Paterson Police Department Celebrates Promotions Across Ranks

PATERSON, NJ - 15 members of the Paterson Police Department were promoted during a Wednesday ceremony presided over by Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi.

The promoted officers included one new deputy chief, one detective captain, one captain, one detective lieutenant, one lieutenant, three sergeants, and seven detectives. This marks a significant step in the department’s ongoing efforts to become a regional leader in policing, Officer in Charge Abbassi said.

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“As the PPD continues on its path to become a regional leader in the policing profession, we must ensure that our supervisors and executives personify what our organization has become,” Abbassi said. “I am proud of each and every one of our new promotees, and I know they will rise to meet any challenge and excel in their new positions.”

Michael Saginario, a native Patersonian who joined the department in 1996, has been promoted to the rank of deputy chief. Saginario has served as the commanding officer of the Field Services Bureau, overseeing all patrol and special operations. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in political science from Montclair State University and an Associate’s Degree in criminal justice. He is also an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient and a 2024 graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University.

Scott Eason has been promoted to detective captain. Eason, who joined the Paterson Police Department in 2000, is currently the executive officer of the Investigative Services Bureau. In his new role, he will continue to ensure effective coordination and intelligence sharing across investigative units and law enforcement partners.

Jason Bernasconi, promoted to captain, has been with the Paterson Police Department since 2006. He currently commands the Operations Division and oversees the Real Time Operations Center (RTOC), which enhances the department’s policing capabilities through advanced technologies. Bernasconi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from James Madison University.

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Angel Gonzalez has been promoted to detective lieutenant, while Steven Leishman moves up to the rank of lieutenant.

Alexsis Torres, Jovan Candelo, and Phillip Calicchio have been promoted to sergeant while Daniel Driscoll, Brian Ramirez, Cesar Nunes, Manuel Lojo, Malek Assaf, Julian Burks, and Julian Vizcaino have been elevated to the rank of detective.

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