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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Pompton Lakes NJ, a Pompton Lakes couple has filed a lawsuit against the borough and Fire Chief Dennis Dakake, alleging a pattern of volatile behavior, bullying, and racist remarks.
Lawsuit Filed Against Borough and Fire Chief
On February 27, Mark and Sharon Sonne filed a lawsuit in state Superior Court in Passaic County, accusing Chief Dakake of years of abusive conduct stemming from disputes within the volunteer fire and EMS squads.
Borough Administrator Michael Carelli declined to comment on the matter, and an email sent to Dakake for a response was not immediately returned.
Allegations of Misconduct and Racial Slurs
The lawsuit details multiple incidents, including:
- A 2023 letter from a First Aid Squad member requesting Dakake’s removal, citing an incident where he allegedly used a racial slur against a Hispanic EMS worker.
- Reports that Dakake physically intimidated Sharon Sonne in the town’s dispatch office, pointing in her face and threatening her.
- Allegations that Dakake targeted the Sonnes after his daughter was deemed ineligible to join the First Aid Squad due to residency requirements.
- Claims that Dakake admitted to making threats against Mark Sonne and his son to Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra.
Investigation and Borough’s Response
The borough hired an outside law firm to investigate the misconduct allegations, concluding the probe in early 2024. While the findings confirmed unprofessional behavior by Dakake and one of his daughters, the borough pushed responsibility to the Police Department, stating the matter was closed and could not be appealed.
Despite these findings, Dakake was approved as fire chief in January 2024, a move the Sonnes described as “astonishing.”
What’s Next?
As the lawsuit progresses, Pompton Lakes residents and emergency service members will be watching closely. With accusations of bullying, threats, and discriminatory behavior, the case raises serious concerns about leadership and accountability within the borough’s emergency services.
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