Congratulating newly-sworn Police Chief John Hearn, from l., are his mother,
June; Mayor Joseph Bianchi, his dad, Edward; Hearn, daughter, Katie; wife, Ellen
Mary; and Councilman Dan Pronti.
NORTH ARLINGTON –
A veteran of the North Arlington Police Department, John Hearn was sworn in Friday as the department’s new chief during a brief ceremony held at Borough Hall.
Hearn, a 28-year member of the NAPD, had been serving as acting chief since July, taking over for the retired Chief Louis Ghione, and last Thursday night, the Borough Council unanimously ratified his appointment as chief, as recommended by Mayor Joseph Bianchi.
His appointment took effect Friday.
Hearn’s parents, Edward and June Hearn, his wife Ellen Mary, and daughter Katie all attended his swearing-in.
“I’m behind him 100% and he’ll be there [as chief] as long as he wants to stay,” Bianchi said. “I feel very safe with him there and the people of North Arlington should feel very secure and safe with John at the helm.”
Actually, Hearn’s newly negotiated contract provides for a more finite duration as the leader of the police department: His appointment runs through Dec. 31, 2017. At that point, the mayor said, there can be discussion by the governing body about renewing the agreement.
According to Borough Administrator Stephen Lo Iacono, Hearn’s contract calls for an annual pay of $181,000, with no longevity or terminal leave pay but it does allow for benefits, vacation and sick time as provided under the existing PBA labor pact.
Hearn will also get a 1.5% pay increment, effective Jan. 1, 2017, and will be entitled to the use of a municipal vehicle “for official business and for commuting to and from his home” in the borough, Lo Iacono said.
Hearn will not be required to take a state Civil Service test for the chief’s job. “When there are less than three eligible [candidates], there is no need for a test,” Lo Iacono said.
Hearn’s elevation to chief leaves Capt. Scott Hedenberg, the next highest ranking officer, as the lone captain in the department. There is no deputy chief rank.
“We’re only going to carry one captain for a while,” Bianchi said, but that issue will be re-examined after Jan. 1, he added.
