file photo of Bergen County Police Academy
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, a Paramus man, Nicholas Trapani, has filed a lawsuit against Bergen County, its Police Academy, Sheriff’s Office, Prosecutor’s Office, and five individuals involved in the academy’s training program, alleging serious injuries sustained during his time at the academy. The lawsuit, filed on New Year’s Eve in New Jersey’s Superior Court, raises concerns about the training practices and lack of medical care provided to recruits.
Background of the Case
Trapani, 21 at the time, was provisionally hired by the Hackensack Police Department in the summer of 2023 and sent to the Bergen County Police Academy. The complaint states he had successfully passed all psychological, mental, and physical exams before starting his training.
However, the lawsuit claims that Trapani was not informed about the “military-like training” he would undergo at the academy.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
According to the filing, Trapani alleges that the academy’s training conditions led to his illness. He accuses the academy of restricting access to food and water, resulting in acute dehydration symptoms. The lawsuit names several academy personnel, including:
- Lt. Brett Rothenburger
- Lt. Damian Pope
- Officers Daniel Solares and Christopher Petruno
- Instructor Susan Larson
Trapani alleges that the staff ignored his symptoms and left him in the sun, barely conscious, for two hours before another trainee intervened to help him.
Medical Diagnosis and Aftermath
Trapani claims that after several hours, instructors called for a Hackensack police officer to take him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition that can cause muscle and organ damage, and remained hospitalized for three days.
Following his hospital stay, Trapani was dismissed from the academy. After undergoing extensive physical therapy, he was declared permanently disabled, with his left arm rendered largely unusable due to lack of strength.
Legal Claims
The lawsuit accuses the academy and its staff of:
- Deliberate indifference to serious medical needs
- Common law assault and battery
- Negligence in medical care
- Negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention
- Violations of New Jersey’s civil rights laws
- Strict liability
Trapani also alleges that the academy’s personnel were unqualified to conduct a “self-styled homemade military boot camp” or provide medical assistance.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit sheds light on concerns about training practices at law enforcement academies. As Trapani seeks accountability for his injuries, the case raises broader questions about the standards and oversight of police training programs in New Jersey.
I’ve ordered some Testosterone for Mr Trapani. He can pick it up at CVS.
Awww look at tough guy posting anonymously. Looks like you need that test bro
He thought mom signed him up for summer camp.
Another anonymous 🤡
Pretty sure his dad taught at the Police Academy
I will say this, I know many people that went through the Academy shaving their head, doesn’t make you tougher.