Bayonne Swears In Eight Police Officers

Last week, at a ceremony held in the Bayonne City Council Chambers, eight new police officers were sworn in to the Bayonne Police Department.  Police Chief Robert Geisler welcomed the new recruits to what he called “the best job in the world.”  

Public Safety Director Robert Kubert stated the new officers received their basic training at the police academy and would receive additional education from other officers.  

Council Member At-Large Loyad Booker, a retired police officer, noted that the new officers “worked hard to get here.”  They passed competitive civil service exams and underwent twenty-one weeks of training.  He called them “the best of the best,” and said they now have “a very serious job.”  

Second Ward Council Member Jacqueline Weimmer asked the new police to remember that their badges “symbolize justice, safety, and security.”  She called their ceremony “a significant milestone.”

Below are brief biographies of the new officers:

Police Officer Alan Velasco was educated at High Tech High School.  He is pursuing a degree in Accounting at Seton Hall University.

Police Officer Ashleigh Newman is a graduate of Bayonne High School and St. Peter’s University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.   

Police Officer Richard Bukowski is an alumnus of Bayonne High School and is continuing his education at Rutgers University.

Police Officer Brian Cotter is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He is continuing his education at Caldwell University.

Police Officer Octavio Cordova is an alumnus of Connections Academy School.  He continued his education at Bergen County Community College  with a focus on Criminal Justice.

Police Officer Christopher Rocheny is a graduate of County Prep.  He was the Lead Security Officer at Bayonne Medical Center before becoming a police officer.

Police Officer Aboubacar Diawara is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University where he pursued a major in Criminal Justice.  Before joining the Bayonne Police Department, he served as a Hudson County Corrections Officer for four years.

Police Officer Alex Czerwienski is an alumnus of Bayonne High School.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Seton Hall University.