the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, a Saddle River police sergeant is at the center of a high-profile disciplinary hearing after being accused of improperly altering an officer’s incident report. The case raises critical questions about departmental procedures, workplace conflicts, and potential retaliation claims.
Background: Charges Against Sgt. Diana Golonek
Sgt. Diana Golonek, a 12-year veteran and the only female officer in the 16-member department, faces six disciplinary charges related to an October 2023 incident. The charges were filed in March 2024, months after Golonek had already filed a Notice of Tort Claim in July 2023, accusing the borough and police department of harassment and wrongful mistreatment.
The ongoing disciplinary hearings—held at Saddle River Borough Hall—have already lasted 13 hours over two days, with a continuation set for February 20 at 10 a.m.
Key Events Leading to the Charges
The dispute centers around an incident report filed on October 24, 2023, regarding a commitment transport from Brighton Gardens, an assisted living facility on Boroline Road.
- Patrol Officer Gregory Bulick initially responded to the call, followed by Golonek as tour commander.
- Detective Michael Cooper later suggested that a firearms check be included in the report, per department policy.
- Golonek allegedly viewed Cooper’s suggestion as overstepping his authority, leading to a heated confrontation between the two in the squad room.
Allegations of Improper Report Changes
According to department officials, Golonek:
✅ Stayed 1.5 hours after her shift to alter Bulick’s report.
✅ Changed the incident classification from a “commitment” to a less serious “medical transport.”
✅ Removed references to the firearms check.
Detective Sgt. Edward Riedel stated that Golonek’s body camera footage was improperly reviewed to add patient quotes, despite Bulick not being present at the time.
Internal Affairs Sgt. Paul Passaretti called the changes “grossly improper”, prompting a referral to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, which ultimately declined to pursue criminal charges.
Defense and Counterclaims
Golonek’s attorney, Gina Mendola, questioned Bulick, who confirmed that Golonek’s changes were factually accurate. However, officers testified that the revisions were made without proper attribution or approval.
Further complicating the case is the timing of the charges, which came five months after Golonek’s harassment claim. This raises concerns about potential retaliation within the department.
What’s Next?
The hearings will continue on February 20, where key testimonies are expected from:
🔹 Police Chief Jason Cosgriff
🔹 Sgt. Diana Golonek
🔹 Additional defense witnesses
As the case unfolds, it highlights larger issues within law enforcement, including gender discrimination, workplace tensions, and procedural integrity.
For ongoing updates on Saddle River Police Department news, stay tuned.
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