Daniel J. Kov
BUENA — The borough this week
hired a former state trooper as its first full-time public safety director as
it seeks to broaden administrative oversight of its police department.
Daniel T. Caregnato, 47, took
over the position immediately after the Borough Council approved his hire
Monday night.
“I am excited and humbled to be
in this position to serve the Buena community,” the longtime New Jersey State
Police veteran told the council after he was sworn in. “I look forward to be
working with each of you, and I will serve with courage and humility.”
The post previously was a
part-time position filled by Councilman Joseph Santagata. He took on the role
when the borough created it last year after eliminating the position of police
chief.
Santagata deemed Caregnato fit
for the position. “He’s definitely going to be an asset for the community,” the
councilman said.
In explaining the shift from
part time to full time, Mayor Joseph Baruffi pointed to several changes that
necessitated the need for the expanded position. Those include the upcoming
retirement of Lt. Lawrence A. Petrillo, and an expansion of the role’s
responsibilities.
Baruffi cited a “pretty young”
police department as a main reason why the borough sought outside applicants
rather than promoting one of its own to the director post.
“We were looking for someone
who had a strong public safety background and can hit the ground running,” he
said.
Petrillo, who plans to retire
in September, had been the top officer supervising the police department since
2012, after Chief David P. Sherma forfeited his position because he was caught
illegally obtaining prescription medication.
In the newly defined role of
public safety director, Caregnato will act as the director of police, where he
will be responsible for the overall performance of the borough’s 24/7 police
department.
In addition, the position now
involves oversight of the borough’s Emergency Management Service, including
authority for day-to-day operations.
Caregnato will receive a salary
of $48,000 for the first year of his three-year contract, with a $1,000
increase in the subsequent years. He won’t be entitled to compensation time or
overtime pay.
Baruffi spoke highly of
Caregnato’s reputation and background.
“I know him very well,” said
the mayor, who reminisced at one point about teaching Caregnato in seventh
grade. “He comes highly qualified. He takes on responsibilities and tasks with
the utmost desire to accomplish his goals.”
Baruffi added, “With his
experience and his desire to achieve, I think he’s a perfect fit here in
Buena.”
A lifelong Buena resident,
Caregnato is a Buena Regional High School graduate who served 25 years with New
Jersey State Police. His most recent title was commander of the Buena Vista
Station. He also has coached youth sports in the borough.
“I’m big on community
policing,” Caregnato said, “and I just want to continue that.”