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Wimberly to Swear-in First African American Police Officer to Serve in Elmwood Park on Thursday

Michael Johnson also a Haledon Borough Councilman, Former Paterson Detective


(PATERSON) – Assembly Democrat Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson) will swear-in Elmwood Park Borough’s first African American police officer in department history Thursday evening.

“This moment is truly bittersweet,” said Wimberly. “It is an honor to take part in the swearing in ceremony for Michael, a long-time friend. It is also quite surreal that in the year 2014 we are swearing in a first African American policeman in a New Jersey municipality.”

Michael A. Johnson Sr. is also a Councilmember in Haledon, the second African American to serve in this position. He sits as the Chairman of the Haledon Department of Public Works and Public Safety Committees. Since 2005, Johnson has been a distinguished member of the Paterson Police Department serving as a Detective for the Department’s Crime Scene Unit.

“Johnson is a highly decorated officer, a true and dedicated public servant who served Paterson and continues to serve the Borough of Haledon with passion and purpose: to protect and improve the life of all residents. It is fitting for him to be the individual to pave the way for diversity,” Wimberly added.

The swearing in will take place in the Elmwood Park Municipal Building, 182 Market Street Elmwood Park, 07407 at 8 p.m. during the city council meeting.