Crime & Safety
Erin Bischoff is 'Police Chief' For a Day
Euclid School fifth grade student spent the whole day in police uniform learning the ropes from Police Chief Michael Colaneri.
Sporting her official police uniform, Erin Bischoff got comfortable in her role as “police chief” as she sat in the front seat of a patrol car next to Officer Brian Donohue in front of her school Friday morning.
The fifth grader was chosen by Chief Michael Colaneri to serve as “Chief for a Day.” Erin and her parents Michelle and Eric Bischoff were taken all around town Friday morning as the youngster took charge as "police chief."
First, Erin led the police escort for all her classmates down to for the school’s annual Field Day. Before the escort left the school site, Donohue introduced her to some of the equipment, letting her test out the microphone and flashing the emergency lights.
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After the junior chief finished her duties at Depken Field, she was brought over to police headquarters where she inspected the holding cells, met several members of the department and sat behind the chief’s desk.
Colaneri addressed Erin only as “Chief” throughout the day and he took the time to fill her in on what a typical day for him may be like. He also showed Erin and her parents the radio communications room and answered questions along the way.
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Next, the “chief” visited where Mayor Rose Heck officially swore her in as chief for the day. Erin then got to make it official by signing the document.
The day continued on from there with a visit to the Bergen County Justice Center and a luncheon at the Landmark in East Rutherford where she was to join dozens of fellow “chiefs” from other police departments in Bergen County.
Erin will be presented with a proclamation for serving in her role as chief for a day at the June 12 Mayor and Council meeting.
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