Suffern board approves nomination of Felix Tejada, accepts lieutenant's retirement and OKs records clerk pay increase

The Village of Suffern Board of Trustees on Feb. 3 approved the nomination of Felix Tejada as a full‑time probationary police officer and voted to increase the hourly pay for part‑time records and court employee Francis D'Andrea.

Police Chief George Ford told trustees the department answered 978 calls for service in January and announced the retirement of Lieutenant James Ginnettino, who he said had been with the Suffern Police Department since July 27, 2004. “The experience and dedication that he showed to both the police department and the village as a whole throughout his career will be sorely missed,” Ford said.

Why it matters: The board's actions approve a new hire for a current vacancy and adjust department staffing pay and morale while the department manages a heavy call volume. The hiring of a bilingual officer was raised as an asset to department operations.

During his presentation, Ford said the nominee, Felix Tejada, “speaks and reads Spanish fluently,” and described that ability as “a huge asset to our department.” Trustees moved and approved the nomination during the meeting; the board recorded the motion as passed.

Trustees also voted to increase the hourly rate for Francis D'Andrea in the records/court unit. The motion to raise D'Andrea's pay was made and seconded during the meeting and recorded as approved; the transcript did not specify the new hourly rate.

The announcement of Lieutenant Ginnettino’s retirement was presented as an item of recognition and required no board vote. Chief Ford noted Ginnettino’s promotions over a more than 20‑year career and his involvement in community programs including DARE; Ford offered well wishes for the lieutenant's future.

No formal disciplinary or policy changes accompanied the personnel votes. The board handled the personnel matters under regular agenda procedures and moved on to other business after votes.