Probationary patrolman
sworn into
Berkeley Heights Local 144
Essex County officer
receives merit awards
On May 17, Detective Abdullah Holmes was the recipient of
the Medal of Merit and the Award of Excellence by Essex County
Sheriff’s Office Local 183. Sheriff Armando Fontoura presented the
awards to Detective Holmes for his capture of an armed homicide
suspect in Newark. Pictured here, from left, Sheriff Armando Fon-
toura, Captain Gary Nash, Detective Abdullah Holmes and Chief
John Dough. d
Probationary Patrolman
John J. Falivene became a
part of Local #144 on May
23.
Chief John DiPasquale
presented Falivene to the
town, saying, “This is a big
day for us. We would like
to introduce him to all the
residents and the council
and the mayor.”
Before graduating from
the Passaic County Police
Alternate Route Program
in March, Falivene spent
around 10 years in the Ma-
rine Corps. For his honorable duties, he attained the rank of E6
Staff Sergeant, and by the time he had finished serving in the Ma-
rines he had acquired a total of 21 medals and ribbons.
During his time in the academy, Falivene was described as hav-
ing an intelligent, professional and mature nature about him. He
was described by others in the academy as a natural leader.
As Favilene’s wife Lindsey held a Bible and his daughters stood
by his side, Mayor Robert Woodruff swore in Favilene. The cere-
mony came to a close and every resident, council member and
public official offered a hearty applause to welcome Local 144’s
newest member. d
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