained the rank of Sergeant while in the Marine Corp. Michael graduated from the Union County Police Academy in December of 2008 and joined the Westfield Police Department in October of 2009. He volunteers as a volunteer firefighter in his spare time.

Officer Paul Neri: Paul graduated from the Koinonia Academy and then went onto Union County College and Park University. Joining the United States Marine Corp in 2003, Paul was attached to the 2nd Marines Echo Company and then the 1st Fast Company Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team. Paul is the recipient of a number of medals and ribbons. After graduating from the Union County Police Academy where he was the Class Guide, Paul joined the department in November of 2009. He has been assigned to the Patrol Division.

Officer Eric Popliek:  Eric is a graduate of Ramapo College in Mahwah New Jersey. In 2005 he attended and graduated from the 19th Basic Course for Class I Law Enforcement Officers at the Monmouth County Police Academy. In 2007 he graduated from the Basic Class II for Special Police Officers at the Cape May County Police Academy.  Eric joined the Westfield Police Department as a Class II Police Officer in July of 2007 and was assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Bureau. Eric was sworn in as a full time Police Officer this past December. Eric volunteers as a rescue diver with the Point Pleasant Beach Rescue Squad He will be assigned to the Patrol Division.

Officer Dana Black:  Dana attended C.W. Post University as a criminal justice major. In 2004 Dana joined the United States Marine Corps where she earned the rank of Sergeant. During a tour in Habbaniya Iraq, Dana served as an instructor at the Advanced Infantry Training Center. She also trained female Marines and Iraqi search teams to inspect persons at entry and traffic control points. Dana attended and graduated from the Union County Police Academy where she served as a Squad Leader. Dana joined the Westfield Police Department on January 4, 2010 and will be assigned to the Patrol Division.

All of the new officers will spend the first three months in an intensive in-service training program and each will be assigned to a certified police training officer.