A disciplinary hearing took place at Saddle River Borough Hall on Wednesday, featuring Borough Attorney Natalia Angeli, Department Attorney Raymond Wiss, Hearing Officer Frederic Knapp, Police Sgt. Paul Passaretti, Plaintiff Attorney Gina Mendola, and Plaintiff Sgt. Diana Golonek.
SADDLE RIVER, NJ – A high-ranking Saddle River police sergeant is embroiled in a disciplinary battle, accused of improperly altering an officer’s incident report. The case, now unfolding in a tense hearing, raises serious questions about department protocol, internal conflicts, and potential retaliation against a longtime officer.
The Charges Against Sgt. Diana Golonek
Sgt. Diana Golonek, a 12-year veteran and the only female officer in the 16-member department, is facing six disciplinary charges stemming from an October 2023 incident. However, the allegations come months after she filed a Notice of Tort Claim in July 2023, accusing the borough and police department of harassment and wrongful mistreatment.
With hearings already spanning 13 hours over two days, proceedings are set to continue at Saddle River Borough Hall on February 20 at 10 a.m.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The case revolves around an October 24, 2023, incident report concerning a commitment transport from Brighton Gardens, an assisted living facility on Boroline Road.
- Patrol Officer Gregory Bulick initially responded, with Golonek arriving as the tour commander.
- Detective Michael Cooper later advised that a firearms check be included in the report, citing department policy.
- Golonek allegedly resisted Cooper’s suggestion, viewing it as overstepping authority, which led to a heated squad room confrontation.
The Alleged Report Alterations
According to department officials, Golonek:
✅ Stayed 1.5 hours after her shift to modify Bulick’s report.
✅ Reclassified the incident from a “commitment” to a less severe “medical transport.”
✅ Removed all references to a firearms check.
Detective Sgt. Edward Riedel testified that Golonek improperly reviewed body camera footage to add patient quotes—despite Bulick not witnessing the statements firsthand.
Internal Affairs Sgt. Paul Passaretti called the alterations “grossly improper,” referring the matter to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. However, prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges.
Defense: Was This Retaliation?
Golonek’s attorney, Gina Mendola, questioned Bulick under oath, and he confirmed that her changes were factually accurate. Yet, officers claimed the edits were made without proper attribution or approval.
A key issue fueling the controversy: Golonek’s disciplinary charges surfaced five months after she filed her harassment claim against the department. This timing raises serious concerns about potential workplace retaliation.
What’s Next?
The next hearing on February 20 is expected to bring critical testimony from:
🔹 Police Chief Jason Cosgriff
🔹 Sgt. Diana Golonek
🔹 Additional defense witnesses
As the case unfolds, it spotlights broader tensions in law enforcement, touching on gender discrimination, internal politics, and procedural integrity.
For live updates on the Saddle River Police Department and breaking local news, stay tuned.
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