MAKE SADDLE RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT GREAT AGAIN: COMMUNITY STANDS BEHIND SERGEANT DIANA GOLONEK AS FINAL DISCIPLINARY HEARING CONCLUDES -

SADDLE RIVER, NJ – February 28, 2025 – A storm of controversy has erupted in Saddle River as the disciplinary hearing against Sergeant Diana Golonek comes to an end today. What was initially framed as an internal investigation has turned into a high-profile battle between town officials and a united community rallying behind one of its most dedicated public servants.

Sergeant Golonek, a 12-year veteran of the Saddle River Police Department and the only female officer on the force, has become the center of a town-wide movement demanding an end to what many are calling a retaliatory and politically motivated campaign against her.

From residents to local organizations, support for Golonek has surged, with Saddle River Moms, a prominent community group, taking the lead in publicly backing her fight for justice. Their latest show of solidarity? The creation and distribution of custom hats reading “Make Saddle River Police Department Great Again,” a direct response to what they view as a sham proceeding designed to remove a good officer for standing up to corruption.

“Diana has served this town with honor for over a decade,” said one local resident. “And THIS is how we treat our best officer? We won’t stand for it.”

A Disgraceful Prosecution: Why is the Town Wasting Resources on This?

Anger over the case has boiled over, with many questioning why town officials and department leadership are using public resources to pursue an officer with a spotless record—one who only faced disciplinary charges after filing a lawsuit against the department.

The charges against Golonek stem from an alleged report modification incident, but her supporters say this is nothing more than an excuse to retaliate against her for exposing workplace harassment, discrimination, and corruption within the department.

Key Questions Being Raised by the Community:

A 12-year veteran with no prior disciplinary history—why is she suddenly facing charges after filing a lawsuit exposing department misconduct?
How much taxpayer money has been wasted on this unnecessary trial?
Why are town leaders prioritizing a retaliatory campaign instead of addressing real issues within the department?

“This is a disgrace,” said a Saddle River resident who attended Monday’s hearing. “This town is wasting time and money to take down one of its best officers for no reason other than personal vendettas.”

With today marking the final day of the hearings, Saddle River residents are demanding that town officials put an end to this baseless persecution and reinstate Sergeant Golonek without penalty.

A Community United Behind Sergeant Golonek

Unlike town officials, the people of Saddle River are making it clear whose side they’re on. The growing backlash against the Saddle River Police Department’s leadership has prompted local leaders, residents, and law enforcement reform advocates to speak out against what they view as a department entrenched in political favoritism and retaliation tactics.

Saddle River Moms has led the charge, creating and distributing custom hats reading “Make Saddle River Police Department Great Again” to symbolize their unwavering support for Sergeant Golonek.
Local leaders and residents have publicly called for the town to drop the case, arguing that the department should be focusing on actual policing rather than internal vendettas.
Law enforcement reform advocates say this case highlights broader concerns about discrimination, retaliation, and corruption within the Saddle River Police Department.

Sergeant Golonek is not the problem—she is the solution.

“We need more officers like Diana,” said one supporter. “Instead of driving good officers out, we should be holding the leadership accountable for the toxic culture in this department.”

The People’s Verdict: “Enough is Enough”

As the final hearing concludes, the town’s leadership faces mounting pressure to drop the case and allow Sergeant Golonek to return to duty. Public frustration has reached a breaking point, with residents demanding that those responsible for this unnecessary trial be held accountable.

“This is not just about Sergeant Golonek,” said a longtime Saddle River resident. “This is about standing up to a department that has lost its way. The town leadership needs to be reminded that they serve the people—not their personal grudges.”

The Community’s Message to Town Officials:

Drop the case immediately.
Stop wasting taxpayer money on what amounts to a personal vendetta.
Hold those responsible for this abuse of power accountable.
Focus on fixing the department instead of punishing officers who speak out.

The people of Saddle River are no longer asking for change—they are demanding it.

What’s Next?

As the final verdict looms, town officials must decide:

Will they continue to push a politically motivated case and face growing public backlash?
Or will they do the right thing, reinstate Sergeant Golonek, and begin addressing the deeper issues within the department?

One thing is certain—the people of Saddle River are watching, and they will not forget how this town treats its most dedicated public servants.

This fight is no longer just about Sergeant Golonek—it is about the future of the Saddle River Police Department itself.

Community Call to Action

Residents are urging state officials to step in and investigate whether the department has engaged in retaliation, discrimination, and misuse of public funds to pursue a baseless case against Sergeant Golonek.

The people of Saddle River have spoken. Now, it is time for the town’s leadership to listen.

What Do You Think?

Does Saddle River need a complete overhaul of its leadership?
Should state officials investigate the police department for corruption and retaliation?
How can residents hold their town leaders accountable for this disgraceful prosecution?

💬 Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

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