Was Sgt. Diana Golonek’s Report Edit a Violation or Retaliation? The Heated Case Continues
SADDLE RIVER, NJ – A high-stakes disciplinary hearing is underway against Sgt. Diana Golonek, the only female officer in the Saddle River Police Department, as accusations of report tampering, internal disputes, and potential retaliation take center stage.
At issue: Did Golonek’s modifications to a subordinate officer’s report warrant a 90-day suspension—or are the charges an attempt to punish her after she filed a harassment claim against the department?
After 13 hours of testimony this week, a third hearing is scheduled for February 20 at 10 a.m. in Borough Hall to determine the next steps.
The Heated Dispute That Sparked the Case
The case revolves around an October 24, 2023, call to Brighton Gardens, an assisted living facility on Boroline Road, where police responded to a commitment transport request.
- Patrol Officer Gregory Bulick was first on scene.
- Golonek, as tour commander, took over supervision temporarily.
- Detective Michael Cooper later advised Bulick that a firearms check should be included in his report.
Golonek allegedly saw Cooper’s suggestion as undermining her authority, leading to a heated confrontation in the squad room. Several officers testified that the exchange turned into a profanity-laced shouting match, with Golonek as the aggressor.
Cooper reportedly threw down policy guidelines on firearms checks and left the room, stating Golonek was creating a “hostile work environment.”
Allegations of Report Tampering
After the incident, Golonek allegedly stayed 1.5 hours past her shift to modify Bulick’s report, which officers claim she did without proper approval.
According to department officials, Golonek:
✅ Reclassified the call from a “commitment” to a less serious “medical transport.”
✅ Removed all references to a required firearms check.
✅ Reviewed body camera footage to add patient quotes, despite Bulick not being present for those statements.
Department attorney Raymond Wiss called her actions a “purposeful clandestine move” to alter official records.
Internal Affairs Sgt. Paul Passaretti deemed the changes “grossly improper” and referred the case to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for potential criminal charges. The Prosecutor’s Office declined to pursue the case.
Defense: Changes Were Accurate, But Were They Proper?
Golonek’s attorney, Gina Mendola, challenged the allegations, questioning Officer Bulick directly. Under oath, Bulick confirmed that all of Golonek’s changes were factually accurate.
However, several officers testified that modifications were made without proper attribution or a separate supplemental report, violating department protocol.
The incident led to six disciplinary charges against Golonek, including:
🔹 Misconduct and incapacity
🔹 Failure to follow department procedures
🔹 Disobedience of rules and regulations
🔹 Failure to issue reports correctly
Despite the squad room confrontation between Golonek and Cooper, no disciplinary action was taken against Cooper. However, five months later, charges were filed against Golonek over the report edits—raising questions of selective enforcement and retaliation.
What’s Next?
🔹 Police Chief Jason Cosgriff, Golonek, and additional witnesses are expected to testify at the February 20 hearing.
🔹 The case remains highly contentious, with debate over whether Golonek’s actions were misconduct or part of a broader pattern of harassment against her.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned.
📍 Hearing Details:
🗓 Date: February 20
📍 Location: Saddle River Borough Hall, 100 E. Allendale Road
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
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