It was a bittersweet change of the guard, as members of the Caldwell council and Mayor Ann Dassing Honored outgoing Caldwell Police chief Kurt Dombrowski and welcomed new Caldwell Police Chief James Bongiorno along with 3 new police officers: Michael Kraynanski, Justin M. Rizzo and Justin Misano and 3 newly promoted officers: Detective Anthony Marta,who was promoted to Lieutenant; Officer George Henderson who is now a Sergeant and Officer Michael Geary, who is also now a Sergeant. Also honored was former police Sgt.Robert Fortunato, who could not attend because he is out of state.

This was truly an historic event for Caldwell. Not only was it the 120th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the borough, but it was also the first time in memory that the town had celebrated and honored their police in such a public, celebratory fashion.

And, in a time when most towns are enduring layoffs and tough budgets, Caldwell had a zero percent budget - helping them have the funds, along with a healthy surplus, to hire new police officers.

This was also another example of the solid bonds between the borough’s ever strengthening relationship with Caldwell College, since the event that offered luxurious seating for about 200 people was held on campus.

Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Caldwell Councilor Peter Murray said working with the Caldwell police even during the heavy lifting of interviewing 100 candidates for the 3 police officer positions, was the best experience he has had as a councilman.

Murray introduced each police officer, and with the assistance of Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing and council president Rich Hauser, read the impressive biographies of these Caldwell men in blue.

Most moving was the heartfelt and emotional remarks from former Caldwell Police Chief Kurt Dombrowski, who served on the force since 1983. Though he spoke of his early days on the force, and his love of Caldwell as his true home, Dombrowski echoed the sentiments of the historic day, speaking of the bright future under the new leadership in the Caldwell police force, along with all of the officers in the department.

Now, with the addition of Kraynanski, 31; Rizzo, 23, and Misano, 28 the department is poised for a new year with a new, youthful and invigorated police force.??In total, there are 13 police officers on the Caldwell police force, along with the 5 sergeants and 2 lieutenants.

Full story, video and more later on Friday.