April 18, 2018 • www.theobserver.com • Vol. CXXX, No. 49
HIGHLIGHTS Kearny PBA Local 21 offering $500 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors. See Page 7
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
CLIMBING THE LADDER
Four of Kearny’s bravest ascend to Captain & Deputy Chief following recent retirements By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com
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our Kearny Fire Department promotions took effect on April Fool’s Day but you’d be a fool if you thought your leg was being pulled. The municipal governing body approved the recommendation of Fire Chief Steven Dyl to elevate Fire Capts. John Degiovanni and Joseph Mastandrea to the rank of deputy fire chief and to upgrade Firefighters Ronald Protokowicz and Michael Janeczko to fire captain. Degiovanni, who ranked No. 1 on the Civil Service test for deputy chief, will collect annual pay of $128,342 as prescribed by the departmental salary guide, Tier 2, Step 1. Mastandrea will pocket a $147,347-a-year salary as per the same guide, Tier 2, Step 6. Protokowicz and Janeczko will each earn $107,000 a year. Photo by Skyler J. Whitehead Dyl said Degiovanni is being assigned as a tour commander Four members of the town’s Bravest were promoted to new positions in the Kearny Fire Depart- while Mastandrea will work in administration, helping oversee ment. With Chief Steven Dyl, from left, are Capt. Ron Protokowicz, Deputy Chief Joe Mastandrea, Deputy Chief John Degiovanni and Capt. Mike Janeczko.
See PROMOTIONS, Page 26
East Newark’s school chief resigns
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By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com
or Patrick Martin, it was always about the kids. That’s what brought him to the East Newark Borough School July 1, 2014, after having completed four years as the chief administrator of
the Union Township Board of Education with 7,500 students spread among 10 schools. “I was looking to get back into the classroom, to do hands-on work with the children,” he said. “It was wonderful to come to a new place where I could do that again.” But he’ll be leaving that experience behind on
June 30 when he bids a fond farewell to the nearly 300 students occupying East Newark’s only school where he’s presided as superintendent/principal. Martin, whose appointment was only recently renewed for five years, said the district won’t be on the hook for paying him for the additional See MARTIN, Page 25
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018
KEARNY’S BRAVEST &
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The American Legion Post 99 Kearny recently hosted its annual awards honoring the best of the best in the Kearny Police Department, Fire Department & EMS. They also recognized retired Police Chief John P. Dowie, top left photo, for his 40 years of service to the KPD. With Dowie are KPD Deputy Chief Scott Macfie, left, and KFD Chief Steve Dyl. Top-right photo: Kearny Policeman of the Yeaer, David Bush, center, is flanked by, from left, Len Twist, Macfie, Keith McMillan and James Pecora. Below, EMT of the Year Mileen Salters, center, with Twist, left, and KEMS Chief Harry McNeill.
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Inside this edition ... Opinion....................................................................8 Food & Dining Directory.............................................12 Sports & Recreation...................................................13 Health & Wellness Directory.......................................17 Real Estate..............................................................18 Real Estate Directory................................................20 Obituaries...............................................................21 Classifieds..............................................................22
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018
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FINEST ARE HONORED
Photos by Barbara B. Goldberg
Top left, KFD Chief Steven Dyl accepts the award for Firefighter of the Year, on behalf of Capt. Michael Golon, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony. Top right, Dowie was presented with a police American Flag that was signed by members of the KPD. With him are his wife, Ann, left, and son and current KPD Officer Jonathan Dowie. Below, Len Twist, left, who served as Master of Ceremonies at the award ceremony, presented a rose to First Ward Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro.
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