Roselle Park resident and Auxiliary Roselle Park Police Officer Avsar Patel was appointed unanimously by council to become the borough’s latest police officer. Resolution 135-17 appointed Mr. Patel to the position of Probationary Police Officer for a period up to six months, after which time he will be a full Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) officer.
Surrounded by his family, Mr. Patel took his oath of office, then spoke to some of the people in attendance who he will protect and serve.
He thanked mayor and council along with Police Chief Paul Morrison and RPPD superior officers, adding, “I’m truly grateful and will do my best to serve this department with pride as all of you have done so. A big thanks to my parents for always supporting me, supporting my dream of being a police officer. I could not have done this without them. I would like to thank everyone that came out tonight and a special thanks to the officers who are here supporting me. Ever since I was appointed to the Roselle Park Auxiliary Police, approximately one year ago, the entire department has embraced me and I would like to thank them for their guidance and support.”
“I grew up in Roselle Park and I feel so fortunate that I have this opportunity where I can serve the community that has done so much for me,” said officer Patel, “I promise to serve this community and the department with pride and integrity to the best of my ability.”
Mr. Patel pointed out two men – in particular – to thank them for their support: John Ranieri and Victor Pozsonyi. Avsar remarked that he has known Mr. Ranieri ever since he was his second-grade gym teacher at EJF/Aldene Elementary School. Later, in high school, Mr. Ranieri coached him in wrestling and always supported Avsar in pursuing his dream. Mr. Pozsonyi is the father of Avsar’s best friend. He has known him since middle school wrestling and has always provided unconditional support. He commented on Thursday night’s meeting, “Thank you for always being there for me and for providing me with unconditional support. It is truly an honor to have someone special like you. Thank you.”
RPPD Police Chief Paul Morrison then congratulated his newest officer, “He had always dreamed of being a police officer. But more than that, he dreamed of serving his community and being a police officer here in Roselle Park. He said his dream has come true . . . It’s great to hear when somebody gets what they’ve strived for their entire life.”
Chief Morrison also recounted that Auxiliary officer Patel’s father was in the military in India and had always wanted to be a police officer himself in India and this is a dream come true for him as well, that his son is now a police officer.
The borough’s first Indian American police officer addressed members of the Indian community when he said,”Tamaro saport je mane malyo che, ano khuba abhar Che” which translates into ‘I am very grateful for the support you have provided me.’
Officer Patel’s annual salary will be $45,007.86 with a start date of July 14, 2017.